Many pet parents struggle with the decision of whether to choose Euthanasia because they feel guilty for making the choice that will end their pet's life. 

Sadly, this indecision more often than not results in pet parents delaying their pet's euthanasia instead of seeking a professional assessment to determine their pet's Quality of Life (QoL)* (see next FAQ to understand what exactly QoL means).

Angel Wing Vets don't perceive euthanasia as a tragic last resort; rather, we see it as the kindest way to help our pets when their QoL is reduced. It is a privilege to be able to give them a peaceful farewell and alleviate any suffering (pets can "suffer" in many ways - not just physically but also psychologically).

Our dedicated veterinarians are here to support and provide a peaceful farewell for your beloved pets in need, honoring their journey with dignity and love.

If your pet is nearing the end of their life or is battling a terminal illness or a severe medical condition which affects their ability to enjoy life, then it may be time.

Oftentimes, our pets cannot tell us they are in pain and we can only determine this by noticing a change in their usual behavior (such as becoming quieter or withdrawn). These changes can be very subtle.

Many clients have actually regretted not making the decision for euthanasia sooner as they had no idea their pet was suffering or they simply delayed making the decision.

If you are unsure if it is time or if you are understandably indecisive, our veterinarians can still come to your home for a veterinary assessment - this will give you peace of mind as we give you our thorough and objective  professional opinion.

When your pet is "suffering" in any way, then their Quality of Life (QoL) is automatically reduced. 

Recognizing whether your pet is possibly suffering or in distress can be extremely challenging because they may not display "expected" pain responses. For instance, instead of whining or crying out loud, it is much more common that they withdraw and become quieter when they are feeling unwell. 

However, there are signs to look for that might indicate they are experiencing some discomfort. Here are five key indicators to consider:

1. Changes in their NORMAL Behavior: This could include increased restlessness, lethargy, withdrawal from interacting, or changes in their eating and drinking habits. 

If a pet is usually very friendly and affectionate, then the opposite of this behavior would be a key sign. Conversely, if your pet is normally not very social and is now becoming more clingy and affectionate, then this could be their signal. 

(Please note: purring in cats does NOT mean they are content. Cats will often purr because they are in fact seeking comfort)

2. Pain Expression: Observe their body language and facial expressions. Signs of pain might (but NOT always) include whimpering, whining, excessive panting, or difficulty getting up or lying down.

3. Mobility Issues: If your pet struggles to move around, experiences stiffness, or displays reluctance to participate in activities they once enjoyed, it could suggest underlying discomfort. This includes being reluctant to go outside for walks, or wanting to come home much sooner than usual. If they are starting to slow down on their walk, then this could indicate they are feeling weak or they coud have painful arthritis, which causes discomfort every time they move. 

4. Altertered Appetite and Hydration: A significant decrease in their food and/or water intake could definitely be an indication of pain or discomfort. Conversely, excessive eating and drinking might also signal an issue. One thing I tend to emphasize to pet owners is that just because your pet STILL maintains a good appetite is unfortunately not always the best indicator of whether they are doing well. However, if their appetite has decreased at all this is almost always definitely an indicator that they're not feeling well. 

5. Changes in their Grooming Habits: Pay attention to grooming habits. If your pet seems unable to groom themselves as usual, especially in harder-to-reach areas, it could be due to pain or discomfort. If they've started giving up on their own grooming when they used to be very frequent and regular groomers, then that in itself can indicate they are not feeling well enough to do this important routine activity. 

While these signs can be indicative of suffering, it's important to emphasize that pets can hide their pain well. If you notice any of these changes, it's most helpful and objective to receive a veterinary assessment. 

Remember, as a pet parent, your intuition matters. If something seems off, and if your pet's behavoir is out of their norm, then don't hesitate to reach out to us for an assessment.

Sometimes, pet parents have endured a negative experience with previous pet euthanasias which they felt weren't a peaceful nor positive experience.

How do we differ from most vet clinics? Your pet will NOT be awake when we insert the IV catheter into their leg; we find that part of the process to be extremely stressful and most pets get taken to the back of the clinic for this to be done, which further compounds the stress!   

When our veterinarians perform euthanasia in your home, our primary goal is to ensure your pet is comfortable and that their transition is as smooth and peaceful as possible.

We ALWAYS give your sweet pet a strong sedative combination injection which will not only ALLEVIATE their pain, but will also place them into an extremely deep sleep. 

If your pet is an extra anxious (understandably so!) or is scared of injections, we will even make sure to give them an oral sedative PRIOR to the sedative injection, because we don't want them to feel any stress during this process.

