My goal as an in-home euthanasia provider is to make their final goodbye as comfortable as possible. To do this, I make sure they are in their familiar environment and with their people. I provide them with deep sedation and pain relief medication so that they dose off into a deep, restful sleep prior to the euthanasia injection. To give these medications, I will usually give a small injection under the skin, like a vaccine. For pets who are extra nervous, I may also discuss medications to be given by mouth prior. The euthanasia medication may be given into a vein, or into the belly depending on the pet. This is decided on a case-by-case basis. Either way, your pet will be unable to feel the euthanasia injection.
I offer cremation services through Gateway Pet Memorial. If you wish to have your pet cremated through me, I will take them at the end of the appointment. They will then go to Gateway Pet Memorial for either communal cremation or private cremation depending on your preference. If you wish to arrange your own aftercare, you are welcome to do so. For home burial, please review your municipalities’ local laws. There are special considerations for pets who have been euthanized vs. pets who have died naturally due to medications used.
Private or communal flame cremation is available. Private cremation is the process in which your pet is cremated by themselves, and ashes are returned to you. Communal cremation is the process where your pet is cremated alongside other pets, and their ashes are spread by the memorial company and not returned to you. If you elect communal cremation and wish to visit where your pet’s ashes are spread, Camrose Nature Conservation Centre is located close to the private lands in which the ashes are spread.
For private cremation, ashes can be personally delivered once ready, or picked up at Gateway Pet Memorial.
In Alberta, we are not able to post our prices for veterinary services publicly. If you wish to access pricing information, you may request it here and an email will be sent to you automatically.
Included in every end-of-life appointment is an ink paw print, nose print and fur clipping, if desired. If cremation is elected through us, Gateway also offers additional memorial keepsakes such as ceramic paw prints. There are also a variety of keepsakes available through local artisans on etsy, that can incorporate your pet’s inked paw print/nose print, fur clipping or even ashes.
Once your appointment is booked, you will need to fill out a digital consent form. An invoice will be sent which can be paid in advance, or at the start of the appointment with a debit machine. Aside form the paperwork side of things, there are no specific preparations needed.
Some pet owners elect to give their pet an extra special treat just immediately prior to or at the appointment. Things such as ice cream, cheeseburgers & bacon are popular favorites. Some families like to play peaceful music playing in the background for the appointment.
This depends on availability, but most typically pet owners book 24-48 hours in advance. You can view Dr. Brenna’s online availability here.
Children can be present if they want to be. Some children may not wish to be present and doing the procedure at home allow for them to retreat to another space in the home if they wish. For additional assistance in helping children deal with grief and pet loss, please read OSU’s guide, and/or consider taking out a book or two on pet loss from your local library. A list can be found here.
Other pets can be present for the euthanasia. Some pets become very anxious when the veterinarian is administering medications to their friend, so may need to be held during these portions of the appointment. Some families elect to have their other pet(s) kept away for the appointment, or allow them to see their deceased housemate prior to them leaving for aftercare. This is deeply personal and will depend on their relationship with the passing pet and their personality. Dogs who have reactive tendencies towards unfamiliar people should be leashed or gated off for the appointment for safety.
Yes, if both pets are in need of humane euthanasia due to declining quality of life/illness, this is an option. Some pets are deeply bonded to each other and when they are both facing similar daily struggles, this can be the kindest choice. Dr. Brenna is unable to offer euthanasia to healthy pets.
Yes, behavioural euthanasia is offered in certain circumstances. These appointments often require additional time and notice for safety and planning. For pet owners seeking support, Losing Lulu is a resource available.
No, Dr. Brenna is unable to offer euthanasia of healthy pets. Please visit our resources page for more guidance on options available to pet owners in need of rehoming or temporary sheltering assistance.
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