Euthanasia Of Your Pet

Pet Care

Unfortunately, for all our pets, there will come a time when they pass away. It would be lovely if they would just fall asleep one day and peacefully pass away, but sadly, most of the time this doesn’t happen.

When quality of life has deteriorated too much, we may decide it is kindest to choose euthanasia for our best friend. Sometimes changes are gradual, and every pet is different. Try to think about how your pet looked and behaved before they got sick. You can also make a list of 3-5 things your pet likes to do, and use a calendar to mark good and bad days. Once your pet is no longer able to enjoy what they used to, or the bad days begin to out-number the good, and treatment options are no longer available, it may be time to consider euthanasia. The quality of life of your pet is defined by their overall physical and mental well-being. It is a not a single issue or characteristic that defines quality of life, and as your pet’s GP at Cronulla Veterinary Clinic we can assist you in making the necessary quality of life assessments.

Once the decision is made to euthanize your beloved pet, there are three options available for your pet’s remains:

  1. You can take your pets remains with you for a home burial.
  2. We can organise a private cremation for you through Pets At Peace. They will then return the ashes to our clinic in a box or urn of your choice.
  3. You can leave your pet with Cronulla Vet Clinic and have us organise a company to pick up the remains for mass cremation.

You may be concerned with the actual process of euthanasia. Here at Cronulla Vet clinic, we aim to make the procedure as painless and smooth as possible. When you arrive for your appointment, the vet may start by asking about the pet’s quality of life and how the animal has been doing. The vet may also ask what you would like us to do with your pet’s body. Once euthanasia is confirmed, your pet will be sedated via an injection. The purpose of this injection is part pain relief, and part sedation. This ensures that your pet is not aware of his or her surroundings and is in a relaxed state of mind.

Once your pet is sedated, the veterinarian will proceed with the final injection. You may choose to leave the room at this stage. The final injection is an overdose of an anaesthetic into the blood stream. A nurse will be present during this stage of the process to listen to your pet’s heart while the final injection is given, and will advise when the animal has passed.

Euthanasia is a painless and dignified end of life decision. While it is the kindest decision you can make, it can also be one of the hardest. Do not hesitate to seek assistance and reach out to family and friends, get regular exercise, eat well and see your general practitioner for other services or help. Below are some external links for grief support should you need:

External grief support –