All required paperwork is reviewed, and payment is made prior to the euthanasia. A consent form is explained and signed by the owner. We will also go through all the options available for after-life care – whether you would like a private cremation with the cremains returned, a general cremation, or a keepsake like a pawprint or hair clipping.

The pet is sedated prior to the euthanasia injection. This is typically given with a needle under the skin or in a muscle. Sometimes this can sting a little bit, depending on the sedation given, so your pet may need to be held gently and distracted. The sedation will typically take about 10-20 minutes to take effect, though some are quicker (5 minutes) and some take longer (30 minutes). Sedation is given to relax the pet and make them sleepy, so they are not in any pain or discomfort during the procedure.

Say goodbye to your pet in the comfort of your own home. Sedation prior to euthanasia ensures a comfortable, relaxed, and pain-free goodbye.

Once adequately sedated, the euthanasia injection is typically given in a leg vein. If a vein is not accessible, then other methods are used. We will inform you if this is the case. This injection is an overdose of an anesthetic so your pet will become unconscious first, before passing away. All they will feel is that they are drifting off to sleep.

Your pet may breathe faster, pant, or take a big sigh. This reaction is in response to the drugs, they are not in distress. After death, the body undergoes a few changes. The muscles relax so it is common to see the loss of bladder and/or bowel control (urination and defecation). When muscles relax the eyelids will stay open. Sometimes some twitching of the muscles can be noticed which is also a normal response and only lasts for a short time.

We then take care of any after-care required. This involves transport to the crematorium. You have several options:

General cremation – Your pet is cremated with other deceased pets and ashes are not returned. The ashes are then spread over a private field near Calmar.
Private cremation – Your pet is cremated individually, and the ashes are returned to you in an urn of your choice back to your home or picked up at the crematorium located in Nisku.
Keepsakes – we offer paw print impressions (ink, foam, clay) and hair clippings for you to keep as a memento.