Pet Euthanasia & End of Life Services in Flagstaff
Pets are beloved members of our families, and no one wants to see them suffering at the end of their life. Discussing euthanasia is never an easy or fondly- anticipated conversation to have in regards to your pet. As veterinarians, we are able to provide a gift to your pet of a peaceful end of life when deemed appropriate. Euthanasia can be considered the biggest act of love you can show to your pet as you are making a decision to end their suffering. The decision to seek euthanasia is so difficult on our human hearts, but one we make with love and compassion for our pets.
At Continental, we provide both in-home and in-clinic euthanasia options.
CAWC Pet Euthanasia Services
In-Clinic Euthanasia
When you are scheduled to bring your pet into the clinic for euthanasia, you will be escorted into a quiet, designated exam room. A staff member will go over your wishes for the aftercare of your pet’s body, and a form will be signed to authorize permission to move forward with euthanasia services.
Next, a veterinarian will come in to discuss the euthanasia process and examine your pet to provide the best euthanasia protocol for your pet. They will then administer a combination of medications to provide pain relief and some sedation or anesthesia. The veterinarian may then exit the room to provide you some quiet time with your pet as they start to relax.
Next, an IV catheter will be placed, and the euthanasia drugs are administered. The veterinarian will monitor your pet’s heart until it stops beating, which is usually under one minute. Once your pet has passed, you are free to stay in that room with your pet as long as you need to say your goodbyes. Once you are ready to step out, we have a private door for you to exit without having to pass through the lobby. We will arrange your desired aftercare options for your pet’s body.
In-Home Euthanasia
We will pre arrange a visit location and time with you and then provide you with a text message when we are on our way. When we arrive at your house or desired location, we will spend some time with you and your pet to let them get used to our presence in their home. We will then go over aftercare options for the body, and a form will be signed to authorize permission to move forward with euthanasia. We will ensure the pet is in their desired location where they are most comfortable, then administer a combination of medications to provide pain relief and some sedation or anesthesia. Typically, your pet will start to relax fairly quickly, and during that time, you can provide your pet with reassurance and cuddles. Once your pet is relaxed, an IV catheter will be placed in a leg, and the euthanasia drugs will be administered. The veterinarian will monitor your pet’s heart until it stops beating, usually under one minute. At this point, you may ask the veterinarian and staff member to step outside to provide you with some private time with your pet. Once you are ready, if we are arranging cremation services for your pet, we will take the body to our vehicle. Ashes and memorial paw/ nose prints, if desired, will be available to pick up at a later time at our clinic.
Euthanasia is not done in one specific way, but rather, there are many ways to provide a humane end to life. We strive to individualize the euthanasia process to meet your desires as we understand everyone grieves differently. You may choose not to be present during the euthanasia process, and that is absolutely fine. You may also choose to have either all your pets or none of them present, which is also your decision. We are happy to help guide you in this process as best we can and are always looking to make sure we try to best support you during this difficult time.
“At some point, we move from ensuring a quality of life to ensuring a quality of death.”
-Dr. Mary Gardner
A few months ago we had to face the end of our time with our sweet dog Scout. We have had many pets over the years, and the end of life decision is always so hard. This time though, we had learned that Dr, Bruchman was offering in-home euthanasia and thought that might be a good option as Scout was always stressed when we put her in the car. This decision turned out to be the best decision we could have made for both Scout and for us.
The level of kindness and compassion shown to us by Dr. Bruchman and Kris, the technician, was unbelievable. They quietly comforted us in such a soothing way as Scout drifted away. Scout was able to go to sleep on her own bed in her favorite spot by the fireplace.There was absolutely no stress and the entire experience was calm and amazingly peaceful. It was so comforting that we were in our own home with no distractions instead of being in the clinic.
Dr. Bruchman gently explained the process to us. We sat by Scout’s side as she dozed off. It honestly could not have been more peaceful.
We believe Dr. Bruchman has a real gift for providing this needed procedure in the most kind, empathetic and compassionate way.
We wanted to share our experience so when you face this most difficult decision, you have an option that we feel provides the most gentle of experiences for both you and your cherished pet.
