Colin Snow
When it comes to putting pets to sleep, the term used by vets is euthanasia. This is a difficult decision for pet owners and their families, and it is often a hard choice to make. Euthanasia is usually considered when a pet is suffering from an illness or injury that cannot be treated, or if the cost of treatment is beyond the owner's means. The procedure is designed to be painless and stress-free for the animal, and it can be carried out at a vet's office or in the comfort of the pet's home. The most common method is an injection of a sedative followed by a euthanasia drug, which causes the animal to lose consciousness and their heart and lungs to stop functioning. Other methods include physical means that cause rapid loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons | Terminal illness, vicious behaviour, old age, injury, financial or emotional costs of treatment, quality of life |
| Locations | Veterinary clinic, hospital, animal shelter, owner's home, site of accident |
| People Involved | Veterinarian, veterinary technician, animal shelter worker, owner, owner's family |
| Drugs | Pentobarbital, sedatives, gases, Sodium Pentobarbital |
| Methods | Intravenous injection, intraperitoneal injection, intracardiac injection, physical methods (e.g. bullet, captive bolt) |
| Cost | $50 to $500 for euthanasia, $50 to $300 for cremation |
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What You'll Learn
Euthanasia drugs
When it comes to euthanizing animals, the most commonly used drug is pentobarbital sodium, a seizure medication. It is a fast-acting barbiturate that induces brain death, cessation of breathing, and circulatory collapse, ultimately leading to a painless and rapid death. This drug is often administered intravenously, causing unconsciousness within seconds, followed by a shutdown of heart and brain functions.
In some cases, prior to administering the euthanasia drug, veterinarians may give the animal a sedative or tranquilizer to reduce anxiety and excitement. Drugs like xylazine, detomidine, romifidine, and acepromazine are commonly used for this purpose. These medications can be especially helpful if the animal is frightened, anxious, or unable to relax.
The dosage of pentobarbital sodium for euthanasia is typically 1 mL for each 10 pounds of body weight. It is important to note that this drug is hazardous to humans and other wildlife, so proper handling and disposal are crucial. Additionally, it is not meant to be used for therapeutic purposes or in animals intended for food consumption.
In 2021, a worldwide shortage of pentobarbital sodium occurred, impacting animal care professionals and euthanasia procedures. This prompted the exploration of alternative methods and drugs, such as T-61, potassium chloride, magnesium sulfate, propofol, and intrathecal lidocaine. However, injection remained the preferred method, especially when pet owners were present during the euthanasia process.
While pentobarbital sodium is the primary choice for euthanasia, other barbiturate products like Fatal Plus (US) and Dorminal (Canada) are also used. The production of these drugs involves obtaining the main active ingredient from a pharmaceutical factory in Taiwan and then creating commercially available euthanasia solutions in North America.
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Sedatives
When it comes to putting animals to sleep, sedatives are often used before the euthanasia drug is administered. This two-stage process is designed to make the animal more comfortable and relaxed before they are euthanised. The sedative is usually injected, and the animal's owner can often hold their pet as they fall asleep. This stage is sometimes referred to as 'The Blessed Sleep'.
The sedative injection may sting a little, and it can have side effects, so it's important to discuss this option with your vet. If the animal is very sick and already calm, or has trouble breathing, a vet may decide that a sedative is not necessary.
The sedative helps the animal to gently pass into sleep, and it also prevents any distress caused by the noise of clippers or being held by someone other than their owner. It is particularly useful for small animals that are unaccustomed to being handled, or for pets that are not relaxed or are frightened. In these cases, gaseous anaesthetic can be used to sedate the animal, either in a small box or by placing the solution on a piece of cotton held gently against the animal's airways.
Once the sedative has been administered, the animal will lose consciousness, and within minutes, their heart and lungs will stop functioning. This process is painless and immediate, and the animal is not aware of anything. The vet will then confirm that the animal has passed away by checking their heart with a stethoscope.
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Burial and cremation
When a pet passes away, there are several options for burial and cremation.
Burial
Home burial and pet burial services used to be the most common options for pet owners. However, in recent years, pet aftercare has evolved to include alternative options, such as cremation and aquamation. Burial laws vary depending on location, so it is important to check local, county, or state ordinances to ensure home burial is legal.
