Euthanasia

Considering euthanasia can be a very hard decision. The quality of life plays a huge role in this decision, is your pet eating? Are they happy? Are they in pain/ are they hiding? There are a lot of factors in making this decision. The veterinarian can be very helpful during this time, you can bring your pet in to be assessed and then based on how they are doing during an exam and how their QOL is, they can help give their opinion.

During a euthanasia, your pet will have an intravenous catheter placed. Once that is placed, there is no more pain associated with the procedure. When you are ready, the doctor will give an injection of ethanol, which is an overdose of an anesthetic agent. The injection works immediately as your pet falls asleep and then peacefully passes away.

You can absolutely stay with your cat. At North Hill Animal Hospital, we have a specially appointed comfort room that will accommodate your family and you can take all of the time you need. Of course, it is your choice and you do not need to stay if you are not comfortable with it.

If needed we have numbers we can give to help with bereavement support.