The hardest part of pet ownership is saying goodbye. However giving your pet a peaceful pain free goodbye at home is often considered the greatest gift we can give. There are often many questions and concerns about the process which hopefully will be answered below. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there are still unanswered questions.
How do I know when it is time?
This is the hardest question to answer. Ultimately it is the owner’s decision when to elect humane euthanasia for their pet. Personal beliefs and experiences play a large factor in making this decision. Maybe you’ve helped a family member or friend through the hospice process, or maybe this is your first time experiencing end of life care. In some cases a terminal diagnosis or guarded prognosis influences the decision. Other times it is a gradual decline, maybe due to worsening osteoarthritis or inability to walk/rise on their own. In general most veterinarians would recommend choosing euthanasia when a pet is still feeling somewhat well, versus waiting for a collapse or sudden decline. A common saying is: It is better to elect euthanasia two weeks too early, versus two minutes too late. There are resources available to help pet owners decide when the right time is. Choosing a quality of life scale and assessing your pet’s comfort daily can help to quantify a decline in quality of life. A good resource can be found here. A more simple option is to choose 5 things your pet enjoys (walks, toys, treats, greeting you at the door, or even as simple as being able to get up on their own or go to the bathroom in an appropriate place), and once your pet no longer enjoys 1 or more of those things, it is likely time. Sometimes discussing the decision with your veterinarian can help give you an unbiased opinion. You can also contact us for help making this decision.
Now that I have made the decision to euthanize, what is next?
Once the decision is made to euthanize, the next step is to reach out for an appointment. Appointments can be made weeks in advance if the pet is stable, giving you time to have more family and friends around for the appointment. Sometimes your pet can’t wait that long, and a same or next day appointment needs to be made. Often this can be arranged, but not always. If you think you may need an appointment soon, it is best to reach out as early as possible to ensure you are aware of your options before it becomes an emergency. This way you will be aware of any closures, weather concerns, or other issues that may prevent a same or next day appointment.
Areas serviced include the North Lake Tahoe area (Truckee, Soda Springs, Serene Lakes, Norden, Donner Lake, Kingvale, Emigrant Gap, Blue Canyon, Colfax, Harmony Ridge, Tahoe Donner, Glenshire, Floriston, Olympic Valley, Northstar, Alpine, Tahoe City, Homewood, Tahoma, Carnelian Bay, Dollar Point, Tahoe Vista, Kings Beach, Incline Village, and everywhere in between). Other areas may be available with an extended travel fee depending on availability (South Lake Tahoe, Meyers, Zephyr Cove, Sierraville, Loyalton, Portola, Graegle, Clio, Downieville, Quincy, etc).
What happens at the appointment?
Upon arrival Dr. Lee will be able to determine how best to proceed, as every pet and family is different. If paperwork and payment are not completed ahead of time, we will get this out of the way first so we can focus on your pet. If your pet has a favorite bed or location in the house, the procedure can be done where they are most comfortable.
Dogs will generally receive an injection under their skin that will make them sleepy (as if for surgery) within about 5-10 minutes. As this injection can sting like a bee sting, a muzzle may be placed briefly for the injection to keep Dr. Lee and yourself safe. This will be removed immediately after the first injection. Although your pet may normally be super sweet, we all can react to something uncomfortable, especially since we can’t explain to them why. If your pet is still eating, a tasty treat can often be a great distraction. If your pet is very nervous around strangers or at the veterinary office, please let us know when making the appointment. We can discuss options such as getting oral medication to give ahead of the appointment, or an extended appointment where oral medication is given before the initial injection.
Cats will generally receive oral sedation first as they tend to be more sensitive to injections than dogs. This may make them salivate/drool for a few minutes after administration. Often times they will require a follow up injection to make sure they are fully asleep before proceeding. Oral sedation can be given ahead of the appointment, and can be incredibly helpful for kitties who are particularly nervous. We are happy to discuss these options when making your appointment.
Once your pet is fully asleep and unaware, a final injection of an overdose of anesthetic will be administered. Often times this will be given via a vein in a hind paw for dogs. For cats a large vein in the abdomen is often used. Each pet is different, and there are several locations that can be used for this final injection. Dr. Lee will assess at the time and choose the best location for your pet. Often the pet will pass quickly after or during this injection, however some pets may take up to ten minutes to pass. Each pet is different, and decides to leave us in their own way. You are encouraged to be with your pet throughout the entire process as desired. Dr. Lee will talk you through the process, and answer any questions that come up along the way.
What happens after the appointment?
After your pet has passed, you may elect either burial or cremation. In the case of burial, Dr. Lee will leave you with your loved one. Please ensure you follow local regulations to properly bury your pet. The medications used are not safe for wildlife. Care must be taken to ensure your pet can not be accessible to wildlife, or contaminate water sources.
If you elect cremation, Dr. Lee will leave you for a few minutes so you can say goodbye to your loved one in private. Depending on the size of the pet, a basket, sling, and/or cart will be used to transport your loved one to Dr. Lee’s vehicle. Dr. Lee will require assistance for pets over approximately forty pounds. There are three options available for cremation with price variable depending on size of pet.
A private pet cremation is the placement of a solitary pet within the crematory chamber. Your companion’s cremated remains are subsequently returned to you in your choice of urn.
Partitioned cremation is a cremation procedure in which multiple pets are cremated simultaneously while carefully separated in the cremation chamber. Partitioned cremations include cremated remains returned to you in your choice of urn.
With the communal cremation service, each pet is carefully placed in the cremation chamber with other companions. No cremated remains are returned to the pet owner. Our trusted partners at Hearts Companion respectfully scatter the cremated remains on private property in Northern Nevada.
Keepsake items are also available such as clay or ink paw prints, and locks of fur.
If you elect partitioned or private cremation your remains will be available in 2-3 weeks. They can be picked up from our location in Soda Springs, CA, or mailed via USPS for a small fee.
How do I process my grief?
Losing a pet is one of the hardest experiences one can have. Therapy and counseling can be extremely helpful to get you through this time. The following resources can be helpful:
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
American Veterinary Medical Association
High Tide Veterinary Services is honored to be a part of your pets next journey. If you have further questions, concerns, or would like to schedule an appointment please contact us.
High Tide Veterinary Services 