The decision to euthanize a pet is one of the most difficult choices any owner can face. Even though this moment is very painful, it is often an act of compassion, helping to relieve your companion’s suffering.

This page aims to provide you with a complete guide on veterinary euthanasia for your dog, cat or other pet, explaining each step with sensitivity and respect.

You will find information on:

The information below mainly concerns dogs and cats. Some steps may differ for exotic pets, which sometimes require specific care.

Contents – Frequently Asked Questions

• How does euthanasia for my pet work?
• How many injections will my pet receive?
• Is euthanasia painful for my pet?
• Can I be present during my pet’s euthanasia?
• Am I required to be present for euthanasia?
• How many family members can accompany my pet?
• What are the euthanasia fees?
• What cremation options are available?
• What are the cremation costs?
• How does individual cremation work?
• How can I be sure the ashes are really my pet’s?
• How much does a clay paw print cost?
• What happens to the ashes after a communal cremation?
• Can I leave personal items with my pet for cremation?
• Do memorial pendants really contain my pet’s ashes?

How does euthanasia for my pet work?

Euthanasia for a dog or cat is a difficult process, but sometimes necessary to relieve the animal’s suffering. Here are the usual main steps.

1. Pre-euthanasia consultation

• Health assessment: the veterinarian discusses your pet’s condition, any remaining treatment options and whether euthanasia is appropriate.
• Questions and discussion: this is the best time to ask any questions you have about the process, pain, your presence, options after death, etc.

2. Preparation

• Choice of location:
  Euthanasia can be performed at the veterinary clinic or, in some cases, at home. Please note: our practice does not offer at-home euthanasia services.
• Comfort and reassurance: the veterinarian and team take time to reassure your pet and create the calmest environment possible.

3. Administration of medications

Euthanasia usually takes place in two injections:

• First injection: sedation
  A sedative is given to calm your pet, reduce anxiety and provide deep relaxation.
• Second injection: euthanasia solution
  Once your pet is fully relaxed, a strong anesthetic is administered. It quickly causes loss of consciousness followed by the stopping of the heart.
  Your pet then passes away gently, as if falling into a deep and peaceful sleep.

Please note: for some animals, especially exotic species, the medications and techniques may be adjusted to respect the specific needs of each species.

4. Monitoring and observation

Throughout the process:

• the veterinarian ensures that your pet feels no pain
• vital signs are monitored to confirm death in a calm and dignified way

5. After euthanasia

After your pet has passed, you can:

• take a moment to say goodbye to your companion
• discuss cremation or burial options (burial is not offered by our practice, but some pet cemeteries exist in Quebec, depending on local laws)
• choose, if you wish, memorial keepsakes (urns, paw prints, jewelry, etc.)

6. Emotional support

The cremation service or veterinary team may offer:

• resources to help you cope with grief
• information on support groups or tools to help discuss your pet’s death (for example, with children)

How many injections will my pet receive?

In most cases, euthanasia is carried out in two injections:

1. First injection – sedative
   • Purpose: to calm your pet, reduce anxiety and help them relax deeply.
   • Product: a sedative or light anesthetic that brings on a state of relaxation and drowsiness.
2. Second injection – euthanasia solution
   • Purpose: to induce loss of consciousness and gently stop the heart, in a painless way.
   • Product: usually a strong anesthetic, such as sodium pentobarbital, allowing your pet to drift off peacefully.

A venous access (a small catheter in the leg) may be placed to administer medications gently, precisely and efficiently.

The process may vary depending on the species, especially for exotic pets.

Is euthanasia painful for my pet?

Euthanasia is designed to be painless and peaceful for the animal.

• The first injection (sedation) allows your pet to relax deeply.
• The second injection makes them fall into a final sleep, without awareness or pain.

Throughout the procedure, the medical team monitors your pet’s comfort and ensures they remain at ease.

Some reactions may seem alarming but are not signs of pain:

• passing urine or stool (relaxation of the sphincters)
• small muscle twitches (nerve relaxation)
• eyes that remain open

These are normal bodily reactions after death. Your pet is not suffering.

We are here to answer your questions and support you through this moment.

Can I be present during my pet’s euthanasia?

Yes, you can be present during your pet’s euthanasia if you wish.

We believe that the presence of family can provide comfort to both the animal and its owners. Your companionship, your touch and your familiar voice can soothe your pet until the very end.

Before the procedure, we take time to:

• discuss your expectations and concerns
• explain each step so you know what to expect
• organize things so that you feel as comfortable as possible

During euthanasia, you may:

• hold your pet in your arms
• stroke them
• talk to them and say goodbye

Please feel free to share your preferences with us: we will do our best to respect your wishes.

Am I required to be present for euthanasia?

No, you are not required to be present during euthanasia.

