What to expect during a home visit for euthanasia (Post COVID)

Sedative Injection

Once everyone is ready, I will give your cat a sedative shot (usually beneath the skin) to help your pet relax and prevent any unnecessary stress, pain, or fear. This shot is a light anesthetic and will allow your cat to go into a very deep sleep prior to the final injection. You may want/need to hold your pet during this initial injection, so we will keep the interaction as brief as possible. Most cats are not bothered by this shot, but occasionally, some cats react by meowing, hissing, or trying to move away after the injection. Once it is given, I will step away to allow your cat to relax, as well as maintain as much social distance as is practical. If desired/appropriate, you may move to somewhere that the cat feels comfortable.

Over the next 3-10 minutes, your cat will gradually fall into a very deep sleep. During this time, you should feel free to continue to hold, comfort and talk to your pet. As your cat begins getting sleepy, there may be a brief period of disorientation, so it is helpful to make sure that the cat is not able to run away or injure itself. Once your cat is asleep, the eyes may remain open, but the body will be completely relaxed and there will be no pain or discomfort.

Final Injection

Once your cat is in a state of deep sleep/unconsciousness and you are ready, I will give the final injection. If you are comfortable with it, we can briefly place your cat onto a pad on the floor/ground or a piece of furniture while I quickly administer this injection. If it feels important for you to be touching/holding your cat, this can usually be arranged - just let me know your preference.

This last shot will allow the heart and respiration to gradually stop, usually within a few minutes. I generally administer the final injection into an organ within the abdominal cavity. This avoids the need to clip the fur or place a catheter, and allows me to step away so that you can be with your cat as s/he passes, if so desired. Your pet will remain unconscious during this injection and will not feel any pain or discomfort whatsoever. Over the next few minutes, the breathing and heart will stop quietly and peacefully. Rarely, pets may take a few final very deep breaths, have slight muscle twitching, or stretch the legs out, but again, there is no conscious perception or pain during the passing.

After the Procedure

Once I have confirmed that the heart and breathing have stopped, you may continue to spend as much time as you need with your pet. If you've elected to have me take care of the body (See aftercare options), I will excuse myself to give you some time alone with your pet. Once you are ready, I will return and we can place your pet's body into a covered plastic carrier with a comfy fleece blanket. I will then transport your pet out to my vehicle for transfer to the pet crematory. If you would like to have your pet wrapped in something special, carry the pet yourself, or have other special requests, please let me know and we will try to accommodate your wishes.

Return of Ashes

If you have requested that your cat be cremated with the ashes returned to you, these will be ready in approximately 2 weeks. Depending on the option that you have selected, Bubbling Well will ship the ashes to you via UPS or will email/call to let you know the ashes are ready for pickup (be sure to check your email’s “junk folder”, in case the notification ends up there). At any time, you can contact them directly for an update on the cremation process and timing.

Final Thoughts

Remember, it is perfectly normal to cry, be sad, and experience all the emotions associated with losing an important family member. Everyone grieves differently, but you should be prepared to enlist the support of your family and friends during this difficult time. If you need additional help, I can provide some information on and referrals for pet loss support - you are not alone! If you have any questions, need help, or just want to talk, please feel free to call or e-mail me directly.