What is euthanasia?
Euthanasia means that, at the owner’s request, a pet’s life is brought to a peaceful end. In everyday language, euthanasia is often referred to as “putting a pet to sleep.” Euthanasia is only performed after a thorough examination of your pet. If, in the veterinarian’s professional opinion, your pet is suffering with no reasonable prospect of recovery, this suffering may be ended through euthanasia in consultation with you, the owner.
How does euthanasia work?
The veterinarian will perform a thorough examination of your pet. Once the veterinarian has agreed that euthanasia is the most appropriate option, your pet will first receive a sedative. This medication reduces consciousness and muscle tension, allowing your pet to fall into a deep and peaceful sleep. Once your pet is fully asleep, the veterinarian will administer a second injection. This injection gently stops the heart, allowing your pet to pass away peacefully.
What happens to my pet after euthanasia?
After your pet has passed away, the veterinarian will discuss the available options with you. You may take your pet home for burial, choose cremation, or opt for disposal. If you choose cremation, there are two options offered by the crematorium:
With an individual cremation, your pet is cremated on its own. Afterwards, you may choose to have your pet’s ashes returned to you in an urn, keepsake, or scattering tube, or you may choose to have the ashes scattered by the crematorium.
With a communal (group) cremation, your pet is cremated together with other pets. The ashes are scattered collectively and cannot be returned.
What is disposal?
There are many misconceptions about disposal. Disposal is not cremation. During disposal, deceased pets are collected and processed together in accordance with legal regulations. Disposal is often the most economical option.
For science and education
You may also choose to donate your pet to science and veterinary education. The staff at our veterinary practice will be happy to provide you with more information.
The grieving process
Losing a beloved pet is a deeply emotional experience for you and your loved ones. Grieving is an important part of the difficult period that follows. Everyone experiences the loss of a pet differently. For some people, the grieving process may be more intense than for others.
An important part of grieving is allowing yourself the space to experience your emotions and, if needed, talking about the impact the loss of your pet has on you.
Sometimes the people around you may not fully understand your grief, which can leave you feeling alone. Grieving for a pet is completely normal, and everyone processes this loss in their own way. Try to explain to those around you what you are going through, and remember that grieving the loss of a beloved pet is entirely natural.
What do the costs of euthanasia include?
Euthanasia involves much more than simply administering an injection. It is a medical procedure during which we support both you and your pet through one of life’s most difficult moments. For this reason, the costs consist of several components.
The procedure includes, among other things:
- a thorough consultation and physical examination to determine together whether euthanasia is the most compassionate option;
- the time the veterinarian spends discussing your pet’s condition with you and answering your questions;
- administering a sedative so that your pet can fall into a deep, peaceful sleep without fear or stress;
- the euthanasia procedure itself, including the medication used;
- confirmation by the veterinarian that your pet has passed away peacefully;
- aftercare and guidance, including discussing the options for cremation or disposal.
If you choose cremation or disposal, we also take care of the administrative arrangements. We register your pet with the crematorium or disposal service, prepare the necessary documentation, and arrange for your pet to be collected from our practice and transported to the crematorium or disposal facility. The costs for cremation or disposal are charged separately. These costs are charged by the crematorium or disposal service and are not part of the euthanasia procedure itself.
We believe it is important that there is no sense of rushing during euthanasia. That is why we schedule sufficient time to support both you and your pet in a calm and compassionate manner. There is time to ask questions, say goodbye, and remain with your pet in peace. We do everything we can to ensure that your pet’s final moments are as peaceful, loving, and dignified as possible.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us
Please feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss euthanasia or if you are unsure whether the time is right for your pet. We can schedule an appointment to assess your pet’s quality of life together and help you make the decision that is best for your pet.