If you would like to offer prayers, talk about your pet, or have alone time together, ideally these private moments should occur before the doctor's arrival. As well, it is ideal to have all loved ones who wish to be present gathered and ready before the time of our scheduled visit, so that everyone has ample time to say goodbye to your loved one. Once we arrive at your home, we will begin with administration of an injection of a heavy sedative in as painless a manner as possible. The choice of sedation may vary based on your pet's health issues, species, weight, age, or other special circumstances. This step will ultimately serve to alleviate pain and allow relaxation, which is often accompanied by a deep anesthetic sleep, especially in pets that have been too uncomfortable to rest well. We do not place any intravenous catheters at any time.
Once your pet has become comfortably sedated or drifted into a "twilight sleep," a final injection is given. This final step is essentially an overdose of another sedative which allows your pet's body to slow down and stop. The overdose results in a peaceful passing from life. In many cases, this final injection can take effect within seconds, but in extremely dehydrated or ill pets, it may take a little longer for the drug to work its way through your pet's system.
Following this transition, your pet's body may gently quiver, she may sigh or take a deep breath, she may urinate, or she may fail to close her eyes. These are all natural processes, which can occur while the body lets go of the functions it has performed for the life of your pet.
Once the doctor has ensured that your pet has peacefully passed, the doctor can take your loved one for aftercare. However, it is not required for the doctor to take your pet at this time. If you would prefer to spend extended time with your loved one after she has passed, you may instead elect to keep your loved one with you and later coordinate to bring her in to our private crematorium, your local vet hospital, a public crematorium, or pet cemetery.
Yes. Our goal is to help as many families as possible during this very difficult time. And we are never able to help everyone that needs us. For this reason, we must charge a cancellation fee for visits booked and then cancelled with short notice. Our phone consultants will give you details about the cancellation fee at the time of scheduling.
Following in-home euthanasia, many pet owners elect to have us arrange the details of aftercare. Hearts & Halos offers a variety of services, including communal cremation, individual aquamation and mementos. However, if you prefer to keep your pet for private burial or arrange your own cremation services, the choice is always up to you.