How does the euthanasia process work?

Depending on the needs of the animal, we may give you medication to give in a tasty treat ahead of the appointment. This is typically for animals who are particularly fearful or anxious of new people coming into their home. We always start by taking our time to acclimatize the animal to our presence and ensure they are comfortable with us.

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During the appointment, a small volume of oral medication is typically given first, always in a good tasting treat or syrup. This provides anti-anxiety, helps control any pain they may have from a disease or condition, and also provides sedative effects. After taking the oral medication, they will relax and settle into a peaceful rest or sleep.

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Once they are comfortable and sleeping, we will then give a further sedative to ensure they are in a deep, calm sleep, where they are no longer responsive or aware of to any pain or discomfort (akin to being asleep for a surgery or procedure). Then, we administer the euthanasia solution. This is not a poison, and does not cause any pain - it is an overdose of a general anesthetic drug, so they will become deeply and irreversibly unconscious, as the drug stops brain function. When this step is done, death is quick and painless.