Frequently Asked Questions
WHY AT HOME EUTHANASIA?
When the time to say goodbye to your beloved pet approaches, there are many questions and very few definitive answers. Making a plan can be difficult, and we are here to help.
Performed in the home, euthanasia / end of life care can be more comfortable and less stressful for your pet and your family, transforming what can be a tragic moment of crisis into a gentle, loving farewell. Being in a familiar setting, surrounded by loved ones, allows a more peaceful, mindful departure, without the difficulty and fear that may occur for some pets with transportation and a visit to the veterinary office. Caregiver limitations or severe medical conditions, especially in larger patients, may also make transportation impractical or impossible.
In a planned, at home euthanasia setting, your family and any others who join for the process will have the time and space to be together, say goodbye in your own way, mourn, and recover in a setting you have chosen and curated for yourselves. This can be a profoundly meaningful experience, and deserves great attention, as you have provided for them in all the other important moments in their life.
Performed in the home, euthanasia / end of life care can be more comfortable and less stressful for your pet and your family, transforming what can be a tragic moment of crisis into a gentle, loving farewell. Being in a familiar setting, surrounded by loved ones, allows a more peaceful, mindful departure, without the difficulty and fear that may occur for some pets with transportation and a visit to the veterinary office. Caregiver limitations or severe medical conditions, especially in larger patients, may also make transportation impractical or impossible.
In a planned, at home euthanasia setting, your family and any others who join for the process will have the time and space to be together, say goodbye in your own way, mourn, and recover in a setting you have chosen and curated for yourselves. This can be a profoundly meaningful experience, and deserves great attention, as you have provided for them in all the other important moments in their life.
IS IT TIME?
There are many factors to consider when making end-of-life decisions for your pet, starting with their quality of life, the prognosis for their condition, access to care, and your ability -- physical, emotional, material -- to provide care. How their health and needs for care affect you and your family are also important (and often overlooked) considerations.
Dr. Barsky is also available for telephone consultation to assist you with making a determination based on your individual circumstances.
Dr. Barsky is also available for telephone consultation to assist you with making a determination based on your individual circumstances.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU COME TO OUR HOME?
The formal euthanasia process involves two major steps. First, an anesthetic medication is administered by injection, usually in a muscle in the hind end. This causes the patient to fall into a deep, peaceful, unbothered slumber, with no pain sensation, consciousness, or physical response to stimulus, usually within 3 to 5 minutes.
Once the patient is anesthetized, an intravenous injection of a high dose barbiturate is administered which deepens anesthesia, and stops all brain function, leading to an end of bodily functions – physical death. A small area on one of the patient's legs is shaved to accommodate intravenous catheter placement prior to this injection being administered. The doctor will then check to ensure all signs of life have ceased, and inform you that the process is complete.
Time is allowed for privacy, reflection, and grieving before, during, and after the euthanasia. There is no rush, and however your family chooses or wishes to participate is welcome and encouraged. Prayers, readings, rituals, etc. are deeply personal, and the doctor is present to facilitate your process. If you feel as though you may need some guidance here, the doctor will be able to provide some suggestions and references.
Questions or discussion are welcome during any part of the process. Prior to beginning the euthanasia, we will often sit and talk about your pet, spend a little time to get acquainted (if the situation allows), and the doctor will counsel you in preparation for the procedure. However much or little attention you need or desire is up to you.
Once the patient is anesthetized, an intravenous injection of a high dose barbiturate is administered which deepens anesthesia, and stops all brain function, leading to an end of bodily functions – physical death. A small area on one of the patient's legs is shaved to accommodate intravenous catheter placement prior to this injection being administered. The doctor will then check to ensure all signs of life have ceased, and inform you that the process is complete.
Time is allowed for privacy, reflection, and grieving before, during, and after the euthanasia. There is no rush, and however your family chooses or wishes to participate is welcome and encouraged. Prayers, readings, rituals, etc. are deeply personal, and the doctor is present to facilitate your process. If you feel as though you may need some guidance here, the doctor will be able to provide some suggestions and references.
Questions or discussion are welcome during any part of the process. Prior to beginning the euthanasia, we will often sit and talk about your pet, spend a little time to get acquainted (if the situation allows), and the doctor will counsel you in preparation for the procedure. However much or little attention you need or desire is up to you.
WHAT HAPPENS TO MY PET AFTER EUTHANASIA?
If cremation is desired, the doctor will transport your pet for cremation and remains of your individually cremated pet will be returned to you in a wooden urn, with their name on it. The central pickup location for cremains is at the Ulster County SPCA, 20 Wiedy Rd., Kingston, NY 12401.
If you prefer an at-home burial, or to use a different crematory, your choice will be honored. Please make sure to check your local regulations if you are planning an at-home burial.
A clay pawprint keepsake is offered for every patient, and is included in the cost of the visit.
If you prefer an at-home burial, or to use a different crematory, your choice will be honored. Please make sure to check your local regulations if you are planning an at-home burial.
A clay pawprint keepsake is offered for every patient, and is included in the cost of the visit.
CAN THINGS GO WRONG?
Most commonly, the entire process is very smooth and easy for your pet (and we aim for this to be true for you and your family). There are, however, occasional complications or untoward effects that you may observe. As with any anesthesia event, side effects are a possibility and the most commonly observed include nausea/vomiting, disorientation or dysphoria as the anesthesia sets in, and very rarely, tremor or seizure activity. These are uncommon in this setting, and in almost every instance, occur when the patient is already unconscious. This means that while it may be alarming to witness, it is not being consciously felt or experienced by your pet, who is unconscious and is not feeling distress. Similarly, at the time of death, some animals will take several large breaths as their body welcomes the release that comes with death. This is another involuntary response, and is not consciously experienced by your pet.
The only discomfort your pet is likely to experience is a brief, mild sting from the first injection, similar to a vaccine shot, which resolves instantaneously in most cases.
The only discomfort your pet is likely to experience is a brief, mild sting from the first injection, similar to a vaccine shot, which resolves instantaneously in most cases.