How Long Does At-Home Pet Euthanasia Take?

Curious about how long does at-home pet euthanasia take? At -home pet euthanasia alone takes no more than 15-20 minutes, but the whole process from the qualified veterinarian arriving at your door until they leave with your pet (if you choose) is typically a total of around 30-60 minutes, with an average duration of 45 minutes.

Several factors affect the total time taken for an at-home euthanasia appointment. These include:

• Your pet’s temperament

• Your pet’s weight

• Paperwork and payment

• Getting to know your pet (other pets) and family

• Answering questions

• Choosing their end-of-life location

• Setting up medications

• Sedating your pet

• Saying goodbyes

• Euthanasia administration

• Preparing your pet for transport (if required)

• Transporting your pet to your vet’s vehicle (if required)

Let’s take a look at each of these factors.

Why Does My Pet’s Temperament Affect Timing?

Some pets can be aggressive toward non-family members. These pets may need additional medication prior to your euthanasia veterinarian’s arrival to calm them enough that a visitor to your home remains safe.

If this medication isn’t given early enough or your pet is more agitated than usual, it may take a while for the calming medications to have the desired effect. And if your pet is naturally highly strung, they may require a larger dose.

How Does My Pet’s Weight Affect Timing?

At-home pet euthanasia veterinarians calculate the dosage of the medications needed to sedate and euthanize your pet by their weight. This is the most accurate way to ensure your pet receives enough sedative and euthanasia meds to safely and humanely have your pet euthanized at home.

Larger animals will need larger doses than smaller animals, and it may take longer for a larger animal to succumb to the correct dosage.

How Long Does At-Home Pet Euthanasia Take: Paperwork And Payments

Generally, it makes for a less stressful experience to have these transactions completed before your appointment, but sometimes it just doesn’t work out that way, or you’d rather wait to make these exchanges in person.

Getting To Know Your Pet, Other Pets, And Family Members

It would be impersonal not to be introduced to and get to know those present. Your chosen vet will be taking an intimate part in your pet’s end-of-life process, so for at least this short time, accept them into your home like an old friend.

It’s Natural To Have At-Home Euthanasia Questions

Especially if you haven’t been through pet euthanasia before, it’s perfectly normal to want your questions answered. More questions make for a longer appointment, but I’m perfectly happy to answer all the questions you have.

How long does at home pet euthanasia take is one of the more common questions people ask. I want you to be completely satisfied that you’re making the right decision for you and your pet.

Choosing Their End-Of-Life Location

This is something you might want to consider before your vet arrives. Think of a spot where your pet loved to spend their time. Whether that’s on the floor, a couch or chair, outside, or in your lap, the choice is yours. Everyone involved in your pet’s passing should be comfortable.

Setting Up Medications

Your end-of-life vet will arrive with everything they need to carry out your wishes. This doesn’t have to be a silent affair. I can talk you through everything that needs to happen, explaining what I’m doing and what’s happening to your pet as I’m working if that’s what you’d like.

If you have questions at any stage, ask away. When having your pet euthanized at home, I want you to be assured that you’re in good hands at every stage.

How Long Does At-Home Pet Euthanasia Take: Sedating Your Pet

Sedation is the first part of at-home euthanasia unless your pet needed something to calm their nature, as I explained at the beginning. Sedation puts your pet into a deep sleep where they can’t feel anything. I’ll test to see if the sedation is complete. Once your pet is fully sedated, they will feel nothing more.

Saying Goodbyes

At this point, I can leave you and your family to say your goodbyes for as long as you need. Some pet parents and families need a reasonable amount of time alone to say what they need to say, have a last hug, or scratch behind the ears and say a prayer. They’ve been a member of your family for quite some time, so take the time you need.

Euthanasia Administration

Once your goodbyes are over, I’ll come back and give the final injection, which causes them to pass away in their sleep. The brain shuts down first, followed by the heart and lungs, but your pet won’t feel a thing.

Preparing Your Pet For Transport

If you’ve opted to have your pet transported for cremation, here’s what happens next. For small pets such as small dogs or cats, I place them in a wicker basket lined with comfy blankets. Larger dogs will be moved via a stretcher lined with blankets.

Once situated, your pet will be covered with a rainbow and paw print blanket, then they’re ready to be moved from your home.

Transporting Your Pet To Your Vet’s Vehicle

If you choose, you can be the one to carry your pet to my vehicle. If you’d rather not, I understand, and I can hold your pet for you. The choice is entirely yours. We’ll place them in the back of my car, and I’ll transport them for you to the crematorium. 

If you’ve chosen to receive their ashes, your personal vet will contact you to pick up the ashes when cremation is complete. The same applies to the clay paw.

As you can see, there are many steps involved during each appointment, so it’s not always easy to give an accurate response to the question of how long does at-home pet euthanasia take. It really depends on the pet, the family, and the process, all of which can differ every time. But generally, around 45 minutes is the typical appointment length.

If you feel you need to make an appointment to have your pet euthanized at home, or if you have any more questions for me, please call me. I’m Dr. Amy.