Undoubtedly one of the hardest things about owning a pet is that dreaded time when you have to say goodbye. Of course, this can be an overwhelming and extremely upsetting and emotional time. It is understandable that all parties participating in the process wish to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Many practices will be willing to provide an at home euthanasia service, understanding that for some owners, this is the preferable approach. With the advent and rise of dedicated at-home euthanasia only vet services too, you may also have the option from a specialised provider. You may be directed to these services from your usual day time vet practice; but a quick Google search will also bring up local service providers within your area.
But what are the pros and cons of at home euthanasia and what are the things to consider?
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The diligent caring pet owner
Even after many years in practice, it can still be challenging, emotional and a real responsibility for a vet to discuss the individual circumstances of a pet’s deterioration and quality of life with an owner or their family. Whether an acute and unplanned situation, or more of a chronic, gradual decline in the overall quality of our pet’s lives, there may be various factors to consider when having an end-of-life conversation.
Undoubtedly though, for the vast majority of pets, the timing of euthanasia will need to be carefully considered to ensure that welfare is maintained, and the situation is best planned out, as well as it can be in any given set of circumstances, some of which of course, may not be perfectly optimal or previously anticipated. As vets, we will always try our utmost to accommodate an appropriate and timely home visit for euthanasia as requested. However practically, this also must be juggled against staff availability and rota patterns, workload, other patients and potentially unplanned emergencies.
And this means that it isn’t always possible. There is a vet shortage, and as a result, many practices can’t offer this routinely.
At home
The benefit of having euthanasia performed within your own home is likely mostly for your pet’s comfort and potential anxiety levels. Whilst some pets are robust enough that a trip to the veterinary surgery does not phase or worry then, many pets do not always enjoy the smells and associations they have with the veterinary clinic. For these animals, a home visit ensures minimal arousal levels.
For the family too, their home environment is likely far less “medically sterile,” more homely and comfortable. This can be a good, reassuring factor. Having various rooms in the house also allows members of the family to quietly and considerately withdraw themselves; should they feel the need to do so at any stage. It also avoids the often heartbreaking, red eyed, departure of a family from the practice premises, once they have finished saying their goodbyes.
It is also perhaps prudent to consider the temperament of your pet, though
A dog that house-guards or is unpredictable or anxious around strangers in the house, may not receive the same benefit as a dog who is relaxed and loves to meet new people within their own space. Likewise for cats, many may experience a desire to hide when visitors enter the house; in such circumstances, a trip to the veterinary practice for the procedure may be a better approach.
Also, think about what happens next
As a potential downside, dependent on the wishes of the family for after the procedure has been completed, is the need for the transfer of the pet’s body to a vehicle to bring it back to the clinic, in preparation for final services. Some owners may want to be involved in this step, or oversee matters. Or for others, they may have made the decision to contact the local pet crematorium themselves; arranging for them to deliver their pet’s body there directly. Some clients also would not want their pet’s passing to be their lasting memory of their pet at home.
Another practical factor that the veterinary team will need to consider, is the working space available; particularly so in terms of light and access. As an owner, it is worth trying to ensure that the procedure can be carried out in a non-cluttered environment, with space available for both a vet and a nurse under good lighting conditions.
Finally, we should mention costs
The cost of providing an at-home euthanasia service is, of course, always going to be more expensive than having the same procedure performed in the veterinary clinic. So for some owners it may be prohibitively expensive.
Other factors to consider
Many vets these days, appreciate the benefit of pre-emptively providing sedative anti-anxiety, oral medication for animals, especially in a pre-euthanasia type setting. Do ask your vet or the team about this possibility; it can help settle and calm your pet and smooth the process being undertaken.
Another factor to consider at this stage, of course, is your wish for your pet’s body, once the euthanasia has been carried out. Again, your vet and the wider practice team will be used to having these delicate conversations. They can advise you on the cremation and burial options available.
Whilst it is of course, understandably, widely hoped that our pet’s may “just pass away in their sleep”, sadly and rarely is this ever the case. As such, it is worth, when appropriate, considering in advance, whether having your pet euthanised at home is the right decision for you, your family and most importantly, your pet.
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