Euthanasia
Sometimes, the kindest decisions are the most difficult to make. Choosing to end the suffering of a beloved friend is likely the most difficult and heart wrenching part of being a pet owner. The doctors and staff at Manlius Veterinary Hospital would like you to know that when the time comes, we will treat that moment with dignity, care, and respect.
Euthanasia is typically scheduled at the hospital for the first appointment of the morning or the last appointment of the evening. This helps ensure a quieter, more private time and helps lend to a feeling of peace. In some cases, with advanced notice, a house call may be scheduled. Once the veterinarian examines the animal and both the owner and the doctor have decided that euthanasia is the most appropriate decision, you will have the choice as to whether or not to be present during the procedure.
Euthanasia is a painless and normally peaceful procedure, with the animal passing away even before the injection has finished being administered. The owner is encouraged to hold the animal during the procedure, and any other pets, family members, or friends may be present. In addition, many of our families have brought music to play, or have sung to their animals, and brought momentos or favorite items to have present during euthanasia. We encourage any type of behavior that lends to the overall peaceful exit we wish to achieve for our friends, and only ask that it respect the feelings of all participants, especially the pet.
After euthanasia is complete, the pet’s family may wish to say goodbye to their friend in private. Once the family is ready, we will remove the body and prepare them for final disposition. Options for the pet’s family include group cremation, custom cremation (in which the pet’s ashes are returned to their family), or the owner may elect to bury them at home (as zoning permits).
We encourage you to discuss euthanasia with the doctor or technician prior to the appointment, when they may be able to answer any questions the owner may have and make the procedure less frightening.
It is an honor to be present at the time of euthanasia, and we take the responsibility of the gift of humane death very seriously.