Home Pet Doctor.com :: Home Pet Euthanasia in Los Angeles

The Hardest Decision

When your pet's quality of life is at its lowest ebb and it's clear that they're suffering, it can still be a difficult decision to put them to sleep.

Some people describe the process of making this decision as heartbreaking, surreal, or "the hardest thing they've ever had to do." Others may feel immense guilt, or avoid making the decision altogether.

Although it's difficult, planning euthanasia for your ailing pet is the kindest and most humane thing that you can do. It's helpful to learn more about the process, talk openly, ask questions and plan things in advance as much as possible.

While it may sound strange to some, it can also be a great comfort to have a conversation with your pet about their quality of life and what lies ahead.

Euthanasia at Home

A trip to the vet’s office has never been one of your pet's favorite experiences. It generally involves a stressful car ride, an unknown period of time waiting in a busy lobby, and a variable amount of discomfort for everyone involved.

Your pet’s last hours really shouldn’t take place in such a foreign, clinical environment. They should be spent at home, surrounded by family: in a familiar room, on a sunlit patio, or in the yard under a favorite tree.

Choosing a place to say goodbye to your pet is very important, but you can go a few steps further if you'd like: indoors, you can create a calm, soothing atmosphere by dimming the lights, playing low, familiar music, and lighting candles; outdoors, a setting sun in the background is always appropriate.

To ensure that the experience will be as peaceful as possible, please remember to turn off telephones, televisions and any other distracting devices ahead of time.

Doing these things can give you a greater sense of control in a difficult time, and allow a more peaceful experience for everyone involved.

The Procedure

When the time comes, Dr. Smith will come to your home to help you say goodbye to your pet. After meeting with you and your family, he’ll administer a series of 3 injections to your pet:

The first injection is a tranquilizer mixed with a pain medication that will cause your pet to become very calm and comfortable within 5-10 minutes. The second injection is a general anesthetic that will cause your pet to fall deeply asleep within the next 5 minutes. These first injections are given under the skin with a very small needle; for most pets, they are completely painless and do not require any restraint.

When you and your pet are ready, Dr. Smith will administer the final injection, which is a concentrated barbiturate solution. The first effect of this injection is complete loss of consciousness; within several seconds, the rest of the body's functions will gently slow down and stop.

Aftercare

Following home euthanasia, most pet owners choose to have their pet's remains individually cremated and returned to them. Dr. Smith trusts and recommends Cal-Pet Crematory for this service. They're family owned and operated, and they've specialized in individual pet cremations since 1947.

Dr. Smith can transport your pet's remains directly to the crematory following euthanasia; on weekends, holidays, or after-hours, he can transport the remains to a local veterinary hospital for collection by the crematory the next day.

Individually cremated remains will be delivered to your home by the crematory in 7-10 days, in a simple container or decorative urn.

lf you don't wish to have your pet's remains individually cremated, there are other options, including communal cremation, burial at home, burial at a pet cemetery, or collection by a city agency.

Courtesy Euthanasia Consultation

If you are considering euthanasia for your pet, please don't hesitate to contact Dr. Smith by phone or email. He can help to answer any questions you may have about your pet's medical condition, their quality of life, and how to recognize when the time has come to say goodbye.