Veterinary Services
Pet Euthanasia in Grafton, WI
Compassionate pet euthanasia: Humane, caring process for your beloved companion. Aftercare options for a peaceful farewell.
Pet Euthanasia
Losing a pet is a delicate situation, and we understand the difficulty of having to make that final decision. Our veterinarians are skilled in assessing pain management and do not recommend euthanasia casually. We also make certain that the process of putting your pet to sleep is carried out in a humane manner.
When being euthanized, pet owners are welcome to be in the room as their pet passes, and if they prefer, a pet can be sedated prior to administering euthanasia. The final injection is a chemical that mimics an overdose of anesthesia, allowing your pet to fall into an eternal sleep. As it enters the bloodstream, the chemical targets the brain and heart, first preventing nerves from sensing pain, and then gradually stopping the heart from beating.
While the decision to euthanize is heart-wrenching, it is important for a pet owner to consider the pet’s suffering before their own. In circumstances where putting your pet to sleep offers them relief from physical anguish, ending misery can be the best decision you can make for your pet.
Common reasons for euthanasia:
- Behavioral problems, namely aggression, which cannot be corrected.
- Illness that would cause suffering if the pet were kept alive.
- Inability to afford involved medical procedures.
- Organ damage that cannot be repaired.
- Rabies.
- Euthanizing pets in shelters when homes cannot be found.
- Terminal illness such as cancer.
What happens after euthanasia?
Two common options after the procedure include taking home for burial or cremation (individual if you’d like to get their ashes back). We offer cremation services that pick up at our animal hospital, or we can refer you to one of the area Pet Cemeteries or Pet Loss Facilities. Because saying goodbye is difficult, we recommend having after-death plans arranged prior to your visit for euthanasia. No matter what you decide to do, don’t feel pressured to choose one option or another; choose the option that is best for you. Some pet owners feel that an urn with their pet’s remains helps the grieving process. Others think leaving the pet with the veterinarian is easier for them emotionally. Still others might memorialize their pet by planting a tree and scattering their ashes beneath it, or painting a rock to display in our Pet Memorial Garden near our sunroom. Because your pet has peacefully passed, it is now your decision to do what is best for you.
The bereavement process is different for every pet owner. Some only take a couple of days for mourning, while others take months. It is completely normal to mourn the loss of your pet, and you should never feel obligated to put a time limit on what is the “right” amount of time.
If you have any questions about the process of putting a pet to sleep or want to schedule an appointment to see if it would be beneficial for your pet’s condition, contact our veterinary clinic at your convenience.