Pet Euthanasia Process (Template) printable pdf download

When It’s Time To Say Goodbye….

1. Would you like to be present when your pet is euthanized?

Yes

This is a very personal decision. On one hand, you may not want your pet to be without you in his or

her final moments, but on the other hand you may not want to witness your pet’s death. There is no

right answer, and you should do whatever you feel is best for you and your pet.

If you wish to be present, an intravenous catheter will be placed. The intravenous catheter serves

several purposes. First, the euthanasia solution is painful if administered outside the vein. The catheter

ensures clean access to the vein, even if you are holding your pet. The catheter also allows for a

sedative to be administered prior to the euthanasia solution.

The drug used in euthanasia is a barbiturate anesthetic called pentobarbital. Pentobarbital depresses

the respiratory and vasomotor centers in the brain at euthanasia dosages. Phenytoin is added to the

pentobarbital to hasten the stoppage of electrical activity in the heart.

2. Have you considered what to do with your pet after his or her death?

Traditional Cremation.

Each pet is individually cremated. Ashes will be placed in a

wooden urn and returned directly to River Road Animal Hospital (unless otherwise specified).

Specialty urn options are available on request.

Communal Cremation.

Pets are cremated in groups and no ashes are returned.

Home Burial.

If you would like to take your pet home, please let us know and we will

properly prepare them based on their size. If you have questions about whether your pet can

or should be buried at home, please let us know.

o Other urn options are available. Some are in our “Pet Loss” book, and others can be seen

online at , store # 29577. If you would like to choose an urn at home and

call us with your choice, please let us know. Additional charges will apply.

o Simple plastic urns suitable for scattering of ashes are available at no additional charge.

o Ashes may be shipped to an address other than the hospital. Cremations may be attended by

owners, family, etc. Please ask for details.

Yes

o Would you like a lock of hair from your pet?

3. Would you like a necropsy (animal autopsy) performed to determine the cause

of illness or death?

Note: Certain guidelines apply. Gross necropsy (visual examination of the abdominal and

thoracic organs) can be performed in house. More involved necropsy (to evaluate for infection,

toxin exposure or non-observable cancers) must been done by a pathology laboratory.

Yes

RRAH Form 701 – When It’s Time To Say Goodbye

Pet Euthanasia Process (Template)