Everyone experiences this moment differently. Several options are available:

• say goodbye to your companion before the procedure and then entrust them to us
• stay only for the sedation, then leave the room afterwards
• return to see your pet’s body after the procedure, once euthanasia is completed

Our team is there to support you, without judgment, whatever you decide.

How many family members can accompany my pet?

In these difficult moments, family members who wish to may accompany your pet to offer comfort and support.

Depending on the size of the room and the clinic’s constraints, we will let you know how many people can be present at the same time, in order to maintain a calm, intimate and serene atmosphere.

What are the euthanasia fees?

Euthanasia fees vary depending on factors such as:

• your pet’s weight
• medications used
• included services (communal cremation, transport, etc.)

In general, this amount includes:

• the complete euthanasia protocol
• respectful handling of the body
• in some cases, communal cremation

Additional costs will depend on the options you choose (individual cremation, urn, keepsakes, etc.).

Prices may change without notice. We will always provide you with an up-to-date estimate when you make your decision.

What cremation options are available?

After your pet’s death, several options are available for body disposition:

1. Individual cremation

• Description: your pet is cremated alone, in a dedicated chamber.
• Main benefit: you receive only your pet’s ashes.
• You may:
  • keep the urn at home
  • place the ashes in a meaningful location
  • have a small portion of the ashes placed in memorial jewelry

2. Communal cremation

• Description: several animals are cremated together.
• Result: it is not possible to return individual ashes.
• Benefit: generally a more affordable option, suitable if you do not wish to keep the ashes.

3. Cremation with ceremony

• Description: some pet funeral services offer a farewell ceremony before cremation.
• Benefit: allows you to say goodbye in a solemn, respectful and personalized setting.

4. Memorial keepsakes

Many services offer:

• paw prints (clay, ink, etc.)
• personalized urns
• jewelry containing a small amount of ashes
• frames and other memorial items

What are the cremation costs?

The cost of cremation depends on the type of service chosen. As a guideline:

• Individual cremation: around $310
• Communal cremation: generally included in euthanasia fees
• Cremation with ceremony: around $550

These prices may change without notice. Your veterinary team will provide current rates according to your choices.

How does individual cremation work?

Here are the main steps of individual cremation:

1. Identification of the animal
   • your pet is assigned a unique code (tag, bracelet, barcode), allowing strict tracking at each stage
2. Transport of the animal
   • after identification, the cremation service handles transport to the crematorium
3. At the cremation facility
   • your pet is placed in a private cremation chamber, ensuring that the ashes recovered are theirs alone
   • the furnaces reach high temperatures, ensuring complete and respectful cremation
4. Collection of ashes
   • the remains are allowed to cool, then can be processed into a fine ash
5. Return of the ashes
   • the ashes are placed in the urn chosen by you
   • an individual cremation certificate is issued (pet’s name, date, type of cremation, etc.)
6. Additional memorial options
   • jewelry, paw prints, other keepsakes may be available
7. Waiting times
   • return of the urn: usually about 5 business days
   • memorial products (jewelry, paw prints): up to 6 weeks

How can I be sure the ashes are really my pet’s?

To feel confident that the ashes you receive are truly your pet’s:

1. Choose a reputable cremation service
   • through your veterinary clinic or a specialized, transparent provider
2. Check identification procedures
   • tag, bracelet, barcode, unique identification number
3. Opt for individual cremation
   • guarantees your pet is cremated alone
4. Request a cremation certificate
   • including your pet’s name, date and type of cremation
5. Ask questions
   • about tracking, each step and the controls in place

Never hesitate to discuss these points with the veterinary team or cremation service: they are there to inform and support you.

How much does a clay paw print cost?

The cost of a clay paw print varies depending on:

• the type of print (simple, decorated, framed, with engraved name, etc.)
• finish and color
• customization options

Several models are usually offered in the memorial product catalog. To know the exact prices, please refer to the catalog or ask the clinic team.

What happens to the ashes after a communal cremation?

With our partner Crémanimo, ashes from communal cremation are gathered and then placed in a private pet cemetery in Ontario.

This location offers a peaceful, respectful environment suitable for remembrance. Even though individual ashes cannot be returned, they are treated with dignity throughout the process.

Can I leave personal items with my pet for cremation?

Yes, certain items can accompany your pet:

• Permitted items:
  • organic items such as flowers, a handwritten note on paper, some natural textiles, a small treat…
• Prohibited items:
  • plastic objects
  • synthetic fabrics
  • stuffed toys, plastic-coated toys, synthetic blankets

These materials can damage cremation equipment and are harmful to the environment. The team will guide you on what is possible and appropriate.

Can memorial pendants really contain my pet’s ashes?

Yes. All pendants shown in the memorial catalog are designed to hold a small amount of ashes.

These pieces of jewelry allow you to:

If you have any further questions about euthanasia, fees, cremation or available memorial options, please don’t hesitate to talk with our team. We are here to support you with respect and compassion through this difficult time.