An end of life (euthanasia) protocol / checklist
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July 23, 2012
- Posted by: claire
The word Euthanasia means, “gentle death”. As a pet loss educator and grief coach, clients shared how a caring and compassionate end of life experience made all the difference in their journey of healing. Below is a checklist I’ve compiled on their behalf of things they wished they had. You can use it as a guide as you determine with your team how to provide the best care possible.
Pre-Euthanasia meetings:
| Checklist or preparation material on how to know when it’s time | |
| Reading materials, videos or educational material about euthanasia process, and what happens afterwards |
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| Euthanasia options (at home vs. at the clinic; owner present in the room vs. owner not present) |
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| Conversation about euthanasia process | |
| Information about pet loss and grief | |
| Aftercare information about cremation, burial, options (help me decide ahead of time) |
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| Information about burial vs. cremation, memorial products | |
| Alternative options like aromatherapy to help with pet’s anxiety or stress (Bach Flower Remedies, Rescue Remedy for stress, Arnica for pain) |
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| Schedule the appointment when it is a quiet time of the day | |
| Tell me if I can bring something symbolic with me (a special blanket, a song to play if you have music in the room) |
Right before the procedure:
| If possible, please be on time and don’t make me sit in the waiting room for a long time | |
| If there isn’t a separate euthanasia room, please put me in an exam room where it is quiet | |
| Review each step of the euthanasia with me | |
| Prepare me for what may happen (expected and unexpected reactions) | |
| Give me a choice to be present for sedation, or entire procedure | |
| Take care of signing any forms and pay for procedure ahead of time | |
| Take care of aftercare arrangements beforehand |
During the procedure:
| A blanket to cover my pet | |
| A comfortable spot for my pet to rest | |
| Couches or comfortable chair | |
| Dimmed lighting | |
| Candles | |
| Soft Music | |
| Peaceful décor | |
| Tissues | |
| Allow me to do any rituals that may make me feel better (play a special song, light a candle) | |
| Pronounce time of death, acknowledge my pet by name | |
| More time afterwards to say goodbye | |
| An offer of a clipping of fur before they take my pet away | |
| Separate entrance so I can leave without seeing other people in the waiting area | |
| A nearby private bathroom where I can go blow my nose and clean up | |
| Express condolence, or if we are close, give me a hug |
Nice to have in the room:
| Information about pet loss and grief | |
| Aftercare information about cremation, burial, option | |
| Information about process of cremation | |
| Pet Loss books and literature for adults AND children | |
| Aromatherapy (Bach Flower Remedies, Rescue Remedy for Stress, Arnica for pain) | |
| Sample remembrance items (candles, keepsake lockets, an urn or two) |
After the procedure:
| A card or condolence letter | |
| Offer something to take with me (a paw print sachet to hold my pet’s collar, a memorial candle, clip of fur) so I don’t leave empty handed | |
| A call from the office the day after to see how I am doing, resources for grief support | |
| If I have been coming to see you for a long time, call in a few days or week to see how I am doing and offer resources for grief support |
What a thoughtful post. I’ve had the wonderful experience of two kitties living until 20 years old, and had not had to put them down — but good to know that there are avenues of support and guidance for people to understand this sad process.
Thank you for this thorough checklist. I’m sure it will help many people in these unfortunate circumstances.