I often get asked as a veterinarian how I can perform euthanasia or hear statements like “they could never do this part of the job.” I look at euthanasia as a gift and the highest privilege that I have as a veterinarian. I chose to be a veterinarian to provide quality of life to animals and help strengthen the human-animal relationship. I would argue that the best way at times that I can accomplish those goals is to provide humane euthanasia with love and dignity shown to the pet and owners. There are things in life that are far worse than a humane end to life and I find it an honor that I get to be the one to provide that peaceful passing and prevent further suffering.
How will you know it is the “right” time to elect euthanasia? I will typically tell you that there is no “right” time but rather a “season” to seek euthanasia. I heard once that there are different colors to euthanasia. The white zone is where your pet still has a great quality of life and is enjoying their time daily by playing or interacting with their humans or enjoying their routines and activities. The white zone is typically too early to seek euthanasia services under most circumstances. Then there is the black zone. The black zone is where the pet is actively dying and suffering. To provide the act of euthanasia as a gift to our pets and to prevent suffering, the black zone is considered too late to start seeking euthanasia services. Lastly, in the middle, we find the grey zone. The grey zone is big with lots of shades of grey. The grey zone is where we get to step in to provide euthanasia services as a gift to both the pet and the owners. We get to seek this decision when you, as the owner, choose and get to control the surroundings. The grey zone allows us to provide euthanasia services when all the desired family members are present and in a location that honors the pet. There is no “right” time, and there never will be a “right” time, but look to find that “season.”
Is your pet in need of end of life services?
Are you unsure if your pet is ready for Euthanasia? We understand that this is a tough decision to make without the assistance of a veterinarian professional. That’s why we are here to help! Reach out today to book an appointment with Continental Animal Wellness Center. We can meet your companion and help you make the right decision.
FAQs About Pet Euthanasia
Should my children or other household pets be present during in-home euthanasia?
We will commonly get asked if children and other household pets should be present during euthanasia. We find that children around the age of 5-6 process the loss of a pet remarkably well. We may recommend having children stay in a different area for part of the procedure but then come see the body after the pet passes. Children usually get upset watching their parents process the loss and show strong emotions. Ultimately, you know your children best to know if they should be present, and we want the euthanasia process to be honoring to the pet and family together.
Other household pets seem to understand what is happening, and many families find comfort in having them present for euthanasia. If you have an especially rambunctious pet, you may choose to have them in another room so they are not distracting during the euthanasia, but then have them come to see the body after. Many pets will grieve the loss of another household member, but they all do this in different ways, just like we do. Some pets like the opportunity to come over to inspect the body after the euthanasia while other pets want to watch everything
from a distance.
How Do You Say Your Last Goodbye to a Pet Companion?
Saying goodbye to your loved companion is never easy. Treat your pet to a special day to make it easier and give you and your pet one last cherished memory together. Go to your pet’s favorite park or spend an afternoon doing your pet’s favorite activities, let them eat all of the treats that they want, and spend as much time together as possible. This will comfort your pet companion and let them know that they are loved. When the day comes to put them down, be with them as much as possible and comfort them through the procedure.
Why is Saying Goodbye to a Pet So Hard?
Our pets become beloved members of our families. We fall in love with their quirks and personalities. This special bond that forms can make it hard to say goodbye to your pet when you’ve made the difficult decision of having them put down, but a proper goodbye– as difficult as it may be– will help with the grieving process.
How Do You Know When to Say Goodbye to a Pet?
Saying goodbye to a loved pet is very hard and uncomfortable. It’s not uncommon for owners to try and put it off. Often the reality of your pet’s declining quality of life will be an indicator that you may need to think about saying goodbye and attempting to ease any suffering your pet may be experiencing.
What Does the Veterinarian Do After Putting a Pet to Sleep?
After your pet is put to sleep, the veterinarian will help clean up your pet and reposition them into a more natural position as if they were curled up sleeping. This makes transporting your pet’s remains for the next step easier. Depending on your wishes, vet’s services, and city regulations, your pet’s remains may be cremated, taken to a pet cemetery, or released to you for home burial. Please discuss the options available with our team.
Is Being Euthanized Painful for my Pet?
Being euthanized is painless for your pet. The medication used for euthanizing pets offers pain relief and quickly renders your pet unconscious, so it feels like they are falling asleep.