Preparing For Your Pet's Euthanasia
The choice to put your pet to sleep is never an easy one. At Mount Remo Vet, our goal is to help you honour your pet during this transition and make this emotional time as smooth as possible.
Things to Bring or Consider Prior to Arrival
Cremation or home burial. For a home burial, unfortunately we will need to send your pet with you so you can bring them to the location of your choice for burial. Cremation services are currently being provided by 3 Hounds Pet Cremation in Smithers, BC. Mount Remo Vet takes care of handling, transport, and return of ashes if elected.
A blanket large enough to wrap around your pet so they are fully covered during transportation. We do have large cadaver bags (look like heavy-duty garbage bags) but are unable to send our blankets with each euthanasia for home burial.
Prepare a space in your vehicle for your pet to be placed after the euthanasia.
Your pet's favourite treat to feed while we give the sedation into the muscle (the sedation does not hurt, but some pets jump a little from the feeling).
Consider if you would like to keep some memorabilia: a collar, leash, clay print, or book a photo shoot for some lasting visual memories.
Dogs
There is an option to perform the euthanasia in the back of a truck, SUV, or on a blanket in the grass during nice weather. This is helpful for animals that have trouble with their mobility, are very large, or anxious in the clinic. There needs to be room for staff members to restrain the dog and access the front paws easily. A hatchback or truck box is preferred over a back seat for access and patient comfort!
What to Expect
Upon arrival, please check in with reception where an authorization form will be signed and payment processed if it has not been arranged prior. This frees you up to leave immediately after.
If your animal is mobile, one of our staff members may take an updated weight upon arrival.
You will be welcomed into one of the exam rooms, directed to drive around the back of the clinic, or set up on the grass based on your preference.
The doctor will introduce themselves and go over the next steps.
A sedative will be given into the muscle to relax your pet. The doctor will step out but check on you periodically. Give a loud knock if you would like them to come back earlier.
Once sleepy, an IV catheter will be placed in the room. You may be present for this or choose to step out.
If you would like some more time, please notify us now.
The euthanasia agent will be administered through the IV catheter. This is an anesthetic (they go under anesthesia) that also stops their heart. Even though they are not conscious or in distress, sometimes they can take a couple of deep breaths and their eyes remain open.
The doctor will confirm the absence of a heartbeat and let you know they have passed.
Some people want private time after their pet has passed and other people do not want to be alone in the room. Please let our staff know what you prefer!
When you are ready, our staff will help move your pet from the clinic to a space in your vehicle for transportation for home burial or move your pet to the back of the clinic to be prepared for transportation to the crematorium.