Why We Ask About CPR: Informed Consent and Your Pet’s Safety

No one wants to imagine their beloved pet facing a critical medical emergency. Thankfully, these situations are rare — but they can happen. In cases of severe illness, hospitalization, or even during anesthesia, pets can sometimes experience cardiac (heart) or respiratory (breathing) arrest.

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At our hospital, your pet’s safety is always our top priority. While anesthesia-related deaths occur in less than 0.5% of cases annually, and our team follows strict protocols to minimize all risks, unforeseen emergencies can still arise. That’s why we ask every client about their wishes regarding CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) when their pet is undergoing anesthesia or hospitalization.

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We understand that being asked about CPR can feel sudden or upsetting. Please know that our goal is never to worry you — it's to ensure you are fully informed and that, in the rare event of an emergency, we can act immediately according to your wishes.

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What Does Emergency Resuscitation Mean?

If a patient suffers cardiac or respiratory arrest (the heart stops beating or breathing ceases), CPR involves:

• Chest compressions to manually stimulate the heart.

• Emergency medications like epinephrine (adrenaline), often administered through an IV catheter (placed routinely in anesthetic cases).

• Manual ventilation — using a breathing tube and oxygen to assist or replace breathing efforts.

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CPR can sometimes successfully restart the heart and breathing, particularly in young, otherwise healthy pets. However, overall survival rates remain low — only about 5% of pets who experience cardiac arrest fully recover.

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It is absolutely okay if you choose not to authorize CPR (a "Do Not Resuscitate" or DNR order). Many factors — including age, existing health conditions, or personal values — play into this decision.

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Whatever you decide, we are here to answer any questions you have, to provide guidance, and to respect your choices.

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Understanding Your Options

When discussing CPR status, we typically offer these options:

• Full CPR: Our team will begin resuscitation efforts immediately if needed, whether your pet is under anesthesia or hospitalized.

• Do Not Resuscitate (DNR): No resuscitation efforts will be made if your pet's heart or breathing stops.

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Choosing in advance helps prevent delays if an emergency happens and ensures your pet receives care consistent with your wishes.

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Why Is Informed Consent Important?

As part of our commitment to ethical veterinary practice, we must obtain informed consent before performing any treatment, including CPR.

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The Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA) requires that informed consent must:

• Be voluntary and given without pressure.

• Include a clear explanation of the risks, benefits, and potential outcomes of treatment options.

• Be documented in writing, including your choice about CPR.​

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Our team will thoroughly discuss the options with you and ensure you feel supported in making the decision that's right for you and your pet.

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What We Do to Minimize the Risk of Emergencies

Our preventive measures include:

• Comprehensive pre-anesthetic physical exams.

• Bloodwork to assess internal organ function.

• Specialist referrals if any concerns (like heart disease) are detected.

• Close anesthetic monitoring with state-of-the-art equipment and highly trained staff.

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We work hard to prevent emergencies — but being prepared just in case ensures your pet receives the best possible care.

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Let’s Talk About It

We encourage you to discuss your wishes with your family and your veterinarian before your pet’s procedure or hospital stay. Preparing ahead of time makes a stressful situation a little less overwhelming and allows our team to act quickly, giving your pet the best possible chance.

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We know it’s a difficult topic, but together, we can ensure that your pet’s care always aligns with your values and decisions.

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If you have any questions or concerns about CPR or informed consent, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help — every step of the way.