Veterinary Euthanasia and End-of-Life Care Quality Checklist
Euthanasia requires precise technique, complete DEA documentation, and compassionate client support. This checklist ensures every euthanasia procedure meets AVMA guidelines, regulatory requirements, and client expectations.
- Industry: Veterinary
- Frequency: Per Euthanasia Procedure
- Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes
- Role: Veterinarian / Technician
- Total Items: 36
Client Consent and Communication
Ensure proper client consent and communication.
- Written informed consent obtained from authorized owner?
- Owner's preference to be present or absent documented?
- Client offered support or private time before and after procedure?
- Aftercare option selected and documented (private cremation, communal, burial)?
- Fees discussed and understood by client before procedure?
- Client advised others may wish to be present if applicable?
Compassionate Environment
Prepare a compassionate environment for the procedure.
- Quiet, private room prepared with comfortable flooring or blankets?
- Room reserved - no interruptions from other staff?
- Soft or natural lighting rather than harsh clinical lighting?
- Adequate time allocated - appointment not rushed?
- Tissues and water available for client?
- Children present: age-appropriate communication and preparation offered?
Pre-Euthanasia Sedation
Verify pre-euthanasia sedation protocol.
- Pre-euthanasia sedation offered for anxious patients?
- Pre-sedation drug, dose, route, and time documented?
- Adequate sedation achieved before IV catheter placement?
- IV catheter placed and patency confirmed before euthanasia solution administration?
- IV catheter flushed with saline to confirm placement?
- Patient comfortable and in a dignified position before administration?
Euthanasia Procedure Confirmation
Confirm cardiac arrest after euthanasia solution administration.
- AVMA-acceptable method used per species and size?
- Cardiac arrest confirmed by auscultation minimum 1-2 minutes after administration?
- Absence of respiratory movements confirmed?
- Absence of corneal reflex confirmed?
- Deceased patient handled with dignity and covered?
- Client offered private time with pet after confirmation?
DEA Controlled Drug Documentation
Document pentobarbital use per DEA requirements.
- Controlled drug log updated with: patient name, drug, dose, lot number?
- Two-person check of pentobarbital vial and dose drawn?
- Any pentobarbital waste documented in log?
- Running balance in log reconciled after procedure?
- Controlled drug cabinet relocked after medication retrieved?
- Pentobarbital not pre-drawn until immediately before administration?
Aftercare and Client Follow-Up
Coordinate aftercare and client support.
- Aftercare arrangements confirmed with cremation or burial service?
- Memorial items (paw print, fur clipping) offered if requested?
- Condolence card or message sent within 1 week?
- Pet loss support resources provided (hotlines, books) if needed?
- Certificate of death or euthanasia provided if requested?
- Medical record complete with consent, procedure, and aftercare documented?
Related Veterinary Checklists
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Veterinary Care and Compliance Checklist
- Equine Reproduction and Breeding Veterinary Safety Checklist
- Veterinary Practice Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Plan Checklist
- Aquatic Animal Veterinary Practice and Fish Health Safety Checklist
- Animal Shelter Medicine and High-Volume Intake Safety Checklist
- Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery Safety Compliance Checklist
- New Puppy and Kitten Wellness Examination Protocol Checklist
- Veterinary Telemedicine Consultation Standards and Compliance Checklist
Related Clinical Operations Checklists
- Veterinary Exam Room Turnover and Sanitation Checklist - FREE Download
- Veterinary Anesthesia Machine Daily Safety Check Checklist - FREE Download
- Veterinary Surgical Pack Preparation and Sterilization Checklist - FREE Download
- Veterinary Dental Procedure Safety and Equipment Checklist - FREE Download
- Veterinary Infectious Disease Isolation Protocol Checklist - FREE Download
- Veterinary Practice DEA Controlled Substance Compliance Checklist - FREE Download
- Veterinary Spay and Neuter Surgical Protocol Safety Checklist - FREE Download
- Veterinary ICU Patient Monitoring and Critical Care Checklist - FREE Download
- Large Animal Veterinary Practice Safety and Handling Checklist - FREE Download
- Feline Low-Stress Handling and Fear-Free Examination Checklist - FREE Download
Why Use This Veterinary Euthanasia and End-of-Life Care Quality Checklist?
This veterinary euthanasia and end-of-life care quality checklist helps veterinary teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for veterinarian / technician professionals, this checklist covers 36 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per euthanasia procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Veterinary Euthanasia and End-of-Life Care Quality Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 36 inspection items across 6 sections: Client Consent and Communication, Compassionate Environment, Pre-Euthanasia Sedation, Euthanasia Procedure Confirmation, DEA Controlled Drug Documentation, Aftercare and Client Follow-Up. It is designed for veterinary operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed per euthanasia procedure. Each completion takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
Who should use this Veterinary Euthanasia and End-of-Life Care Quality Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Veterinarian / Technician professionals in the veterinary industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.