The word Euthanasia means “good death.”

Along with guidance from our veterinarians, your family will decide if euthanasia is the right choice or if continued care is appropriate. When medications and treatments are no longer keeping your pet comfortable, euthanasia may be the best option to relieve suffering. We can arrange for a quality of life assessment to discuss what’s next in the care plan, including euthanasia if everyone agrees.

In younger dogs that have experienced a catastrophic trauma or illness for which there is no cure, such as a
devastating car accident, a toxicity that damages organ function beyond repair, or a congenital defect unable
to be surgically corrected, choosing when to euthanize your beloved dog is an easier decision. But, when
faced with an older dog who is slowly declining, knowing the exact time to end your pet’s suffering is much
more difficult.

Once a decision to euthanize has been made, your family can decide if you want it performed in your home or at our hospital.

Please see a video where Dr. Sam discusses this difficult decision.

Click the following links for more information on assessing quality of life for your pet.

Assessing Your Pet’s Quality of Life

Quality of Life Scale: The HHHHHMM Scale

Yes you can. One of the most significant advantages of in-home pet euthanasia is the ability for your beloved pet to remain in the comfort of their own home. Just like humans, pets find solace in familiar surroundings. Being in a place they know well can help reduce stress and anxiety, creating a calmer and more peaceful experience for your furry friend. Our mobile service, Golden Paws Mobile Vet, can come to you, allowing your pet to cross the rainbow bridge at home, surrounded by love. No matter the location of euthanasia, your veterinary care professionals at Golden paws are dedicated to making your pet’s last moments peaceful and comfortable.

Yes. In many cases, pet owners choose in-hospital euthanasia for their pet to have the support of a trained veterinary team available during this difficult time. It also allows pet owners the option to be present with their pet during the procedure (if they choose to) and to say goodbye in a calm and controlled setting. No matter the location of euthanasia, your veterinary care professionals at Golden Paws are dedicated to making your pet’s last moments peaceful and comfortable.

Please see a video where Dr. Sam explains what to expect.

If you wish to have our Mobile Vet come to your home, call 303-874-8031. If you’d like to bring your pet to our Animal Hospital, call 720-307-7297.

It’s universally true that the worst moments of any pet owner’s animal-loving life will inevitably coincide with the final moments of a pet’s life. But not everyone experiences last rites in the same way. Some owners choose to be with their pets, while others feel compelled to not be present for the procedure.

Why You Might Choose to Stay . . .

1. For plenty of owners, watching a pet’s passing can actually offer some level of comfort.

2. The knowledge that your pet is with his preferred people can be a powerful driver. A common sentiment that we hear: “I want my face to be the last one s/he sees here on Earth.”

3. Absolute certainty about how your pet spent his last moments is a huge plus for most owners, because doubt sometimes has a way of getting between an owner and the ability to grieve.

4. “Closure” means something different to different people, but it’s one reason that many owners cite for remaining with a pet until the last breath.

5. Even if you don’t want to be present, because you know how difficult it will be, sacrificing your preferences for what you perceive to be the best for your pet can offer tangible emotional benefits for some individuals.

6. Avoiding regret is a big deal, which partly explains why some people force themselves to be present. After all, there’s nothing worse than feeling like you let your pet down by not being able to make yourself stay.

Why You Might Choose to Go . . .

Most owners remain with their pets during euthanasia. When they don’t, however, it’s usually for one or more of these perfectly acceptable reasons:

1. Some owners believe that their inevitably visible emotional reaction to the procedure will mar a pet’s final moments by heaping more angst onto an already stressful situation.

2. They’re scared of watching death happen. Some owners may even be superstitious about it.

3. They don’t want their last memories of a pet to be colored by a clinical procedure. These tend to be owners who are scared of needles or blood, but also those who have a fundamental distaste for anything medical.

4. If they’re honest with themselves, some people say that the primary reason for being present during a pet’s last moments is so they don’t feel bad about not being there. (Reference No. 6 above.) These highly rational owners aren’t being cold or callous — they’re just a different than most.

Golden Paws will never judge anyone who elected to hand over that carrier or leash. You can trust our compassionate staff and veterinarians to tend to those last conscious seconds as if the animal were their own pet.

Euthanasia will include a series of two injections. The first will help your pet welcome deep sleep, relieving
them from any discomfort their body may be feeling from age or disease. Once your pet
is sleeping, a second medicine will be given to help them to pass. Our team will support you every step of the
way. You are invited to remain with your pet for the entire procedure. You will also have options for aftercare, described below.

Golden Paws offers many options, and we can talk through what works best for you and your family. We partner with Lasting Paws, and offer a clay paw print, as well as ashes returned to you in a complimentary urn of your choice.

If you’re dealing with the loss (or impending loss) of a pet, you may be unsure how to deal with the many feelings you’re working through. There is help, for understand why the grief of losing a pet hurts so much, and for healing most effectively. See below for some support groups and resources to assist you during this difficult time.

Denver: “When You Lose a Pet” Pet Loss Support Group
The Human-Animal Bond Trust, Denver, CO 80223

Pet Compassion Careline
24/7 Grief Support
Call 855-245-8214 to reach a counselor
Or download resources

Argus Institute – Pet Loss Support
https://vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu/argus/pet-loss-support/