Before the doctor arrives
Please feel free to spoil your pet rotten (even though we know they already are very loved and spoiled). Today is the day to get in lots of cuddles and do some of your favorite activities together. This may include walks in special places, car rides, or delicious snacks if they are interested. If your pet is nervous about strangers, you may choose to give some antianxiety medication a couple of hours before the veterinarian's arrival.
You can prepare your home for this important moment by deciding where you would like us to settle upon arrival (that can be inside or outside, if the weather in WI is cooperating). Get ready their dog bed, favorite stuffies, candles, crystals, music, etc. Anything that will make this end of life experience more comfortable for both you and your pet.
Upon doctor arrival
After an introduction, we will ensure that all paperwork is complete and accurate before proceeding with the at home pet euthanasia. Payment can be handled now, so you won’t have to worry about it later, especially during this challenging time of grief.
We will discuss what to expect during the process, making sure that all your questions are answered and that you feel prepared to move forward.
Sedation
When everyone feels ready to begin, your pet will receive an injection of sedation, which is commonly used in at-home pet euthanasia. It's generally a small volume, with the same size needle as a vaccine. It can sting a little bit - so distracting your beloved companion with treats or affection is ideal.
It can take anywhere between 5-20 minutes for your pet to fall asleep. Typically, this is a very uneventful process where they get very sleepy and choose a place to relax. During this time, they can still receive treats and love, remaining aware of their surroundings. The doctor typically will wait in another room, allowing you to cherish these last precious moments alone; however, if you would prefer us to be present to share some beautiful stories, that is fine too. Our goal is to make this end of life pet care experience as easy as possible for both you and your sweet companion.
The final injection
Your pet will be fully sedated now and unaware of their surroundings. The final injection (essentially an overdose of an anesthetic) needs to be administered into a vein, so the veterinarian may have to shave some hair or rearrange your sweet companion. Depending on how dehydrated they are, it is not always easy to locate a vein. However, rest assured that your pet is no longer concerned about what is happening.
Once the injection is complete, it can take several moments for the brain, heart, and lungs to stop functioning. The muscles may still use up the available energy, causing deep breaths, muscle contractions or twitches, or their eyes to remain open. But please do not worry—your pet is not in pain or afraid. This is a painless and peaceful experience, part of compassionate end of life pet care.
Afterwards
If you have chosen cremation as part of your end of life pet care for your beloved pet, they will need to be transferred to the doctor's car, where they will be taken directly to the crematorium afterwards. You may send a blanket, card, stuffie, picture, or just all your love and prayers. You are welcome to carry your pet yourself; otherwise, the doctor will assist you. If your pet is too large to carry alone with a blanket, we can use a stretcher to move them together.
Seeing them leave for the final time after at home pet euthanasia is incredibly heart-wrenching. Please honor your emotions, and know that Dr. Lisa will too. Everyone deals with grief differently, so you may want a hug and a supportive word, share some stories, or prefer to be alone. Whatever you choose is 'perfect.'
A couple last notes
The average house call time for at home pet euthanasia is about an hour; while it technically does not take that long, we want you to feel heard and supported, and ensure everyone is comfortable with each step of the end of life pet care process.
When the cremation process is complete, you may pick up your pet at Integrative Veterinary Service in Brookfield. If that will not work for you, we can arrange for them to be shipped or personally delivered to your home for an additional fee.
If you have ANY additional questions, please feel free to contact us.
Support for grieving:
UWVC Together in Pet Loss: Free support group for pet owners anticipating or experiencing the loss of their animal.
bit.ly/UWVCpetloss
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB): Support services and resources that honor the human/animal bond.
aplb.org
Wisconsin Pet Loss Support: Resources, tips and expert insights on dealing with the grief of losing a pet.
pet-loss.net/index.shtml