A compassionate, unhurried process
We want you to know what will happen before it happens. When families understand the process, the fear decreases and the goodbye becomes less chaotic. There is no rush. You summon us — we do not summon you.
The Comfort Room
You and your pet will be taken to a comfortable, private room — away from the main hospital. A technician or our grief counselor will come to discuss what is happening with your pet, answer any questions, and ask whether your pet would be more comfortable with light sedation as an IV catheter is placed. Our comfort rooms have their own dedicated exit so you never have to walk back through the hospital when you are ready to leave.
IV Catheter Placement
When your pet is calm and comfortable, a technician will place an intravenous catheter. This is usually necessary for the veterinarian to administer medications smoothly and gently. This step can be skipped for certain cats at the veterinarian's discretion.
Paperwork
At some point between sedation and your final time together, we will go through some paperwork. This gives us permission to carry out the process and ensures we understand your wishes for your pet's final arrangements. Payment is taken at this time, in the same room — so you can continue to spend time with your pet without interruption.
Spending Some Last Time
At this point, depending on your pet's condition, you can spend time saying goodbye. We will never rush you. You summon us with the touch of a button when you are ready. Some families spend a few minutes. Others spend an hour or more. Whatever you need.
Euthanasia
A veterinarian will answer any final questions, then perform the euthanasia. This is a two-step process. The first medication is an anesthetic induction agent — the same medication commonly used to prepare patients (human and animal) for surgery. This deeply relaxes your pet and makes the process much easier for both of you. At this point, if you decide you no longer wish to be present, you have the option to step out. The second medication is also an anesthetic agent, at a very high dose. The entire process generally takes less than two minutes.
Final Goodbyes
After we verify that your pet has passed, we give you as much time as you need to say your final goodbyes. If we did not make a foam paw print impression earlier, we will do that now.
We Do the Rest
When you are ready, you walk out the dedicated exit door. We will take care of everything from that point forward.
Please understand that you do not have to be present for euthanasia. For some people, it is important to be there. Other pet owners do not want this to be their last image of a beloved pet and do not wish to be present. This is a deeply personal decision and may be different for different members of your family. We are not here to judge you — we are here to help you through this difficult time.
Children and euthanasia
Whether children should be present is always a family decision. Age and developmental stage shape how children process loss. Teenagers generally need and benefit from closure and are treated much as adults in our process. Very young children may be better supported with coloring books and quiet activities in our social worker's office while parents are present for the final moments.
One important note on language: the phrase "put to sleep" — while it feels gentle — can be confusing or frightening for young children, linking sleep with death. We recommend clear, calm, honest language instead. Our team and our social worker can help you find the right words for your family.
Our social worker
our grief counselor, is available to support families through the euthanasia process and the grief that follows. She can speak with you before, during, or after — and she leads our monthly pet loss support group. To our knowledge, having a grief counselor available to clients is something only two or three veterinary hospitals in the entire country offer. We are proud to be one of them.