FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Picking an area in the home where the pet feels most comfortable and at ease helps make the procedure go smoothly. Bear in mind that it needs to be an area where other pets can be safely excluded and any surface the pet is lying on could become soiled with urine, faeces or other bodily fluids that can leak out after the pet has passed away. It is uncommon for this to occur, but just in case it does surfaces can be protected from soiling by covering them with a water proof barrier, e.g., puppy training pads/incontinence sheets or a heavy-duty plastic sheet, covered by a pet blanket or towel that you can discard. Pets can be held and cuddled right up until their last breath.

For health and safety reasons, other pets will need to be excluded from the chosen area where the euthanasia is to take place. However they can see their peaceful companion's body at the end of the procedure. I believe they deserve closure and an opportunity to understand what has happened too. 

Absolutely! This is actively encouraged for pets that still have an appetite. You may feed your pet any treats you want (including things like chocolate!) until they are too sleepy to eat any more. Treats are useful for distracting pets from the injections and they help pets to feel that all is well and that they are loved and cared for.

The overdose of anaesthetic causes the brain to shut down and the heart beat and breathing stop. The eyes become vacant and it is completely normal and natural for them to remain open after death. Even though the vital processes have stopped, there is still some energy in the cells, which can cause nerves to activate for about 5-10 minutes, resulting in "reflexes" like muscle twitches, gasping and hair standing up on end. The body soon relaxes and occasionally this can result in leakage of urine and faeces and other bodily fluids.

No you don't. It is a very personal choice. I will perform the euthanasia with love, compassion and empathy as if it were my own pet, whether you choose to be present or not. 

It is generally not recommended for young children and some more vulnerable individuals to be present for the euthanasia, as it could be upsetting and leave lasting difficult memories if they don't fully understand it. Older children who understand the circle of life and death and its nuances and the importance of preventing unnecessary suffering can usually be present and derive closure and deep learning from the experience. Sometimes there are "reflexes" that occur once the pet is deceased, such as muscle twitching, gasping, leakage of urine and faeces and other bodily fluids, and they can be quite upsetting or even scary to some individuals. If unsure, it might be helpful to consult a psychologist or a trusted school teacher. If in doubt, it is safer for these individuals to say farewell to the pet while it is still fully conscious or peacefully sedated and then not be present for the final injection.