What is euthanasia, and how is the procedure performed?

Euthanasia is the process of humanely ending the life of a pet to relieve suffering. It is typically considered when a pet is facing terminal illness, severe pain, or a significantly diminished quality of life. The goal of euthanasia is to provide a peaceful and painless end, ensuring that the pet does not continue to suffer.

Home euthanasia is a veterinary service that allows pet owners to have their pets peacefully euthanised in the comfort of their own home. This option is often chosen to reduce stress for the pet and to provide a more familiar, loving environment during their final moments.

The euthanasia is performed by a registered veterinarian via injection of a lethal, painless substance. The entire procedure can be quite short, however, our team is there to guide you through each step, and will give you and your family the time that you need before proceeding. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to expect during the procedure.

  • On arrival, the team will talk you through the procedure so everyone involved knows what to expect. Once a consent form is signed, we can proceed.

  • The team will briefly assess your pet's behaviour, positioning, comfort, and overall condition to decide how best to proceed and what medications or other tools will be most appropriate to keep your pet as comfortable as possible.

  • The team will then administer a sedative, either via oral or injectable route (sometimes both). This is to help your pet relax and ensures that they feel calm and comfortable.

  • The team will need access to one of your pet's legs in order to place an intravenous catheter. This gives us access to the vein in order to efficiently, and safely administer the euthanasia solution. If the sight of blood makes anyone in the room feel queasy or lightheaded, we will recommend you look away for this part. You will be able to cuddle your pet again once the catheter is placed.

  • Once your pet is calm and relaxed and everyone has had time to say their final goodbyes, the veterinarian will administer the euthanasia solution through the IV catheter. This solution contains an overdose of anesthetic agents, which quickly induce unconsciousness and then stop their heart. Your pet may take a few deep breaths, kick their legs, urinate, defecate, or twitch - this is a normal response. The vet will then check for reflexes and listen to your pet's chest to confirm their heart has stopped.

  • The team will then remove the catheter from your pet and allow your family time with their body, if desired. If you do not wish to keep your pet's body for home burial, our team will carefully and respectfully transport them to the care of Edenhills for cremation. Edenhills will contact you to discuss your aftercare wishes.