Rawesome Vets · Internal Staff Protocol
Euthanasia & Cremation Protocol
Nursing Team
Vets
Reception
Medicine
Version 1.0 · May 2026 · For internal staff use
1. Booking
- Select Euthanasia as appointment type — allocates 30 minutes
- Be calm and gentle on the phone — compassion starts here
- Ask: would they like to speak to the vet about options first? (= consultation + euthanasia)
- Ask: have they thought about being present during the procedure?
- Ask: have they considered what they'd like to do with the body afterwards?
- If undecided on any of the above: "That's fine — we can go through everything when you come in."
2. Room Setup
- Clean room, quiet, private
- Small or stable patient — soft blanket on the table
- Large or unwell patient — recovery bed and blanket on the floor
- Tissues in the room
3. Paperwork & Payment
Paperwork and payment must be completed before euthanasia. This allows the family to leave immediately afterwards without stopping at the desk.
- Settle the client in the room, confirm body care choice, complete consent, take full payment
- Individual cremation — full cremation package payment also required upfront, no exceptions
If client is unsure about being present
- Vet sees client first, explains the process, client decides
- Vet then invites nurse in to complete paperwork and payment before proceeding
4. Vet Protocol
Always explain the procedure — even if they have been through this before. Keep it brief.
Explanation to give the client
"Euthanasia is an overdose of anaesthetic — a green medication given into the vein. It's very much like going to sleep, and it happens within a minute or two. You're welcome to hold [name] and support them as they lie down.
A few things to expect after the injection: the eyes will stay open; there may be some urination or defecation from muscle relaxation; and you may see some movement in the chest — that's a muscle reflex, not a sign of life. Any questions before we begin?"
During the procedure — narrate each step
- Placing catheter: "Just putting the catheter in — we'll come back with the medication once that's done."
- Flushing saline: "Just flushing the line to check it's working."
- Giving medication: "Giving the medication now."
- After injection: stethoscope, confirm heart has stopped, say: "The heart has stopped. [Name] has gone peacefully."
- Cover the patient with the blanket. Give the family space.
- When ready: "Take as much time as you need — we'll be just outside."
If they want to take the body home
- Give them a few minutes before moving the patient
- Wrap in a towel or blanket and help them to the car
5. Special Scenarios
Aggressive patient — sedate first
| Weight | Charge |
|---|
| Under 20kg | No surcharge |
| 20kg and above | Anaesthetic surcharge — billed by quantity of Zolitel used |
Pocket pets & birds
Owners cannot be present. These patients must be gassed or sedated before euthanasia — explain this gently at booking and on arrival.
6. Body Care Options & Charges
| Option | What it means | Charge on system |
|---|
| Home burial |
Client takes the body home |
Euthanasia only |
| Group cremation |
Body left with us — cremated with others, no ashes returned |
Euthanasia + burial fee |
| Individual cremation |
Cremated individually, ashes returned — via Patch & Purr (South Windsor) |
Euthanasia on clinic invoice + cremation package paid upfront |
Large dogs (~50kg+): surcharge applies — Patch & Purr sends two people for collection. Add to invoice at booking.
Never submit to the cremation portal without full payment confirmed.
We can hold the body for up to two weeks if the client cannot decide. After two weeks, the clinic may arrange disposal. Note the deadline on the file.
7. House Call Euthanasia
Full payment must be taken before the vet leaves the clinic. Collect payment over the phone or in person — do not go out without it.
- Use the house call euthanasia template in OpenVPMS for billing
- Book during procedure time — allow enough time for travel
- Use Google Maps to calculate travel distance — charge both ways
- Invoice must include: euthanasia fee + house call call-out fee + nurse fee + travel (both directions)
Large dogs — body collection at client's home
Arrange Patch & Purr collection directly from the client's premises before the house call. Prior arrangement is essential — do not bring the body back to the clinic. Patch & Purr will give a collection window (e.g. 12pm–4pm). Pass the address and confirm with the client.
8. Paw Print & Sympathy Card
No charge. Use your discretion — always offer for established clients. The 30-minute appointment allows time for it.
Sign Off
Confirm you have read and understood this SOP.