In-home euthanasia and hospice care services can be provided during your family’s time of need. There are some questions that you may be facing.
Should I pursue treatment for my pet? If so, for how long?
Will my pet significantly benefit from treatment or suffer more?
Am I able to properly care for my pet during this time?
When should I consider euthanasia?
We understand that these questions may be difficult to answer, and therefore we are here to provide assistance.
A common question we hear when someone is trying to decide if it’s time to say goodbye to their beloved pet is “how will I know?” Some furry family members make it very clear to their owners when it is time. Other pets may try to hang in as long as possible for their family. In either scenario, there are questions that you can ask to help your family reach a decision.
Is your pet experiencing chronic pain that can no longer be controlled with medication?
Is your pet having frequent vomiting or diarrhea that is causing significant dehydration or weight loss?
Have they stopped eating / drinking, or will only eat if being force fed?
Are they incontinent to the degree that they frequently soil themselves?
Has he or she lost all interest in the usual “fun” activities (walks, toys, soliciting pets)?
Is your pet no longer able to walk, or frequently falls down when trying to walk?
Is he or she having labored breathing or coughing?
Does your pet have a loss of quality of life?
If you still are unsure, additional tips and questions to ask can be found here: Making the Euthanasia Decision
Below is a description of the process of an appointment, and options, for euthanasia with us at SouthCare: Once your family has decided it is time to say goodbye, we offer a few options to best suit your situation.
In hospital euthanasia can be done based you and your pet’s needs.
If the family would like to remain with your pet, we are able to provide an attended euthanasia.
If you do not wish to be present during this procedure, we can admit your pet, without judgement, to our hospital and our doctors and staff will compassionately care for them.
Plenty of kisses are always provided to each patient.
In-home euthanasia can be provided for those that wish to keep their pet in a familiar environment. At SouthCare we provide in home services to multiple locations. Please call to confirm that your home is within our service area. In the event we are not able to provide services at your location, we will refer you to a doctor that is best suited to your area. SouthCare End of Life Services
In-home euthanasia appointments: • You and your family have made the decision to say goodbye to your beloved furry family member. • Please give us a call so that we can have you speak with a doctor and figure out the day and time best suited for your situation. If you choose to have your pet cremated, we will go over the options at this time. • The day before your appointment, we will contact you to confirm the appointment time. We will also contact you the day of the appointment to collect payment over the phone. • Our doctor and technician will arrive at your home and answer any remaining questions that you may have. Your family may wish to say goodbye in a special room in the home, or outside with plenty of cheeseburgers – this is all up to you. • We are happy to accommodate your family’s needs for the appointment; however, our staff may make recommendations to help make your appointment peaceful.
The process of a peaceful passing:
In most cases, your pet will be given an injection to calm them down and/or relieve any discomfort. After your pet is relaxed and comfortable our technician will place an IV catheter.
When your family is ready, the euthanasia solution will be given. Usually within 6-12 seconds after the solution is injected your pet will take a slightly deeper breath, then go into what looks like a deep sleep. This is a painless, and fast acting procedure.
The doctor will listen to the heart and let you know your pet has passed away. If you would like to spend a few moments alone with your pet, we will give you the time that you need.
If you have chosen to have your pet cremated our staff will respectfully bring the deceased pet with them. We will contact you when we receive the ashes back, if you wish to keep them. In some cases, the cremation facility may pick up the pet directly from your home immediately following the appointment – this will be relayed to you prior to our arrival.
Coping with the loss of your loved one:
The loss of a beloved pet companion can be just as hard as losing a human friend or family member. Sometimes pets are all the family that some people have had. There may have been a deep bond between human and pet and each truly loved and cherished each other. It is just as important to take care of yourself when a pet dies as when you lose a human family member – even more so because non pet owners might not understand your grief.
One way to take care of yourself is to make a memorial.
A memorial is a wonderful way to remember a lost pet. It is a place to keep alive the memory of your special bond with your pet. A memory page helps with the grieving process. We make it easy to make an online memorial. All you need to do is click here to get started.
We also offer an Online Pet Loss Library. There are many articles written by grief professionals that will address many of the questions you may have when dealing with the loss of a pet. It also offers stories and articles for others who have experienced a similar loss. Visit our Pet Loss Library.
There are times when we just need someone to talk to. WSU provides a free Pet Loss Hotline. Volunteers provide compassionate support to help those thought the death or impending death of a pet. They can be reached Mon-Thur 7pm-9pm & Sat 1pm-3pm: 1-866-266-8635.
We understand that this is a difficult, and special time for your family. We aim to provide a calm, peaceful opportunity to say goodbye to your pet in the comfort of your own home. Every pet that we allow to pass on is treated with the respect that they deserve. If you have any questions for us, please contact us 509-448-4480.