Saying Goodbye with Love and Dignity

At Bergen County Veterinary Center, we know how difficult it is to say goodbye to a beloved companion. When the time comes to ease your pet’s suffering, our goal is to make the process as peaceful, gentle, and respectful as possible—for both you and your pet.

Below is a step-by-step overview of what to expect during the euthanasia process, along with explanations of the medications we use.

What to Expect During Euthanasia

1. Gentle Sedation

Before anything else, your pet will receive a calming sedative. This helps relieve any anxiety or discomfort and allows your pet to feel relaxed and drowsy while still awake. Most pets become sleepy and often rest their head or fall asleep in a favorite bed or your arms.

2. IV Catheter Placement (If Needed)

After your pet is relaxed, we may place an intravenous (IV) catheter. This allows us to administer medications smoothly and ensures everything proceeds as gently and efficiently as possible.

3. Anesthesia with Propofol

Next, we give an injection of propofol, a fast-acting anesthetic. This medication induces a deep sleep within seconds. Your pet will be completely unconscious and unaware of anything after this point—no pain, no fear.

How it works: Propofol works on the brain to slow down activity and induce a peaceful, anesthetic sleep. It’s often used in surgery and ensures your pet doesn’t feel or process anything from here on.

4. Euthanasia Solution

Once your pet is in a deep sleep, we administer the final medication: a combination of pentobarbital and phenytoin.

• Pentobarbital is a barbiturate that slows the brain and heart function until both gently stop.

• Phenytoin supports the process by stopping electrical activity in the heart.

This happens quickly and painlessly—usually within seconds. Your pet simply drifts from deep sleep into a peaceful passing.

What You’ll See

Most pets appear to pass as if they are sleeping. You may notice:

• A few deep breaths or small muscle twitches (these are normal reflexes)

• The body fully relaxing

• Quiet stillness as the heart stops
  
  

The entire process is designed to be gentle and serene. Many clients say it looked as though their pet simply fell asleep.

We’re Here for You

Whether you choose to be present during the process or prefer to say your goodbyes beforehand, we will support you every step of the way. We welcome your questions and honor your grief. Every pet is unique, and every goodbye deserves dignity.

If you have any questions before, during, or after the euthanasia, please don’t hesitate to ask. Our team is here with compassion and care.

With heartfelt sympathy,

The Team at Bergen County Veterinary Center

(201) 447-4444

info@bcvc.vet