Euthanasia
Everything you need to know before saying goodbye to your beloved companion
How do I know it's time?
At the PLC Animal Hospital, we believe that you know your pet best, meaning if you are considering euthanasia, it is for a reason. However, if you are still unsure, you can contact us for a "Quality of Life" talk with your vet to assess your pet's condition and evaluate whether it is time to say goodbye.
What can I expect when bringing my pet for a euthanasia?
When you arrive to your appointment, you and your pet will be brought into the exam room, where one of our staff members will go over the euthanasia process with you. The technician will then give your pet an injection containing a sedative and pain control meant to relax them. The sedative normally takes 5-10 minutes to set in, at which point we will place an intravenous catheter in one of your pets legs. When you are ready, the vet will inject a drug named pentobarbital into your pet's catheter, where it will travel from the vein directly to the heart, to stop the heart and brain function in a very painless and rapid manner.
What happens to my pet's remains?
After the euthanasia, you will have the option of either bringing your pet's remains home for burial, or to have the remains cremated. The crematorium offers general cremation for owners who do not wish to keep the ashes, as well as private cremation for pet owners who would like to keep their pet's ashes. Once we receive the ashes for the private cremations, a staff member will call to let you know the ashes are ready to be picked up.