Only once we are assured that they are completely asleep, in an unconscious state, will we proceed with the final step involving the 2nd injection via an IV catheter, enabling them to painlessly transition.

After your pet is given the strong sedative injection, it is possible they may exhibit mild involuntary movements or vocalizing, similar to when you twitch or talk in your sleep. Although it may seem like they are conscious, they are not aware of these actions.

In rare instances (less than 1%), some pets may have an unpredictable reaction to the sedative, especially if they are very old or have neurological disorders, such as brain cancer. This is called "Dysphoria," and they may show more obvious movements or loud vocalizations like barking or whining. 

It's important to remember that these responses are involuntary, uncontrollable, and they are still completely unconscious throughout, and best of all, not feeling any pain.

Please know that our compassionate team is experienced in handling these situations and will ensure your pet's comfort and dignity throughout the euthanasia process. 

We understand that saying goodbye to your beloved pet is never easy, and we are here to support you and provide the best care possible.

We are comfortable with your children being present during the euthanasia, and in fact we usually encourage it - though we highly recommend advising us beforehand so we can be adequately prepared to support them too.

We believe honesty is the best approach. Many clients want to protect their children from witnessing the euthanasia because they are afraid it will traumatize their children, or because they want to hide the fact that they are making this decision and are worried their child may get upset. 

However, when children are gently advised of the valid reasons behind choosing the decision - to help remove any of Fluffy's pain or suffering of your pet - they gain significantly more closure and comfort than hiding the situation from them. 

The overwhelming feedback we receive from clients is that they were glad their children were present because it gave their child/children a greater understanding that their family was saying goodbye to their beloved pet in the most peaceful way. 

Conversely, we have heard on many occasions of children being distraught because they were never informed of this decision and didn't get the chance to say a proper goodbye to their best friend. 

We work directly with a local trusted memorial partner, Precious Pet Cremations & Royal Pet Mortuary who provide concierge Aftercare services.

They will pick up your beloved pet directly from your home and will discuss your options for an individual private OR communal cremation.

After your pet has been individually cremated, they will then personally hand-deliver your pets' ashes back to your home to guarantee the utmost dignity and safety. 

(If you choose communal cremation, then you will not receive your pet's ashes)

Losing a beloved pet can be an incredibly difficult and life-changing experience, and as pet parents ourselves we COMPLETELY understand the emotional turmoil involved. 

Sometimes the deep scars from these losses will never truly heal, but there are some actions we can take to honor the memory of our furbabies.  

Grief is a deeply personal journey, and everyone copes with loss in their own way. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to dealing with grief, here are some suggestions that may help you during this challenging time:

1. Allow yourself to grieve: It is important to acknowledge and accept your feelings of sadness, anger, and loss. Give yourself permission to grieve and understand that it is a natural and necessary part of the healing process.

2. Seek support: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups who have also experienced pet loss. Sharing your feelings and memories can provide comfort and understanding. If needed, consider speaking with a grief counselor or therapist who specializes in pet loss.

3. Honor your pet's memory: Find ways to memorialize your pet that hold special meaning for you. Create a scrapbook, plant a tree or flower in their memory, or make a donation to a pet-related charity. Celebrate their life and the joy they brought you. 

Angel Wing Vets will be will be providing ways for pet parents to commemorate their pets; including, memorial jewellry items, custom pet portraits by our artists, and memorial tattoos.

4. Take care of yourself: Grief can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Ensure you are getting enough rest, eating well, and engaging in self-care activities that bring you joy and nourish your soul. Allow yourself time to heal and be patient with yourself as you navigate through the grieving process.

5. Consider seeking closure through goodbye letters and memorial ceremonies: Some pet owners find comfort in saying a final goodbye through a memorial service, writing a letter to their pet, or creating a special ritual. These actions can help provide a sense of closure and facilitate the healing process.

6. Remember the countless positive times you shared together: Reflect on the happy memories you shared with your pet. Look through old photos, watch videos, or write down cherished moments. Focusing on the positive aspects of your pet's life can bring comfort and joy amidst the sadness.

7. Seek professional help if needed: If you find that your grief is overwhelming and interfering with your daily life, please reach out to a mental health professional who specializes in grief counseling. They can provide guidance and support tailored to your specific needs.

Remember, grief is a unique and personal experience, and it is important to give yourself the time and space to heal. The loss of a pet is significant, and it is natural to mourn their absence. Be kind to yourself during this challenging time and know that healing takes time.