We know that deciding if and when to euthanize is one of the most difficult decisions you will have to make regarding your pet's well-being. Please know that you’re not alone and that we want to make sure you feel supported and prepared when making these serious choices about your pet’s health.
Humane euthanasia is a personal decision. Our veterinarians are here to guide you and help prevent further suffering for your beloved animal. Animals live in the present and do not deserve to live with chronic pain or discomfort. Euthanasia is a way to relieve our beloved pet’s extreme suffering in the most humane way possible when other options have been exhausted.
When is the Right Time?
Using resources can support in deciding when the time is right. It is helpful to use a
quality-of-life scale or a calendar to keep track of your pet’s good days and bad days. When you notice that the bad days begin to outweigh the good days, you may want to consider humane euthanasia. The goal is to relieve pain and suffering for your animal with the most minimal technique that also causes the lowest amount of pain and distress.
If your pet is showing the following signs and after consulting with your veterinarian, there are no other viable treatment options — it may be time to consider euthanasia:
Chronic labored breathing or severe coughing
Incontinence or soiling frequently
No interest in their favorite activities
Loss of or difficulty with mobility, unable to get up and move around
No appetite — your pet has stopped eating or must be force-fed
Chronic pain that cannot be controlled with medication
To avoid euthanasia becoming an emergent and stressful experience, you may need to consider it earlier than you would have imagined. We always recommend consulting with a veterinarian if an animal appears ill.
What Should I Know and Do Before the Procedure?
If you can, make time with your pet before saying goodbye. Take them out for a special treat or for a car ride. Do something that typically brings them joy and comfort. It is also a good idea to bring a friend or family member to the euthanasia appointment to be there for support throughout and after the process.
Some people want to be with their pet when they pass, others prefer to say goodbye beforehand. This is a personal choice; there is no wrong way. If you have children, you are the best person to decide if they should be present.
In deciding to be present during the procedure, it is important to know and prepare yourself for how an animal can respond to the drugs used during euthanasia. This can include, but is not limited to agonal breathing, muscle twitches, eyes remaining open, and possible urination or defecation.
How Do I Manage After the Procedure?
Giving yourself the permission, space, and time to grieve after losing a pet is important. It is okay and recommended to reach out for support as well. There are pet loss support resources waiting to help like the
Cornell Pet Loss Support Hotline. In addition, seeking connection with loved ones who know you the best will help bring comfort during this time.
After The Procedure, You Can Choose:
Home Burial If it is supported by your local, county or state ordinances, you may bring your pet home for burial.
Private Cremation A private cremation means only your pet is cremated. Your pet will be identified with a stainless-steel ID tag; the cremains will be returned to you.
Communal Cremation A communal cremation means multiple pets are cremated together. Your pet cremains will not be returned but you can choose to have a clay paw print to memorialize your pet.
Have a Memorial for Your Pet Celebrating the life of your pet after they pass is a good way to help you and your family process grief, mark the moment, and begin to heal. You could:
Hold a formal or informal funeral service for friends and family
Bury your pet’s body or spread ashes in a special location.
Place your pet’s ashes in an urn and put it in a special place at home with a photo
Our veterinary staff can help you understand your pet’s current quality of life so you can make the best choice about end-of-life care. We will explain the euthanasia process and how we will keep your beloved animal comfortable and relaxed during the process.