Cremation
Cremation is the process of reducing a pet's body to its basic elements through the application of intense heat, typically ranging from 1,400 to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The remains, known as cremains or ashes, are then carefully collected and returned to the owner. There are several types of cremation services offered by crematoriums:
- Private cremation: The pet is cremated individually, ensuring that the owner receives only the ashes of their pet.
- Communal cremation: Multiple pets are cremated together, and the ashes are mixed. It is usually not possible to receive the ashes of a specific pet after communal cremation.
- Partitioned cremation: Multiple pets are cremated in the same chamber but are kept separate using partitions.
Some crematoriums offer additional services, such as transforming a small portion of the pet's ashes into memorial jewellery, providing memorial gardens where owners can place their pet's ashes, and creating personalized memorabilia to celebrate the pet's life.
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Cost
The cost of putting an animal to sleep varies depending on several factors. The national average cost to put a dog to sleep at home in the US is $456, but prices range from $349 to $886. The cost of euthanasia at a veterinarian's office or pet hospital typically starts at $50 but can differ by region, with some sources stating prices ranging from $50 to $500. The price also depends on the materials used during the procedure, such as an IV catheter or medications, and the time and availability of the veterinarian.
The size and weight of the animal can also impact the cost, with larger animals generally being more expensive to euthanize. For example, the cost of burying a dog in a pet cemetery depends on the size of the dog and the choice of casket, with prices starting at $400-$600.
The location of the procedure is another factor that affects the cost. At-home euthanasia services are typically more expensive than having the procedure done at a clinic, with some sources stating that prices can start at $100 for at-home services.
Aftercare options, such as cremation or burial, should also be considered when calculating the overall cost. Cremation services can cost between $50 to $300, depending on the type of cremation and whether the ashes are returned. Burial costs can vary depending on the plot purchase, marker or gravestone, casket, and ongoing maintenance of the burial site.
It is worth noting that some organizations, such as local humane societies and pet rescue organizations, may offer free or discounted euthanasia services, which can be a more affordable option for pet owners.
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Owner presence
Deciding whether to be present when your pet is put to sleep is a very personal decision. Some owners feel they could comfort their pet in its final minutes. Others feel their emotional upset would only upset their pet. Those who choose not to stay may wish to view the pet's body after the procedure is complete.
The euthanasia process can be performed at a veterinary clinic or hospital, at an animal shelter, or at the pet owner's home. The cost of euthanasia varies among veterinary practices, with at-home euthanasia being more costly. It is important to discuss your wishes with your vet in advance. They will explain the process to you in detail and may recommend a sedative injection for your pet before the euthanasia injection. This allows your pet to gently fall asleep and enables you to hold them for their final injection.
If you choose to be present, you can usually hold your pet's head, paw, or body in their final moments. The euthanasia solution is called pentobarbital, a barbiturate anaesthetic. It is usually a coloured solution and is injected into one of your pet's leg veins. The pet will be given a concentrated overdose of the anaesthetic so that they peacefully fall asleep and then pass away. This usually happens quite quickly, often in less than a minute, and many owners are surprised by this. The injection is not painful.
If you choose not to be present, your vet may still recommend a sedative injection for your pet before the euthanasia injection. This is to ensure your pet is relaxed and comfortable and is not distressed by the noise of clippers or being held by someone other than you.
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Frequently asked questions
The process of putting an animal to sleep, or animal euthanasia, is a two-stage process. First, the animal is injected with a sedative to help it relax. Then, the euthanasia medication is injected, which causes the animal to lose consciousness and shuts down their heart and brain functions.
The methods of animal euthanasia can be divided into pharmacological and physical methods. Acceptable pharmacological methods include injected drugs, such as pentobarbital, and gases that first depress the central nervous system and then cardiovascular activity. Acceptable physical methods include shooting the animal in the forehead with a bullet directed down the spine, resulting in instant death.
You can have your pet put to sleep at a veterinary clinic or hospital, at an animal shelter, or at your home. The cost of euthanasia varies depending on the location and type of appointment, with at-home euthanasia typically being the most expensive option.
