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What Can I Expect When Dr Logan Arrives?
How to prepare for my visit
When you are getting ready for my visit you'll want to find an area in the home where your pet and your people will have enough space to sit around comfortably.
For most cats, I'll ask that you have them in a small room or bathroom beforehand. Otherwise, we might spend some time trying to coax them out from under the bed. This can be stressful for everyone.
You'll want a blanket for your pet to lay on which will be ok if there is some urine or stool loss when they pass.
If you would like me to take your pet with me afterwards, I can wrap them in the blanket to take with me.
If you are worried that your pet is going to be very nervous or protective of the home or people, we can arrange for you to give some calming medications on the day before and on the morning before our appointment. Make sure you let me know well beforehand so we can make sure you are able to pick up the medications at the pharmacy ahead of time.
It's always nice to have some treats available to make the visit as pleasant as possible.
Looking at the memorial items offered by the crematory is a good idea so you can plan ahead and not feel rushed to choose what you'd like to have back for a keepsake.
Payment before we get started is nice because then we aren't thinking about money at such a sensitive time. I'll send you a link to get that done early.
When I arrive
I'll come to the door with a small bag of supplies. You'll show me where your pet is. It's ok if they are on their bed, the couch, a spot on the floor, wherever they're most comfortable.
If your pet is lying down, I'll sit on the floor next to them. If they're curious about me (some pets perk up when a stranger arrives—even when they've been lethargic for days), that's fine. People often feel guilty about that, like "Oh no, maybe we're doing this too soon." Don't worry. A moment of curiosity doesn't mean they're not ready.
If you have a cat and have put them in the bathroom, I can come in with you to meet them and we can start the sedation there, then move out to where we will have them fall asleep with us and any friends or family who have gathered.
The process
First injection:
This is an anesthetic that goes under the skin. It makes your pet drowsy and relaxed enough to fall asleep to a level where they won't feel pain. This takes anywhere from 5-25 minutes to fully work, sometimes a bit longer.
During this time, you can stay near your pet's head, talk to them, pet them, offer them treats if they want them.
Before I proceed, I'll check their reflexes—usually by pinching their toes gently—to make sure they're fully asleep. If they're not deep enough, I'll give more sedation. There's no rush.
Second injection:
Once they're deeply asleep, I'll give the euthanasia solution into a vein in their back leg. This is what stops their heart and breathing.
I work from the back leg so you can be near their head if you want to be. You don't have to watch me place the injection—you can focus on your pet.
Sometimes veins are fragile or hard to access, especially in very old or sick pets. If the vein is difficult to access, I'll give the injection between the ribs so it's absorbed near the heart. I'll explain what I'm doing and why.
What happens after
I'll listen to their heartbeat to confirm they've passed. Then I'll let you know.
Once they've passed, I'll step outside and give you time alone with them. Take as long as you need. I'll be in my vehicle, recording my notes and preparing a space for your pet if I'm transporting them for cremation.
If you're keeping your pet for home burial or private arrangements, I'll say goodbye and leave you with them.
If you have elected for cremation, I'll arrange for the crematory to return their ashes (private only) and any keepsakes (private or group) that you have chosen to be delivered to your home or to your regular practice for you to pick up.
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