What to Expect at a Home Euthanasia Visit with Vet in a Van
Introduction
End of life care is one of the most challenging parts of sharing your life with a pet. At Vet in a Van, we specialise in caring for elderly pets and can support you through every stage of that journey: from quality-of-life assessments, through palliative care, to a calm and dignified euthanasia in the place your pet knows best, their own home.
If you are reading this because you are facing that decision, we are sorry. We hope this blog post helps you know what to expect and the services that we can offer for you.
Knowing when the time is right
For many families, the hardest question is simply: is it time? Changes in an older pet can be gradual, and it is very difficult to judge from the inside, especially when you love them so much.
That is why we offer quality of life assessments and elderly pet MOT’s. We look at the whole picture: pain, appetite, mobility, whether they still enjoy the things that make them them, and the balance of good days and bad days.
An assessment is not a verdict, and it is not a commitment to euthanasia. Sometimes it gives you the reassurance that the time has come. Sometimes it shows there is still comfortable, happy time to be had.
Alongside explaining their clinical opinion your vet will follow up with a written report summarising the consultation to allow you the time to digest the information and make the best decisions for your pet.
Palliative care: keeping them comfortable for as long as is kind
If your pet is not ready to say goodbye, palliative care can make the time they have left as comfortable as possible. This might include pain management, help with appetite and nausea, adjustments around the home to make life easier (non-slip flooring, raised bowls, easy-access beds), and regular reviews so that their care changes as they do.
The aim is never to prolong life at any cost; it is to protect their comfort and dignity. When the balance tips, we will talk about it with you honestly and gently, and when you decide the time has come, we will already know you and your pet.
Home Euthanasia
When you book, we will talk through the euthanasia process and answer any questions. It can help to think about a few things in advance:
- Where your pet is most comfortable. A favourite bed, a sunny patch in the garden, the sofa, your lap.
- Who would like to be there. Some families want everyone present; others prefer a quiet few. Children and other pets can be included if you feel it is right, and we are happy to help you explain what is happening.
- Aftercare. You can decide in advance what aftercare arrangements you would like to make (see below), or talk it through with us on the day.
- Small comforts. A favourite blanket, a few of their best treats, a lick mat, or anything that brings comfort to you and your pet.
What happens during the visit
We will never rush you. When we arrive, we will take time to say hello, to let your pet settle, and to talk with you. We will go through the process, ask you to sign a consent form, and check you are comfortable to go ahead.
Euthanasia is usually carried out in two stages:
- Sedation. We first give an injection that makes your pet deeply relaxed and sleepy. They drift into a calm, comfortable sleep, and you can stay close and stroke them throughout. We take as long as you need at this stage.
- The final injection. Once your pet is fully asleep, we give a final injection. It acts quickly and peacefully, and your pet does not feel anything. We then listen carefully with a stethoscope to confirm that their heart has stopped, and let you know when they have passed.
Throughout, our focus is your pet's comfort and your freedom to say goodbye in your own way. Some people talk, some stay silent, some cry, and some share memories. All of it is welcome.
What you might see
We prefer to be honest, because knowing in advance can be reassuring. After your pet has passed, their eyes may stay open. You may see small muscle twitches, or some deep breaths or gasps of air. Their bladder or bowels may release. These are natural reflexes of the body and do not mean that your pet is in any pain or distress. We will tell you what is happening as it happens, so that you are never left wondering.
Aftercare
We can talk through the options available to you, which typically include individual or communal cremation, or burial at home where this is appropriate. If you choose cremation we work with Summerleaze Pet Crematorium. We will take your pet back to our practice and prepare them for their onward travel to the crematorium. If you choose individual cremation, we will deliver your pets ashes back to you typically within 2 weeks. We can offer a range of urn, scatter tubes, paw prints and fur clipping to honour your pet and all of these options can be discussed either before or following your appointment.
Finally, for all of our services we aim to always be transparent about pricing. We will discuss the cost of your appointment and aftercare with you before the visit and you can also find our prices on our website.
Looking after yourself afterwards
Grief for a pet is real, and it can be profound. Many people find the days after surprisingly hard, particularly the quiet where their routine used to be. Be kind to yourself. Talk about your pet, share stories, and take the time you need. There are a range of bereavement support services available from charities such as the Blue Cross that can support you though this challenging time. Please do get in touch if you are struggling and we can sign-post you in the right direction.
We are here to help
Whether you have a question about quality of life, want to talk about palliative care, or are ready to arrange a visit, we are here to support you and your pet with compassion and without judgement.
Vet in a Van provides home euthanasia and end of life care across South Wales and West England, including Monmouth, Abergavenny, Chepstow, Ebbw Vale, Raglan, Usk, Crickhowell, Ross-on-Wye, Coleford, Lydney, Tintern, Brockweir, Llandogo, Redbrook and Bream, and the villages in between.
Not sure if we cover your area? Get in touch and we will let you know.