CPR/DNR Directive

Pet CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) orders are crucial considerations when it comes to emergency medical care and end-of-life decisions. At Animal Care Center & Pet Care Center we want to help ensure you are fully informed about your options regarding the wellbeing and quality of life for your beloved companion. This documentation aims to provide you with a concise overview of these procedures and their implications.

What is Pet CPR?

Pet CPR is an emergency procedure used to revive a pet whose heart has stopped beating or who has stopped breathing. It involves a series of chest compressions, artificial respiration and medication administration to restore cardiac and/or respiratory function.

Benefits of Pet CPR

Pet CPR can provide immediate intervention in the case of cardiac or respiratory arrest. By providing chest compressions, artificial respiration and/or medication administration, Pet CPR can potentially restore circulation and breathing, increasing the chances of successful resuscitation. Effective CPR can assist in minimizing brain damage by ensuring a steady supply of oxygen to the brain and other organs, potentially buying time for further diagnostic and treatment measures to be initiated.

Risks of Pet CPR

The success rate of CPR can vary depending on various factors, including the underlying condition and the timeliness of administration. It is important to understand that successful resuscitation is not always possible, especially if the underlying cause is severe or irreversible. Performing CPR on a pet requires physical exertion and can pose a risk of injury to the pet.

What is Pet DNR?

A Pet DNR order is a personalized directive that provides instructions to veterinarians and healthcare professionals about the desired level of intervention in the event of a life-threatening emergency. It states your preference for or against resuscitation efforts on your pet.

DNR Considerations

Choosing a DNR order allows for a natural passing, avoiding interventions and medical procedures if there is a poor prognosis for recovery. Questions to consider when making this decision can include:

• Does your pet’s age, activity level, or behavior play a role in your decision-making process?
• Do religious beliefs or finances play a role in your decision-making process?
• What are your expectations about your pet’s quality of life and how does that affect your decision?
• What handicaps would you feel comfortable managing long-term in your home for your pet? Could you provide supportive care if your pet was incontinent, partially, or completely paralyzed, or required multiple medications daily?

In the event of a Medical Crisis:

I, the undersigned owner/appointed caregiver of , hereby authorize the veterinary staff of Animal Care Center & Pet Care Center, to perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. I understand that CPR may include but is not limited to chest compressions, artificial respirations and medication administration, and it is performed with the intent to restore cardiac and/or respiratory function. I understand that my pet may or may not respond to this life-saving procedure and if my pet survives because of CPR, he/she may have permanent health issues. I understand that fees associated with CPR will be determined upon its completion and that I am responsible for the payment of all fees incurred, regardless of the outcome. I also understand that it is the sole responsibility of the owner to ensure the accuracy and currency of their pet’s CPR and DNR directives in veterinary medicine. Animal Care Center and Pet Care Center, its staff and affiliated professionals shall not be held liable for any consequences arising from CPR and DNR directives that have not been updated by me, the owner.

I DO NOT want CPR performed on . I acknowledge that I am the owner/appointed caregiver of and I understand that if my pet stops breathing and/or his/her heart stops beating, that my pet will die. By signing this directive, I am declining CPR and any other resuscitative measures. I acknowledge that my decision may result in the natural death of in the event of cardiac or respiratory failure, and I accept responsibility for this outcome. I also understand that it is the sole responsibility of the owner to ensure the accuracy and currency of their pet’s CPR and DNR directives in veterinary medicine. Animal Care Center and Pet Care Center, its staff and affiliated professionals shall not be held liable for any consequences arising from CPR and DNR directives that have not been updated by me, the owner.