There is nothing specific you need to do to prepare for your appointment, aside from ensuring your pet feels especially loved and pampered during this time. Dr. Alyssa will bring all the necessary supplies and equipment with her to provide compassionate care, including to manage any aftercare arrangements, should you decide to entrust us with that responsibility on your behalf.

If there is a specific area or cozy space in your home or backyard where your pet feels most comfortable and secure, we can gladly arrange to set up in this location.

Many families find it comforting to create a special space with their pet’s favourite bed, blanket, or treats nearby. Some also choose to play calming music to minimize distractions, and to help create a peaceful and soothing atmosphere during this difficult time.

Please continue all previously prescribed medications as recommended. Do not discontinue any treatments unless your regular veterinarian has advised you to do so, or after discussing your pet’s care with Dr. Alyssa.

Yes! Your pet can absolutely eat right up until (and even during!) the appointment. If they are still able to enjoy treats or snacks, this is a wonderful opportunity to spoil them and offer special items they don’t usually get. These small moments can bring comfort and joy, creating happy memories for both of you.

Just be mindful not to overdo it, or give anything that could upset their stomach, so that every bite remains a pleasant and enjoyable experience.

Pets generally feel more comfortable in their familiar home environment, which often helps them remain calmer and less stressed compared to a typical visit to the veterinary clinic.

Upon booking, you’ll receive an intake form where you can choose to add a credit card on file before your appointment. Having a card on file means we won’t need to handle payment during your visit, so you can focus on spending quality time with your pet instead.

If you’d prefer not to put a card on file, that’s absolutely fine! We can process payment at your appointment, and we accept debit, credit, e-transfer, or cash.

Our visits typically last between 45 and 50 minutes, though the duration can range from 30 up to 60 minutes. The exact length depends on several factors, including the sedation method used, your pet’s individual response, and how much time you wish to spend together during this important moment. Some pet owners prefer a quicker process, while others choose to take more time to say goodbye.

Additionally, your pet’s overall health condition can influence the pace of the visit. To accommodate these varying needs, each appointment is carefully scheduled for one hour to ensure that there is no feeling of being rushed or pressured.

If you’d like to have paw prints made, or if you’d like to choose an urn or other keepsake, you can simply let Dr. Alyssa know your final choices during the visit. She’ll ensure everything is arranged according to your wishes.

All options can be viewed here - MEMORIAL ITEMS AND KEEPSAKES

Alternatively, you are welcome to choose keepsakes from other sources if you prefer. There’s no requirement to purchase from us - the most important thing is that your chosen keepsakes feel meaningful and personal to you.

Upon Arrival
When Dr. Alyssa arrives, we’ll take a few moments to introduce ourselves and settle into the area where you and your pet feel most comfortable. This can be anywhere you choose (a favourite spot in the home, a sunny corner, or a cozy area outside), wherever feels right for you both.

Discussion and Preparation
Before we begin, we’ll review the process together and answer any questions or concerns you may have. We’ll also confirm your wishes for aftercare, including any keepsake choices or memorial items.
If you have not already put a credit card on file, payment is usually completed at this time, as we find it less disruptive to the grieving process to have this taken care of before the procedure begins.

Sedation and Comfort
Dr. Alyssa will then prepare your pet’s medications. The first injection is a gentle sedative that includes both pain-relieving and anti-anxiety medication. This will help your pet feel calm, relaxed, and completely comfortable. An oral sedation may be chosen instead of, or in addition to, the initial injection, depending on your pet’s medical needs, anxiety, or known response to needles.

The sedative typically takes 5–10 minutes to begin working, and over about 15 minutes, your pet will reach a very deep level of relaxation, similar to a peaceful, deep sleep. Every pet is unique, so the exact timing may vary, and occasionally an additional dose of sedation is needed to ensure your pet is fully relaxed.

As your pet drifts off, you may notice changes in their breathing pattern. Some pets take slower or deeper breaths, and others may not fully close their eyes - both are completely normal signs of deep sedation.

Some keepsakes may also be prepared at this time, such as a lock of fur.

Final Medication
Once your pet is resting deeply and peacefully, Dr. Alyssa will gently prepare a small area over a vein for the final medication. Sometimes a small patch of fur may be shaved to better visualize the vein.
In certain cases, depending on your pet’s condition or size, a different vein may be used, for example higher or lower up the leg, or in another accessible area.

Throughout the process, Dr. Alyssa will continuously monitor your pet to ensure they remain at an optimal level of comfort and relaxation. When your pet is fully ready, she will let you know that the final step can begin. Once you and your loved ones are ready, the final medication will be administered. This helps your pet pass peacefully and without any pain or distress.

After Passing
After the final medication, your pet will pass quickly, usually within 1–3 minutes, though this can vary for each individual.
Dr. Alyssa will gently confirm your pet’s passing by listening for a heartbeat. She will then step away to give you some private moments with your beloved pet.

When you feel ready, Dr. Alyssa will return to assist with the next steps and ensure your pet is transported from your home with dignity and care, according to the aftercare option you selected.

For smaller pets
For our smaller companions, we provide a soft, beautifully lined basket where your pet will be gently and lovingly placed. We take great care to ensure they feel surrounded by warmth, comfort, and dignity, as though they’re being lovingly tucked in for rest.

For larger pets
For larger pets, Dr. Alyssa uses a specially designed pet stretcher to help move them gently and respectfully from your home. This allows the process to remain calm, safe, and peaceful.
If your dog is a large breed, we kindly ask that someone be available during the appointment to assist Dr. Alyssa in carrying your pet to the vehicle. Working together, we can ensure your companion’s final journey is handled with the utmost care and love.

Following the euthanasia procedure, Dr. Alyssa will gently handle the aftercare process and personally deliver your pet’s remains to the crematorium.

You may choose from several aftercare options, including communal cremation, where your pet is cremated alongside others, or private cremation, if you wish to keep your pet’s ashes.

The crematorium will prepare any keepsake items you’ve selected and care for your pet exactly as you’ve specified, treating every companion with the utmost love, respect, and dignity.

If you’ve chosen a private cremation, your pet’s ashes will be ready approximately one week after our visit.

We are honoured to partner with Guardian Pet Cremation Services, a family-run crematorium located on the west end of Edmonton. Their team treats every pet with the same care, dignity, and respect they would offer their own, going above and beyond to ensure each companion is lovingly handled throughout the entire process.

When your pet’s ashes are ready, Guardian Pet Cremation Services will send you a text message with a link to their location, as well as details about pickup days and times. If the provided times don’t work for you, you can contact them directly to arrange a more convenient option.

If you’re unable to pick up your pet’s ashes in person, delivery within Edmonton can be arranged for an additional fee. Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you’d like to explore this option, we’ll be happy to help make the arrangements.

Most paw prints and keepsakes you’ve chosen will be ready for pickup at the same time as your pet’s ashes. Some custom keepsakes may take a little longer to complete, and we’ll be sure to provide you with updates and details if that applies to your selections.

If you’ve chosen communal cremation, your pet’s ashes will be lovingly and respectfully laid to rest on a serene private property about an hour outside of the city. This peaceful resting place offers a natural and beautiful setting where many beloved companions are gently released together.