At-home pet euthanasia is a compassionate way to honor the journey you’ve shared.
- Choose a place (inside or out) where your pet and invited family members feel comfortable.
- Dr. Scotti will arrive at the appointed time and complete paperwork with you, including: authorization for the euthanasia procedure, confirmation of aftercare instructions, and verification that your pet has not bitten anyone within 14 days of the appointment (required by state law).
- Dr. Scotti will explain the procedure and invite you to ask questions.
- When you are ready, she will administer an injection of sedative and pain-reliever under the skin. This may sting momentarily, but will gradually cause a state of deep relaxation. If your pet is eating, we encourage you to have a tasty treat to help distract them from this injection. Because every individual is different, it can range from 5-20 minutes to take full effect. During this time, stay with your pet: talk to them, hold them as they relax.
- Once sedated, a small amount of hair is clipped in order to administer the final injection directly into a vein in their leg. This injection is fast-acting. Again, you can soothe and reassure your pet as they receive the injection.
- After you have said your final goodbyes, Dr. Scotti will transport for aftercare, if elected.
The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this — the last battle — can’t be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don’t let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn’t want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they’ll tend,
Only, stay with me ‘til the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don’t grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We’ve been so close — we two — these years,
Don’t let your heart hold any tears.
— Unknown