We understand how difficult the decision to euthanase a beloved pet. We are here to support you and your pet with every step of the process with compassion and care. This page explains how to prepare, what to expect, and aftercare options.  

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Before the Appointment — What You Can Do

Sometimes we have time to prepare for our pet’s euthanasia.  Other times we may have to make the decision quickly, and so it won’t always be possible to prepare everything as per our recommendations below.  These are our recommendations to consider if time allows.
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a) Home vs In Hospital

• Decide if you prefer to have the euthanasia performed at your home or at the hospital.
• If you elect for a home euthanasia, we will try out best to arrange this during our opening hours during a period when we have enough available staff.

b) Emotional Preparation

• Take the time to spend some quiet, quality time with your pet in the days leading up
• Think about whether you would like to bring other family members or friend’s with you, and let us know so we can prepare the space for you.
• Prepare people in your family, especially children, for what will happen.
• Think about what you may want to bring: your pet’s favorite blanket or toy, a familiar bed, soft music, or if they still have an appetite perhaps their favourite foods (or those they normally wouldn’t be allowed – chocolate, cheeseburgers, ice cream).

c) Practical Arrangements

• Fill out any consent paperwork ahead of time if possible
• We recommend paying the account before the euthanasia; this helps to reduce stress and allows you to focus completely on being with your pet
• There are several options regarding aftercare of your pet:
  • Home burial (if local council regulations allow, you may bury your pet at home)
  • Private cremation with ashes returned. Each AMS clinic has it's own preferred Veterinary Cremation partner. Please contact your local AMS directly for details.
  • Cremation without ashes returned (more economical option)​

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On the Day — What to Expect (In-Clinic or At Home)

Here’s a general outline of what typically happens during a euthanasia:

a) Arrival & Final Conversations

• Your veterinarian will review everything with you: confirm your wishes, explain what will happen, and answer any last questions
• You will have a chance to say your goodbyes, and let the veterinarian know when you are ready

b) Sedation / Calming

• A sedative injection is often given first to ensure your pet is calm and relaxed.
• Within minutes, your pet will become drowsy and very relaxed. Occasionally, some animals may need repeat injections.

c) Final Injection (Euthanasia)

• Once sedation is effective and your pet is relaxed. An IV catheter is placed in your pet’s leg most commonly.
• In animals that are very unwell, an IV catheter placement is sometimes not possible or extremely difficult.
• The veterinarian administers the euthanasia solution which is an anaesthetic drug, often through an IV cannula or occasionally via an alternative approach, if an IV access isn’t possible.
• The solution typically causes rapid, peaceful unconsciousness, followed by cessation of heart and breathing.
• The whole process from injection to passing is generally very quick.

d) What You Might Observe

• As your pet’s body relaxes, there may be some normal reflexes: vocalising, twitching, breathing/gasping noises, or loss of bladder/bowel control. This may occur during the administration of the euthanasia solution or after.
• Your pet’s eyes will stay open because the muscles that close them are relaxed
• These are natural, non-conscious reflexes and do not indicate distress or pain

e) Confirmation & Goodbyes

• Our team will confirm that your pet has passed (listening to heart and lungs, checking reflexes)
• You are welcome to stay as long as you need after your pet’s passing
• You can hold your pet, stroke them, or quietly sit by their side.

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f) After the Procedure

• Our staff will wrap your pet in a soft blanket or place them in a carrier if you are taking them with you
• If you have elected for cremation, you may leave your pet with us and we will take the very best, respectful care of them alongside with Petrest

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Emotional & Grief Support

• Grieving is a natural process and everyone experiences it differently
• Consider keeping a memento (photo, paw print, favourite toy) to help in the grieving process
• It may help to talk to friends or family, or even schedule a follow-up with us to reflect or ask questions

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Summary / Questions to Think About Beforehand

To help you prepare, here are some questions you might want to consider before the day:

1. Where do you want the euthanasia to happen — at the clinic or at home?
2. Do you want to be present for the euthanasia. If you prefer not to be, the same procedure will be compassionately performed with our staff
3. Who do you want present (family, friends, other pets)?
4. Do you want time alone with your pet before and after the procedure?
5. Would you like to hold your pet, or would you prefer to have staff assist?
6. Which aftercare option feels right for you?
7. Do you want to choose a specific urn or vessel now? 

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Contact Information & Support

If you have any questions, want to talk through options, or need help planning — please reach out to us:
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CONTACT US

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