End-of-life Pet Care

What to expect?

1. One of our knowledgeable Customer Service Representatives will schedule a Quality-of-Life Consultation with Dr. Raymond.
2. During the visit, Dr. Raymond will discuss the options available for the patient’s care.
3. If the decision is made for humane euthanasia, we will start by giving our patient a sedative. It is in the form of an injection, which can be slightly uncomfortable. We assure you this will be the only discomfort our patient will feel.
4. After a few minutes, the patient will enter a sedated state, at which point an Intravenous Catheter is placed to allow a smooth and stress-free final injection.
5. After our client has had the chance to say their final goodbye, they will notify Dr. Raymond when they are ready.
6. Once the injection (Euthasol Solution) is injected via the IV Catheter, within a few seconds, the patient will enter a permanent sleep, free of all pain and discomfort.

Our team will be there with our clients through the entire process until our beloved furry friend crosses the Rainbow Bridge. There are different options for aftercare that will be provided to our clients after they have made their decision with Dr. Raymond. We use West Coast Pet Memorial as our pet aftercare partner.

Behavioral Euthanasia Policy

At Downey Veterinary Hospital, we understand that decisions regarding behavioral euthanasia are incredibly difficult. To protect public safety, ensure the welfare of our team and community, and strictly adhere to Los Angeles County Public Health mandates, behavioral euthanasia services are offered under the following required conditions:

• 10-Day Mandatory Quarantine Period: Regardless of the patient’s current rabies vaccination status, the patient must undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine period prior to the euthanasia appointment. Quarantine may be completed at home or through a medical facility capable of monitoring the patient for symptoms of rabies.

• Pre-Appointment Medications: To assist in keeping your pet as relaxed and comfortable as possible, the owner must administer pre-medications prior to arrival as prescribed by the attending DVM. These medications are at the owner’s expense and must be picked up from our facility in advance of the scheduled appointment.

• Bite Incident Protocol & Public Health Reporting:

  • If the patient bites anyone during the 10-day quarantine period, OR if the patient bites any member of our team at the time of the appointment, the 10-day quarantine period immediately restarts.

  • The owner is legally responsible for reporting any bite incidents involving humans or other animals to Los Angeles County Public Health.

• Humane Euthanasia During Quarantine & Rabies Testing: If a patient who has bitten someone during the 10-day quarantine period must be euthanized for humane reasons (such as unmanageable medical suffering), state and county regulations require that rabies testing be performed via the LA County Department of Public Health. Because rabies testing requires tissue submission, private communal crematory options resulting in returned ashes will not be an option.

• Honesty & History Verification Documentation: Prior to the procedure, the owner must sign legal documentation affirming that all behavioral, medical, and bite history provided to Downey Veterinary Hospital is truthful, accurate, and complete for our permanent records.