The answer varies depending on the pet and the disease. You know your pet best and will be able to see specific changes that indicate the time is right, such as:

No longer greeting you when you come home;

No longer interested in food or water;

Incontinence (accidents in the house) or unable to go to the bathroom without falling down;

Lack of grooming (cats and some dogs);

No longer wags his/her tail or holds it down constantly;

Isolates themselves from the people or other pets in the home, particularly in places they usually do not go;

Decreased interest in playing;

Unable to stand or walk on their own;

Change in attitude (depression, aggression, confusion);

Not wanting to do the things they love;

No longer interest in food or water;

Incontinence (accidents in the house) or unable to go to the bathroom without falling down;

This decision is to be made by the parents and the parents alone. Some parents have elected to have children at home but in a different room for the sedation and/or actual procedure. Other parents have elected to allow kids present for the whole procedure. It is a deeply personal decision and as a parent, you know your children best.

In an ideal world, it is best to contact your veterinarian in advance so scheduling can be accommodated for both your family and your vet. We do understand that sometimes the need for these services come within 24-48 hours of services needed but we can usually accommodate such short-notice appointments.

When the doctor arrives, she will greet the pet and allow the pet to get comfortable with her. Often, this entails a lot of sniffing and petting. Then, you will read and sign an authorization form, and take care of payment beforehand, since it’s harder to handle afterwards when emotions can overwhelm you.

Next, the vet will prepare the sedative and administer it to the pet. Great care is taken to minimize even the smallest sensation of the injection. A fresh, small needle is used for the sedative, and your pet will be distracted with petting, soothing words, and/or treats.

While the pet drifts into sleep, the vet will prepare for the final injection and prepare the clay for the paw print impression to be taken after the procedure.

When the pet is fully sedated as determined by the vet, the final injection is given, most typically, in the leg vein. The breathing may become deeper and quicker at first, but then slows down and stops. A couple minutes later, the heart follows.

If you want to spend time with your pet afterwards, simply let the vet know. It is important for you to do whatever you feel necessary to mourn, and the vet always allows enough time so that you should never feel rushed. This is part of the grieving process and everyone is different in how they choose to express it.

If cremation is chosen, the vet then prepares the vehicle, and returns with a stretcher (for larger pets). If using the stretcher, another person is needed to help the vet carry the pet out.

Your pet goes from the hands of the veterinarian to the hands of the crematorium. There are strict identification procedures in place to ensure that your pet’s ashes are theirs alone. If you’d like more information on how this is handled, feel free to contact us for more details.

No, euthanasia does not hurt. The medication used is an overdose of anesthesia and your pet will not feel any discomfort.

The whole appointment is typically between 30-45 minutes. The first injection is a heavy sedative that will allow your pet to relax and get very comfortable. The final injection is very fast acting and takes effect in about 30-60 seconds. After, the veterinarian will then step out to give you time alone with your pet. If aftercare is elected, we will then take the pet with us and arrange for the cremation process.

The euthanasia solution stops all brain function. The brain cannot send signals to the heart or lungs and these organs will slowly stop working. The important part is that the brain is shut off first (like going “under” for surgery).

Saying goodbye to your pet at home has a number of benefits for both the pet and the family.

We can schedule the appointment when it is convenient for everyone, including afterhours and short-notice.

Your pet will be in their own surroundings, which means less anxiety.

Your pet will be in their favorite location with common smells they are accustomed to.

Reduced stress for pets that are difficult to move.

Other household pets can be present allowing them to heal from the loss of their friend faster.

More family members can be present than in a small vet’s office.

For families that wish to bury their pet, in-home service removes any difficult transportation issues.

The family can be left in peace afterwards to grieve for their friend.

Yes, you are welcome to stay for as much of the procedure as you are comfortable with. Some people elect to be present for the entire procedure while others only want to be present for just the sedation. It is your personal decision.

No, we want you to focus on loving your pet. If you wish, you might consider having this visit in your pet’s favorite place and some families like to have music, favorite toys, pictures, and other comforting items close by.

Yes, we are fully licensed in the State of Illinois.