Bereavement

What happens when an animal is put to sleep

When you decide to have a pet put to sleep a vet or a nurse will explain the process and tell you what to expect. Some people can be too upset at the time to discuss it so don't be afraid to ask before you decide or afterwards if you have any questions. You may want to arrange the appointment at a time when the practice is quiet.

You will be asked to sign a consent form giving the vet permission to carry out euthanasia and owners are often asked if they want to stay with your pet. There are no hard and fast rules about whether it is better to stay with your pet while it has the injection. Some people find it comforting others find it distressing. You have to decide what you are most comfortable with. Your pet will be given an injection and this is usually given into a vein in the front leg, although some types of injection are given into a muscle. A nurse often helps the vet with this. The injections are similar to an anaesthetic and the animal will usually fall asleep within seconds if it is given into the vein. Once your pet loses consciousness, it will then stop breathing and the heart will stop; this usually takes about a minute, but can take longer especially in patients with poor circulation. There may be a few muscle tremors or deep shallow breaths, but this is quite normal. The eyes normally stay open and sometimes the animal may lose control of its bladder. You will now be given a few moments with you pet if you want time to say goodbye.

Most people leave their pet with the vet who will arrange cremation. If you prefer to take your pet home for burial please inform the vet or nurse before the euthanasia is performed. PDSA sends all deceased pets for cremation. Pets are communally cremated and the ashes are then buried. If you prefer to have an individual cremation and want the ashes returned PDSA staff will advise you on how to make these arrangements.