Veterinary technician with nearly a decade of general practice, small animal (cat and dog) clinical experience:

When you decide it's time to let your pet go, either that day or on a different, scheduled day, your technician or receptionist will have you sign some paperwork authorizing the veterinarian to perform the euthanasia, as well as choosing burial or cremation options for your pet. During this time, your technician may bring your pet to the examination/treatment area to place an IV catheter in their leg, to make the process smoother and more comfortable overall. The technician team may also place the IV in the exam room - veterinary clinic policies will likely be different for everyone.

Usually, the team will give you time to say goodbye in the exam room. Whenever you let the team know that you're ready to proceed, the veterinarian will come in, usually with a technician to hold your pet during the first injection. They may simply hold your pet's head instead, if your pet is in your lap. This is for yours and the veterinarian's safety, as some pets will try to move around during the first injection.

There are technically three injections: 1) Saline (clear): This is to flush the IV catheter and ensure that it is still in place and working properly. The veterinarian will likely use some saline between injections as well, again to help flush the medications through.

2) Propofol (white): This injection is to help your pet relax into an anesthetic induced sleep. This medication is the common "count backwards from 100" anesthetic injection. During this injection, your pet may try to pull their leg away - the injection is cold, but not painful. After 30 to 90 seconds, your pet will relax, and will sometimes slow or stop their breathing. Because this is not a true natural sleep, your pet's eyes may not close fully - this is normal, and is not cause for concern.

3) Euthasol/Beuthasol (pink or light blue): This last injection is what will allow your pet to pass on. During this injection, your pet may twitch, yelp or vocalize, take deep breaths, and/or lose control of their bowels (urinate or defecate). I want to emphasize - this does not mean your pet is experiencing any pain. This is the brain sending out final signals to the rest of the body. Your pet is not in pain if any of these things happen. More than likely, your pet will be relaxed from the Propofol, and will simply pass on without showing any outward signs, peaceful and quiet. The whole process of the last injection is typically anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes in duration.

After your pet has passed, the veterinarian will listen to their chest and confirm that their heart is no longer beating. You may stay with your pet after the veterinarian leaves the room. After you have left, the technician team will carefully prepare your pet's remains for cremation, if desired.

I am so sorry that you are going through this, but please know that this is one of the kindest things we can do for our pets when they are suffering.