Euthanasia

The direct translation of euthanasia is “good death”. Euthanasia allows our beloved pets to pass away without pain and with dignity. While this is not something any pet owner wants to think about, it is something most pet owners must face at some point. It is the hardest part about being a pet owner, but our pets look to us to help alleviate any pain or suffering.

When should I consider euthanasia?

Deciding “when” is a very difficult decision. Our veterinarians can help with advice and opinion but ultimately the decision is up to the individual pet owner. Each pet owner has to determine whether or not their pet is living a good quality of life. Every pet is an individual and they do not follow any rulebook so the people who know the cat the best (the family) has to decide when is the “right” time.

What happens during euthanasia?

When the difficult decision has been made, you will need to schedule an appointment to bring your cat to the hospital. An intravenous catheter is inserted into a vein. We use two drugs during the euthanasia procedure. The first injection is a liquid anesthetic, which allows your cat to peacefully fall asleep without having any anxiety about the situation. Once that drug has taken effect, an overdose of a narcotic drug is administered. The injections work quickly and there is no pain for your cat at any point.

Can you stay with your cat during euthanasia?

Yes, you can stay with your cat during the euthanasia procedure as long as an appointment has been made in advance, so we have a quiet room available for you.

What is the cost of euthanasia?

The cost is variable depending on what aftercare arrangements you wish to make for your dog. Please contact the hospital to discuss all options that are available from our clinic.