Euthanasia Q&A with Dr Jessica Goh

Making the decision to say goodbye at home is a tough decision but also a special moment between you and your best friend. It can be a peaceful and calm experience for everyone as it is done at the pet's most familiar environment. 

To help Australian families navigate this difficult time, we sat down with Dr. Jessica Goh, one of Pawssum’s senior mobile veterinarians, to pull back the curtain on the process.

Q: Dr. Goh, many owners are nervous about the first few minutes. What happens when you first arrive at the home?

Dr. Goh: The first thing I do is introduce myself, allowing the family to lead me to the place of preference for the process to be carried out. I always look forward to greeting the pet and just being able to be there for them.We spend the first 10-15 minutes just talking about anything, I'll assess the pet's condition, answer any lingering questions, and most importantly, listen to their stories about themselves or the pet. My goal is to become a soundboard and guide for the family before any medical steps begin."

Q: How do you ensure the pet doesn't feel any pain or anxiety?

Dr. Goh: This is the most important part of the home euthanasia process. We use a two-step method. First, I administer a gentle sedative which contains pain relief, usually a small injection under the skin. Within 5 to 10 minutes, the pet drifts into a very deep, restful sleep. They are still breathing, but they are completely unaware of their surroundings and feel no pain. This 'deep sleep' phase allows families to have a peaceful and smooth moment without the pet feeling any distress or discomfort."

Q: What is the "final step," and how quickly does it happen?

Dr. Goh: "Once the family tells me they are ready, and I am certain the pet is in a restful comfortable state, I administer the final injection. This medication enters the animals blood stream and slows the heart down. It is a painless and quick process.

Q: Do you recommend that other household pets be in the room?

Dr. Goh: We encourage it. Animals understand death far better than we often give them credit for and have emotions just like us. Allowing their sibling or other half sniff their companion post euthanasia helps them understand that their friend hasn't just 'disappeared.' It often prevents the anxiety and confusion that can happen. Some pets can spend weeks to months searching or grieving if they don't understand what's happened.

Q: What happens after the pet has passed away?

Dr. Goh: I step out of the room to give the family privacy. There is no 'timer' on grief. Whether they need five minutes or an hour, we respect that space. Or, if they are comfortable, I stay with them to honour their pet's passing.

Q: What is your best piece of advice for someone currently weighing this decision?

Dr. Goh: Talk to a vet or someone who's experienced the same thing. Pet owners can use a Quality of Life assessment tool as well. It is always better to be a week too early than a minute too late, if we can provide better quality of life for the pet in any way, we should, sometimes a vet will need to perform an examination of your pet and then provide an assessment, so we can better understand what is best for your pet.