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Sample Brochure - Tufts University

Outlining Your Options With the Sensitivity, Understanding And Concern You've Come to Expect From Tufts

The Euthanasia Process
The process of euthanasia — providing a humane death to relieve suffering — is a painless one for the animal. In some cases, the veterinarian may choose to sedate your pet first. Euthanasia is accomplished by an injection of sodium pentobarbital, which acts like an overdose of anesthetic. The drug is administered by a needle, which is inserted into your pet's vein. The procedure is no different from any other injection.

Once your veterinarian administers the drug, it acts very quickly — within seconds. This is a peaceful event, and the animal will appear to have gone to sleep. Occasionally, muscle tremors may occur during the procedure. This is an involuntary reaction of the body to the drug. Your pet will not feel any pain.

Should You Be Present During the Euthanasia?
Pet Owners have three options regarding their participation in the euthanasia process:

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Deciding whether or not to be present during the euthanasia can be difficult for many pet owners. Owners who feel comfortable being present and would like to be with their pet during this time are encouraged to do so. However, some pet owners decide that it would be too upsetting to be with their pet during the euthanasia process. If you feel that your presence will create stress in your pet, its probably better to wait until afterwards to visit with your pet and to say good-bye.

Remember that this is an individual decision. There is no right or wrong choice. Whether or not you decide to be present during euthanasia, you can help your pet feel more comfortable by bringing along a favorite blanket or towel, toys and other familiar objects from home that your pet enjoys.

Options After Euthanasia
There are several options available for the disposition of your pet's remains:

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Client Donation Program
One very special option Tufts New England Veterinary Medical Center offers is the Client Donation Program. If your animal companion has received medical care at Tufts, you may choose to donate your pet's remains to the veterinary school for teaching purposes.

Donating your pet's remains to the veterinary school can be a way of letting the spirit of your pet live through the education of future veterinarians, who are being trained to heal other animals. In addition, your willingness to participate in the program supports a humane approach to obtaining resources for this training. Animal cadavers are invaluable in teaching veterinary students about animal anatomy and the skills they need to master to become competent veterinarians. If you choose the donation option, another drug will be injected in your pet's vein at the time of euthanasia to prevent blood clotting.

This drug does not cause any pain or discomfort. Clients who select the donation option are not charged for the euthanasia or the disposal of the body.

We're Here to Help
If you have any questions about the euthanasia process or post-euthanasia options, talk to your veterinarian.

Tufts Pet Loss Support Hotline
If you want to talk to someone about the loss of your pet, the Tufts Pet Loss support Hotline is available to help you through the grieving process.

Staffed by veterinary students trained by counselors from the Tufts Counseling Center, the hotline operates Monday through Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Twenty-four-hour voice mail service is also available.

Talking about your pet's serious illness or the loss of your pet with someone who understands what you're going through can help you during this difficult time.

You are encouraged to call the Tufts Pet Loss Support Hotline at (508) 839-7966.

 

At Tufts, we have long been recognized as a leader in the care of animals. Providing quality care includes supporting your decision making and emotional well being when confronted with a pet's untreatable ailment.

Saying good-bye to your beloved animal companion is never easy. It is difficult to consider losing your best friend, and making the decision to euthanize your ailing pet can be overwhelming.

We hope that an understanding of the euthanasia process and a discussion of the options available for the deceased pet will assist you with this very difficult decision.

Full Brochure (pdf format)