End of life

Part of our role is to support you through the challenging process of end-of-life decisions for your beloved pet. Saying goodbye to a life companion is an incredibly difficult choice for any owner, filled with sadness that we fully understand. Whether the situation arises from a poor prognosis, a traumatic accident, or the decline of a geriatric pet, making the decision for euthanasia is never easy.

If you are uncertain about your decision or wondering about alternatives, please don’t hesitate to call us for a consultation. Through a thorough examination and open discussion, we can help guide you through the various options available.

If you have already made your decision, simply contact us to speak with a technician or assistant about the next steps. Some pet owners choose to be present with their animal until the very end, while others prefer to leave their pet in our care for a timely procedure. Both options are valid, and the most important aspect is that you feel at peace with your choice, knowing that there will be no judgment.

Unfortunately, our clinic may not always have enough space for you to accompany your pet, but we strive to reserve this room for our clients when possible. Please call us for information about availability.

Procedure Overview

Prior to euthanasia, your pet will receive mild sedation, administered during the placement of an intravenous (IV) catheter by our technicians. This sedation will help make your pet sleepy and alleviate much of the stress associated with the procedure. Once the tranquilizer takes effect, the veterinarian will administer a lethal dose of intravenous medication. Your pet will fall asleep within seconds, and death will occur shortly thereafter. During this time, your pet is unconscious and free from pain, and the veterinarian will perform a heart auscultation to confirm the cessation of heartbeat.

Aftercare Options

Following euthanasia, you can choose communal disposal (included in the euthanasia fee) or individual incineration to retrieve your pet's ashes (additional charges apply). If you opt for individual incineration, you may select an urn from our partner company, Crémanimo. For more information and to browse urn options before your visit, please consult their website: Crémanimo.

Support During Grieving

It’s important to acknowledge that grieving the loss of your pet is a very real experience. Take the time you need to process your emotions at your own pace. If you feel the need to talk, support resources are available. You can reach out to Entraide Deuil de l’Outaouais for assistance.