We know going through the process of scheduling an in-home euthanasia appointment for your beloved pet can be incredibly emotional and challenging. To help make this experience as smooth and comforting as possible for both you and your pet, here are some tips from the Caring Pathways team to help prepare for your visit.
Written by the Caring Pathways Medical Advisory Board
Before the Appointment
Pre-Appointment Medications: You will want to mention any anti-anxiety or pain medications that you currently have at home for your pet. For dogs, this might include gabapentin or pregabalin, trazodone, alprazolam, or tramadol. For cats, medications like: buprenorphine, gabapentin or pregabalin, trazodone, and alprazolam may be relevant. Make sure you mention this at the time of scheduling your appointment so that our team can provide guidance on the best dosage and timing of medication administration. This will facilitate optimizing the opportunity for your pet to be relaxed and comfortable even before the veterinarian arrives at your home.
Forms and Documentation: Fill out any required paperwork, such as consent forms and aftercare decisions, ahead of time. This will help streamline the process and allow you to focus on being present with your pet during this emotional time.
Including Family or Other Guests
Gather the Fan Club: Make sure that everyone who wants to be present for the appointment can arrive prior to the beginning of the appointment’s arrival window, allowing time for your family and your pet to settle into some relaxed time together. If a loved one cannot be there, consider calling back to reschedule, as we may not be able to accommodate staying for a prolonged period of time waiting for others to arrive.
Have a Support System in Place: Saying goodbye to a beloved pet can be an incredibly emotional experience, and having the right support can make a difference. If you live alone and would like someone else there to provide support for you, please plan accordingly so they can be available and present on the day of the appointment.
Bathroom Breaks: Before the veterinarian arrives, ensure your family members, any other guests, and your pet have had the opportunity to use the bathroom. This helps minimize interruptions and allows everyone to be fully present and focused during the appointment. For pets, ensuring they have relieved themselves beforehand can contribute to their overall comfort and can help prevent any unexpected accidents during the visit.
Prepare Your Home Environment
Provide Access Information: Ensure you’ve communicated all necessary details regarding parking, apartment numbers, gate codes, or any specific access instructions to the scheduling team.
Parking Considerations: Try to reserve a parking spot close to your home for the veterinarian to make their departure with your pet as convenient and, if desired, as discreet as possible.
Clear Pathways: Remove any obstacles or obstructions from both inside and outside your home, especially in areas where the veterinarian will need to enter or exit. This includes clearing street parking, driveways, or walkways of obstacles or snow.
Ground Floor Accessibility: If possible, arrange for the appointment to take place on the ground floor where there’s a comfortable space for both you and your pet.
Choose a Comfortable Location: Think ahead about where you would like the appointment to take place. While it’s good to have a preference, keep in mind pets sometimes choose another location that feels more comfortable to them during this time and we may want to honor this decision.
Prevent Hiding Spots for Cats: For cats, you will want to block off any rooms or areas where they could hide and be difficult to locate once the appointment begins, such as under the bed. Ensuring they are in a contained, accessible area, such as a bathroom or closet, will help minimize stress and delays.
Comfort Measures
Favorite Treats: Before the visit, feed your pet any treats they enjoy. Save a couple of their absolute favorites to help distract and comfort them once the veterinarian arrives to administer any premedication. However, be mindful that too much love via food may cause your pet’s stomach to get upset when some of the medications are given; there is a possibility of nausea or even vomiting if this occurs. Moderation is key when offering food treats before the appointment.
Tissues, Tissues, and more Tissues: This experience is highly emotional, and it is completely natural to grieve and express your emotions freely. Having plenty of tissues available can help you and your family cope with the tears that may come. Some families find it helpful to have a quiet space available for moments of reflection, while others may prefer to be surrounded by loved ones for comfort. Whatever your way of expressing grief, allow yourself grace and space to process this important moment.
Personal Readings and Music: If you’d like to incorporate readings or music into the moment, consider having them saved on a device so they can be easily accessed when needed. Feel free to use our playlist to help say goodbye to a beloved pet.
Medication Administration Considerations
Sometimes, pets may react differently to sedation given at home compared to their experiences at a veterinary clinic. While veterinarians always strive to prepare pet parents for possible reactions, it can be difficult for some clients to fully process these warnings in the moment. If your veterinarian advises that your pet may respond unexpectedly to sedation, keep in mind that their reaction may be more pronounced than at the vet due to the surprise of a medical procedure or handling in an unexpected location.
Reassurance for Pet Parents
Your Hampton Roads Veterinary Hospice veterinarian is fully prepared for the appointment, so there is no need to worry about us—we appreciate your hospitality, but we do not need water or other accommodations. Our focus is solely on supporting you and your pet through this process with care and professionalism.
Preparing for an in-home euthanasia appointment involves thoughtful consideration and planning. By taking these steps, you can create a more comfortable and supportive environment for your pet and your family for their final moments at home. Remember, your veterinarian is there to support both you and your pet with compassion and understanding throughout the entire process.
