What to expect during an in-home euthanasia visit
Knowing what will happen can make a hard day a little easier. Here is how a visit usually goes, from your first call to the moment the veterinarian leaves.
Before the visit
When you call, we'll ask about your pet: their name, age, size and what's been happening with their health. We'll also ask about your home, such as where your pet usually rests and whether there are stairs. This helps the veterinarian arrive prepared.
You'll have a chance to ask questions and talk about aftercare, so you don't have to decide on cremation while the veterinarian is in your home. If you're still deciding, that's fine. You can choose later.
Some families like to plan a special last day: a favorite meal, a slow walk around the neighborhood or the lake, or an afternoon with the people their pet loves most. If your pet's appetite allows, a treat they don't usually get can be a kind gift.
Choosing a spot
Pick wherever your pet feels most at ease. That might be their own bed, a quiet corner of the living room, a sunny patch of floor or the backyard. Lay down a soft blanket or towel underneath them. It can be washed or kept as a keepsake.
Turn off the TV, put phones on silent and let your pet settle. Other pets are welcome to be there or nearby.
When the veterinarian arrives
The veterinarian will greet your pet gently and take a few minutes to talk with you. They'll explain each step, answer any last questions and ask you to sign a consent form. Nothing begins until you say you're ready.
Sedation
First, the veterinarian gives a sedative, usually as a small injection under the skin. Over the next several minutes your pet becomes very relaxed and then falls into a deep sleep. Many families find this part comforting, because it's the first time in a while they've seen their pet completely at ease.
You can pet them, talk to them and hold them. Once your pet is sedated, they're no longer aware of what's happening around them.
The final injection
When your pet is fully asleep, the veterinarian gives the euthanasia solution, usually into a vein in a leg. It works quickly, often within a minute or two. Your pet's breathing slows and then stops, and the veterinarian listens to their heart to confirm they have passed.
A few things that are normal
It helps to know these ahead of time, so they don't surprise you:
- Your pet's eyes will most likely stay open.
- You may see a few muscle twitches, or what looks like a deep breath, after your pet has passed. These are reflexes, not signs of pain or awareness.
- Your pet may release their bladder or bowels as their muscles relax. The blanket underneath them helps with this.
After your pet passes
There's no rush. Take as much time as you need to say goodbye. Some families sit quietly together, and some prefer a few moments alone.
If you've chosen cremation, the veterinarian will carefully carry your pet to their vehicle on a soft stretcher or blanket. Some families like to walk out together. If you're burying your pet at home, the veterinarian can help you prepare them. You can read more on our aftercare page.
Children and other pets
Whether children should be there is a personal choice. Many children cope better when they're included and given simple, honest words, such as "the vet is going to help Max die peacefully, because his body is very sick." Avoid phrases like "put to sleep," which can make young children afraid of sleep.
Other pets often benefit from seeing or sniffing their companion afterward. It seems to help some animals understand the loss, rather than waiting for a friend who doesn't come home.
Questions?
Call (240) 410-1898, or send us a message. There's no question too small.