Euthanasia
At-Home Comfort
We provide compassionate in-home euthanasia services, allowing your pet to spend their final moments surrounded by the comfort of familiar sights and sounds. Our focus is on creating a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, ensuring your beloved pet receives the utmost care and dignity during this difficult time. At home euthanasia is particularly helpful for patients who are anxious going in the car/carrier, as well as, pets who are struggling with mobility. Although it is not always possible, planning ahead and booking a few days in advance can help to make the process go as smoothly and calmly as possible. Prior to your appointment, we will discuss any special requests you may have and review the available options for aftercare.
What to expect
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Prepare the Environment:
- Comfortable Space: Choose a quiet, comfortable spot where your pet feels safe. Use their favorite bedding and toys.
- Family Presence: Decide who will be present during the euthanasia. Ensure that everyone understands and is comfortable with the process.
- Initial Sedation: We administer a sedative to help your pet relax and to minimize any anxiety or discomfort. Your pet will still be able to hear and feel your presence, but they will be resting peacefully and comfortably.
- Euthanasia Injection: Once your pet is calm and relaxed, we administer the euthanasia solution, usually through an intravenous injection. Your pet will gradually lose consciousness and pass away peacefully within a few minutes.
- Confirmation: We will check to confirm that your pet has passed and offer you time alone to say your final goodbyes.
After Care
After euthanasia of your beloved pet, there are several aftercare options available to help honor your pet's memory. Here are the main aftercare options:
Home Burial
You may choose to bury your pet at home. This allows your pet to have a final resting place that is close and meaningful. Check local regulations and guidelines regarding pet burial to ensure compliance with any legal requirements.
Communal Cremation
In communal cremation, your pet is respectfully placed in the crematory alongside other pets, and the ashes are not returned to you. You may wish to choose a personalized paw print as memorialization instead.
Private Cremation
In private cremation, your pet is cremated individually, and the ashes are returned to you. This allows for a more personalized way of keeping your pet's remains, whether it's scattering them in a meaningful place or keeping them in an urn or other keepsake.
Memorialization
Please visit Gateway Pet Memorial Services for options that are available including paw prints, decorative urns and other keepsakes. A price list is available upon request. If you are looking for more than this, please ask us about other options such as custom jewelry or artwork from local artists.
*A donation will be made to plant a tree in honor of your pet. You will receive a certificate in the mail from Forests Ontario with details.*
Tips for Coping
- Allow Yourself to Grieve: It’s important to acknowledge your grief and allow yourself to feel the emotions.
- Create Routines: Maintaining routines can help you adjust to life without your pet.
- Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or support groups for help.
- Take Care of Yourself: Engage in self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature.
