Your Questions, Answered

          All in-home euthanasia appointments are unique, just like each of the pets we love. However, most appointments will follow a similar format, and it helps some pet-parents to know this approximate format ahead of time. 

          At the start of the appointment, Dr. Elizabeth will arrive and take some time to greet and get to know the human and animal members of the family. During this time, she will ask for a signature of consent, and confirm and record the family's wishes for the pet's aftercare. Once ready to proceed, it will be a three-step process.

          Dr. Elizabeth will give the first medicine as an injection under the skin, which will help the pet to relax and enter a gentle sleep. The pet will usually retain consciousness, meaning they can generally still feel you petting them and hear you talking to them, but they will typically be laying down and breathing deeply, like sleep. This first step typically takes 5-10 minutes, but can vary depending on the animal. Step two is also given as an injection, and will allow your pet to fully relax and enter a deep sleep where they will become unconscious, and completely "free" of their body . This step typically takes about 5-10 minutes, but can vary depending on the animal. Once the pet is completely at rest and unconscious, Dr. Elizabeth will give the third and final medicine which allows the pet to pass away. This third medicine works more quickly, typically between 30 seconds to 2 minutes, though this too can vary depending on the animal. 

         Dr. Elizabeth will confirm that the pet's heart has stopped, and will inform the family that the pet has passed on. The family will take their time saying goodbye. If they wish to have the pet cremated, Dr. Elizabeth will bring the pet's body home with her.