Euthanasia Appointments

Our euthanasia protocols are in place to make sure every client gets the same experience, and each pet receives the highest level of care s/he can. 

• Reception is to check the schedule daily and make note of any euthanasias that are coming in - they should make sure room 5 is prepared for this pet ahead of arrival with a blanket and box of tissues. 

• The assistant's main job is to communicate with the client about the aftercare options, sign the paperwork, and get the client checked out in the exam room. They should also be talking to the client about if they would like to stay for the entire procedure, some of it, or none of it, so the doctor is prepared. 

• **The client should be checked out in the room after the doctor has reviewed the charges - especially if this was an office visit turned into euthanasia.** If you need to check with the doctor prior to going into the room to keep this process as streamlined and simple as possible, please do so. 

• The doctor will discuss with the client the process of euthanasia and give them the wireless doorbell to get our attention. The doctor will talk to the client about the sedative portion of the appointment and determine when they are ready - this may mean a doorbell ring or they may be ready at first ask. 

• It is the assistant's responsibility who is in the room and handling the paperwork to handle the aftercare requests of the client and to be aware of the doorbell when it chimes. 

• The doctor should use acepromazine and butorphanol for initial sedation - this will enable the pet to walk into the treatment area for IV catheter placement.

• **If the pet is AGGRESSIVE, the doctor should use Telazol for sedation.**

• After sedation, the client should be instructed by the doctor on the time it will take for effect and that we will listen for the chime when the pet is ready for the final injection. *If there is an IV catheter to be placed, let the client know you will be back in after the pet gets sleepy so you may place that catheter and bring them right back to the client - after the IV catheter is placed, make sure they know they're in control with the doorbell.*

• If the doctor is not available when the chime is rung for the final injection, use discretion when deciding what to do.  If you believe it will be longer than a couple of minutes for the doctor to go back into that exam room, please let the client know that we did hear the chime and the doctor will be in the room in just a moment. We don't want the client to ever feel like we didn't get the message and leave them wondering what to do. 

• The final injection will begin with a dose of Propofol and then follow with the barbiturate.

• Assistants should go into the exam room with the doctor for the final injection. The doctor will hand all of the accessories back to the assistant for disposal, which marks the exit for the assistant. The client should also be instructed at that time to use the doorbell when they are ready for us to take the pet.