When it is necessary to euthanize an animal, an injection of sodium pentobarbital
is used resulting in a painless, swift and humane passing. We
apologize, but we do not offer euthanasia services at our shelter.
Making The Decision
The most important factor is whether your pet is still enjoying
its life. Your vet is the best, most qualified and most experienced
person to offer guidance
and give prognoses, and should always be consulted first. Vets will often
be able to offer a forecast for life expectancy depending on your pet's
condition,
its blood tests, tissue samples and X-rays, and also similar experience with
other pets with the same conditions.
The following guidelines may help you determine if your pet is
still enjoying its life:
- Freedom from uncontrollable pain, distress and discomfort.
- Ability to walk and balance.
- Ability to eat and drink without pain and vomiting.
- Freedom from painful, inoperable tumors.
- Ability to breathe freely and without difficulty.
- Ability to hold up head when at rest.
- Ability to urinate and defecate without difficulty or incontinence.
- Ability to see and hear.
Natural Death
Although natural death may seem the ideal end,
pets do not always die easily in their sleep
without help.
They may suffer
much
distress in their final
hours, vomiting repeatedly, struggling for breath,
or experiencing convulsions. Sometimes
as the organs shut down, the animal may drift into
coma.
UC Davis Pet Loss Support Hotline
The Pet Loss Support Hotline provides a non-judgmental outlet for people
to express their feelings and concerns when faced with difficult times
involving their cherished animal companions. The Hotline is staffed by
veterinary students trained by a professional grief counselor.
> hotline number and hours of operation
Euthanasia