Why a Resuscitation Code for Your Pet Matters – Preparedness, Not Panic
At Tufts Veterinary Emergency Treatment & Specialties (Tufts VETS), we understand how deeply our clients love their pets. They’re family, and when a medical emergency strikes, every second matters. That’s why one of the most important things we do when your pet comes to our hospital is ask about resuscitation or CPR preferences—what we call a "resuscitation code."
Photo courtesy of RECOVERinitiative.org
Why It Matters- Advocating for Your Pet
In human medicine, patients or their healthcare proxies have conversations with doctors about code status during hospital stays. It’s considered a standard part of care planning, especially in critical settings. In veterinary medicine, it should be no different. You are your pet’s voice. By thinking ahead and discussing resuscitation preferences, you are taking a powerful step in advocating for their care.
Asking for a resuscitation code is not meant to alarm you. It’s not because we anticipate something bad will happen. It’s about preparation. Emergencies are unpredictable by nature. No one plans for their pet to collapse or stop breathing. Yet if it happens, our team must act immediately—within seconds—to try to save your pet. Knowing your wishes before a crisis occurs ensures your pet receives care that aligns with your values and expectations.
Think of it as a seatbelt. We hope we never need it, but it’s there just in case. Similarly, having a resuscitation code in place doesn’t mean your pet is in imminent danger—it means we are ready to act, with clarity and confidence, if the need arises.
At Tufts VETS, we see this discussion not as a warning—but as a partnership. You trust us with your pet’s life. We owe it to you to be ready, informed, and respectful of your wishes at every step.
CPR in Pets – What It Looks Like
Veterinary CPR isn’t identical to human CPR, but many of the principles are the same. When a pet goes into cardiopulmonary arrest, our trained teams jump into action using the latest evidence-based protocols.
- Closed Chest CPR involves chest compressions, assisted ventilation, and emergency medications, and can be performed for up to 20 minutes.
- Open Chest CPR may be initiated if compressions are not effective, if it is a large dog, or if there is disease in the chest cavity (fluid or air). It requires opening the chest cavity to access the heart directly.
These interventions are intense, and while they can be lifesaving, they also have varying outcomes depending on the pet’s condition, underlying disease, and how quickly CPR is started.
What Is a Resuscitation Code?
A resuscitation code is a directive you give us regarding how far you want our medical team to go in trying to revive your pet if their heart stops beating or they stop breathing (an arrest). During an arrest, the veterinary care team will run a code which consists of performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR. These are critical, high-stress moments, and having your decisions made in advance helps us focus entirely on delivering the care you’ve chosen, without delay or confusion.
At Tufts VETS, we use a three-tiered color-coded system to make this simple:
- Green Code – Full Resuscitation: In the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest, we will pursue all available measures to revive your pet. This includes closed chest CPR (chest compressions and assisted ventilation), open chest CPR (surgical access to the heart), and cardiac massage. This mode of resuscitation is particularly important for large dogs or those with certain diseases (air and fluid in the chest cavity).
- Yellow Code – Standard Resuscitation: This is our default level of intervention unless otherwise directed. We will perform closed chest CPR including chest compressions, oxygen support, emergency drugs, and monitoring to try and restart your pet’s heart and breathing.
- Red Code – Do Not Resuscitate (DNR): In this case, you’ve instructed us not to perform CPR or any resuscitative efforts. We will continue to provide compassionate supportive care but will not intervene further.
A Note on DNR (Do Not Resuscitate)
Choosing a Red Code does not mean we stop caring for your pet. Quite the opposite. It means we respect your choice to allow natural death if an arrest occurs, while continuing to provide supportive and palliative care. Pain relief, comfort, and dignity remain our top priorities.
For some families, especially those managing terminal illness or end-of-life decisions, a DNR reflects a thoughtful and compassionate decision about quality of life.
Making an Informed Decision
We know this can be a heavy topic. Thinking about your pet in a life-threatening situation is not easy and talking about resuscitation can feel overwhelming. But you’re not alone in making these decisions. Our team is here to support and guide you through the process with compassion and transparency.
There are a few factors to consider when choosing a resuscitation code:
- Your pet’s overall health and prognosis
- What level of intervention you are comfortable with
- Your beliefs and values around quality of life
- Financial and emotional considerations
There is no “right” or “wrong” answer. What matters is that the decision is yours, and it reflects what you believe is best for your pet. There is no judgement.
If you’re unsure, ask questions. That’s what we’re here for. Any member of your pet’s healthcare team—emergency doctors, specialists, technicians—can talk you through what each code means, what CPR entails, and what the likely outcomes may be, as well as potential associated costs.
We’re Here for You
No one knows your pet like you do. And no one can make these decisions better than you. Our job at Tufts VETS is to make sure you understand the options, feel empowered to choose, and have our full support no matter your decision.
This is not a decision you have to make alone or in a vacuum. We are available to talk through scenarios, answer your questions, and help you feel confident in your choice.
Final Thoughts
Emergencies are hard. Talking about resuscitation is hard. But not knowing what to do in a crisis is even harder. By having a resuscitation code in place, you give your pet the best chance—whether that’s through life-saving CPR or through a peaceful passing in accordance with your values.
If you have questions, concerns, or just need to talk through your options, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here for you. That’s why we do what we do.
Your pet’s care is a team effort—and you’re at the center of it.