You have made the call and scheduled the appointment. Your heart is saddened as you get the text that the Doctor is on their way. When you hear the knock at the door, your heart sinks. It is time.
You open the door and see a kind, compassionate person standing with a bag and, possibly, a second compassionate team member with a basket of stuff. The kind person tells you they are the doctor, introducing themselves, and then they introduce the assistant.
Initial Introduction
The doctor will discuss the process and answer any questions you may have. You may choose to feed your pet if they are eating. This is a good time to express concerns, worries, or fears regarding the procedure. The doctor can answer questions that children might have.
Quality of Life
If you are unsure if this is the right decision, the doctor can shift, discuss what has been going on, and help you make decisions. They will remain open to your needs and never try to talk you into or out of a decision. We ensure you have all of your options available during a quality-of-life appointment.
Preparation
The team will prepare the space to ensure it is comfortable for you and your pet. This may include:
We go to wherever your pet is comfortable.
We bring all the necessary items.
You can cook their favorite foods or bring takeout, ice cream, chocolate, or anything you might want to give them. We ask that you wait until the doctor indicates it is the right time to give.
The Procedure
The doctor will explain the steps of the euthanasia process, which typically include:
Administering a sedative to help your pet become pain-free and sleep or relax.
Administering an anesthetic to get them into a deeper sleep. We all like to see them sleeping peacefully.
Administering the euthanasia solution will gently and peacefully help them transition.
Final Moments.
Our team will give you the time you need to spend with your beloved pet. The team typically leaves afterward; if appropriate, they will tell you where they are going. If it would be awkward to talk at that moment, they may pack the bag/basket and allow you your private space. This last act is to support your love for your beloved pet. Take your time. This is about your relationship, and we recognize and support your bond.
Aftercare
Before our appointment, the team will discuss aftercare options for your pet, including:
Burial or cremation services, please inform our team of your choices and we will support your decisions.
Memorial options
We have one complementary ink nose and pawprint along with a lock of fur. Please talk with our team if you would like more than the complementary one.
For additional fees, we can also provide a ClayPaws (polymer clay pawprint). We have several options; please discuss them with our team.
Support
Emotional support will be available for you during and after the appointment. Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it. We have a list of additional pet loss support references, which we will provide you at your appointment.
We leave you a memorial box with a candle to light to memorialize your pet, memorial seeds to plant, a poem, grief support, and team information.
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