In 2021, we had our senior dog Nova euthanized due to her Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome diminishing her quality of life. Having an in-home euthanasia veterinarian come to us meant she could stay in the one environment that was still familiar to her. Knowing she wasn’t stressed and confused in her last moments made the healing process significantly easier for me. I’ll forever be grateful for that resource.
Being able to stay home during the euthanasia process provides privacy for grief that a lot of people prefer. Not to mention a stress-free environment for their pet. Psychotherapist and Thanatologist, Andrea Warnick said “Home provides a haven conducive to facilitating a healthy grief process.”
We know, as an in-home veterinarian, you have specific needs when it comes to providing support and care for your clients during euthanasia. Below you will find suggested tools to help you support your clients during their time of grief and healing.
Simple, Supportive Tools for Your In-Home Euthanasia Protocol
Preparation
With your deep understanding of the human-animal bond, you know how important the support and care you offer during these appointments are to your clients. As you prepare the pet for the euthanasia process, the smallest signs of compassion are noticed. Placing the catheter is usually the beginning of the euthanasia process and can bring a lot of emotions. You can gently set the tone with a small touch of compassion by adding our HeartFelt Sticker to the catheter wrap. These stickers can be given to the family afterwards and serve as a reminder of the care and compassion you showed their pet. They can also be a healing memento for children who may be present.
ClayPaws Print Memorial
Colorado State University conducted a study asking participants what their veterinarian did in response to their pet’s death and how satisfied they were with their response. Participants reported a higher level of satisfaction when a sympathy card was paired with a paw print.
We also know linking objects serve as a tangible reminder of those who have died. Having a tangible object that can be held and touched has been shown to be helpful through the grieving process. Because of that, ClayPaws Kits were created to be held and touched. Unlike air dry or foam memorial products, ClayPaws clay won’t shrink, curl, or crack over time. One of my personal favorite things about Nova’s ClayPaws print is my 4-year-old can touch it, hold it and even carry it around – all without having to worry about potential damage. That makes our keepsake that much more treasured.
ClayPaws Kits capture great detail of the pet’s paw impression and allows you to give your client an immediate and lasting keepsake. The making process is simple and gentle, allowing you to feel confident making the impression in the family’s presence.
A Healing Ceremony after In-Home Euthanasia
After the ClayPaws print is made, it can be given to the family to be decorated and baked. Pairing the ClayPaws print with our Healing Ceremony Card will give the family suggestions for how they can use the decorating and baking process as a time to remember their pet and also a healthy way to begin to process their grief.
Baking a ClayPaws print solidifies forever a symbol of the bond they will always share with their pet. Once the ClayPaws print has baked and cooled, it can immediately be touched and held. This treasured keepsake will serve as a reminder of the care and compassion you provided to your client.
Euthanasia is often referred to as the final act of love and the work you do honors that — thank you.
For more helpful tools, check out our In-Home Veterinarian resource page.
Thanks for all you do,
Cassie McArdle
Customer Service
World by the Tail, Inc.