What exactly happens during the euthanasia procedure?
While a staff member and doctor talk soothingly to the pet, an injection is given directly into a vein, usually in one of the front legs. Sometimes with ill, dehydrated or geriatric pets, an IV catheter is placed before euthanasia to keep the vein open so the euthanasia solution enters the circulation quickly. As soon as the solution reaches the heart, it causes the heart to stop beating. This usually takes less than ten seconds and is completely painless. The pet immediately loses consciousness.
