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VETERINARY SERVICES & EUTHANASIA

  • The process begins with the vet assessing your pet's condition and discussing all available options with you. If all parties determine that euthanasia is the right option, the pet is sedated 

  • Your pet will not be in any pain once sedation takes effect. After sedation, a veterinarian will administer a barbiturate as the final step 

  • The term "euthanasia" was coined by the ancient Greeks to mean “gentle sleep” and is designed to give your pet a humane, painless death by a veterinary professional

  • Services are provided by 3rd party, or you can choose to go with your preferred vendor

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Service Description: 

  • Quality of Life Consultation  

  • Palliative Services & Hospice 

  • Standard & In-home Euthanasia

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Price Range: $250-$450

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Reimbursable by SkyTails Policy: up to $450

Quality of Life

Deciding when to euthanize a pet can be a difficult and emotional decision. It's important to consider the quality of your pet's life, their ability to experience joy and comfort, and any potential suffering they may be experiencing. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether it is time to euthanize your pet:

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  1. Quality of life: Is your pet experiencing chronic pain, discomfort, or suffering? Are they unable to do things that bring them joy, such as playing or going for walks?

  2. Prognosis: Is your pet's condition likely to improve, remain stable, or deteriorate? If their condition is unlikely to improve and they are experiencing significant suffering, euthanasia may be the most humane option.

  3. Treatments: Have all reasonable treatment options been explored, or are there still treatment options available that could improve your pet's quality of life?

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It can be helpful to discuss your concerns and options with your veterinarian and other trusted advisors, such as close friends or family members. Ultimately, the decision to euthanize a pet is a personal one and it is important to do what you feel is best for your pet and your family.

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SkyTails Free Quality of Life Assessment Tool: 

Pet Hospice Care

Pet hospice is a relatively new concept although it has been unwittingly practiced for several decades by mobile veterinarians and clinicians alike. Pet hospice care can help keep a pet comfortable with an acceptable quality of life in the late stages of an incurable disease while, at the same time, caring for the needs of the afflicted pet’s family.

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Upon the diagnosis of a terminal disease, many pet parents swear an oath to their pet that they will never put them through the trauma of a visit to the veterinary hospital ever again. All too often, this means that the family will keep their pet at home and will not seek further veterinary guidance. Unfortunately, pets are experts at hiding their pain, so this usually leads to unnecessary suffering despite your best intentions. 

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However, with the growth in hospice care for pets, families no longer have to wonder about their pet’s condition as they age. They can get help from a qualified veterinarian who will visit their pet in their home and provide veterinary care to keep the pet comfortable. This usually means medication for pain management, hydration, nutrition, mobility, and hygiene. A very important part of pet hospice care is teaching the families to evaluate their pet’s quality of life. Providers can help train family members to provide basic medical care like administering medication or changing bandages. Finally, parents will learn to recognize when their pet’s quality of life has become poor enough that they are ready for euthanasia.

Euthanasia

HOW TO KNOW WHEN IT'S TIME TO HAVE YOUR PET PUT DOWN

The decision to put down your pet is an emotional one and can be one of the most difficult decisions you ever make. There is no 'right' or 'wrong' decision in such difficult circumstances - each case needs to be discussed individually in order to determine the best solution.  Unfortunately, at times the kindest option may be euthanasia. When a recommendation to euthanize a well-loved animal is made, it is to done to minimize unnecessary suffering for your pet and your family. Our veterinarians, family and close friends can help you make the right decision and can support you as you grieve the loss of your pet.

Although we will offer as much guidance as we can and make sure that you understand your pet’s condition and what options are available, the final decision to have a pet put to sleep will always rest with the you.

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WHAT TO EXPECT

The term "euthanasia" was coined by the ancient Greeks to mean “gentle sleep” and is designed to give your pet a humane, painless death by a veterinary professional. The process begins with the vet assessing your pet's condition and discussing all available options with you. If all parties determine that euthanasia is the right option, the pet is sedated. Your pet will not be in any pain once sedation takes effect. After sedation, a veterinarian will administer a barbiturate as the final step. You can be assured that they will not feel any pain. To your pet, they are simply falling asleep.  Afterwards, the pet’s medical team will need to do a small amount of clean up and then give you time to say your final goodbyes.

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The entire process usually takes a few minutes and should be done in a quiet area to keep your pet calm and relaxed. Many pet parents are now choosing to have their family members put to rest in their homes, so that their pet’s final moments are in their home, instead of a medical facility. 

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Final goodbyes are the most difficult act of being a great companion to your pet. As difficult as it is, being present for your pet's last few minutes can be beneficial for both you and your pet. It gives them someone to lean on and someone who will be there for them in their final moments. It also allows you to say goodbye and provide them with comfort only a family member can provide.

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