Preparing for euthanasia: Giving your pet a peaceful last day

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the most emotional and heartwrenching experiences a family can face. At Vets at Home, we understand how important this day is, for you and for your pet. And we know how many conflicting emotions arise along with it.

We also don't think talking about it should be taboo. So we've written this guide to sit alongside you.

It's here to help you make saying goodbye as peaceful, comfortable, and dignified as possible. And to prepare you for what to expect so it doesn't feel like wandering into the unknown, full of questions you might be afraid to ask.

Grief is unavoidable, you feel it because you care deeply

We know after hearing from thousands of people grieving the loss of a pet that grief doesn't wait to arrive. And guilt can all too often accompany it - and that applies almost universally.

People who were in the minority whose pets passed naturally felt it. People who said goodbye at the vets felt it. And people who said goodbye at home weren't spared the difficult conflicting emotions that arise.

What we do know is that 98% of people who had the choice of saying goodbye at home would do the same in the future. And while it's not always possible, we believe everybody should be informed of their options.

Whether you're reading this after saying goodbye or preparing for it, there is no right or wrong. The emotions that rise are valid and they're yours, but you're not alone with them. And if you feel numb, you're not alone in that either.

If you're reading this, you care deeply. You're making every effort to ensure your pet is at peace, comfortable, and given dignity in their hardest moments.

Preparing for the final day

If you know in advance that your goodbye is on the horizon, there are things you can do to make your final time together special. Despite this being a monumentally hard period, there is a bit of good news…

The usual rules are off the table.

In the days leading up to your goodbye, your pet can indulge a bit more freely in their favourite meals if their appetite allows - and lay down for a blissful full bellied snooze.

For the more 'elicit' treats, it's best to save them until the vet has arrived with you.

Things like chocolate, a slice or two of pizza maybe, or even a mini roast dinner are a lovely treat to give your pet, but you don't want them suffering an upset tummy or other difficulties before the vet arrives. Our vets are very happy to support you while your loved one indulges in some extra special pleasures.

It might help to remember that while you know they're getting these special treats because it's a sad day, your pet has no clue.

Of course, for some animals at this stage, their appetite has diminished significantly - but food isn't the only way to treat your loved one.

Small things like getting their favourite blanket or toy, or spending time with them in their favourite spot are just as special. No distractions, nowhere to be - but fully present by their side.

Favourite people are another special treat. Your pet might have beloved family members or friends who they'd enjoy a visit from - and your loved ones may also appreciate the opportunity to say goodbye.

Choosing the right place

If you have the choice of home euthanasia, you can choose a place where your pet feels most at ease and at peace. That might be a sunny spot in the garden, on an armchair, or in your arms. If your pet is most at peace on your bed, that's a choice you can make too.

At Vets at Home, our vets will adapt and accommodate so your pet feels safe, comfy, and at ease in their final moments.

Get logistics out of the way

When saying goodbye to a deeply loved family member, nobody wants to have to deal with making decisions or handling logistics. At Vets at Home, we always explore your wishes before your appointment, so we can handle all arrangements for you. This is important because it means you can focus wholly on being present with your pet when it matters.

What happens when a pet is euthanised?

For our at-home euthanasia appointments, we agree a time and attending vet in advance. You'll know who's coming and when, what it costs, and you'll be kept informed if traffic causes any delays.

Your vet will arrive with plenty of time, so you're never rushed and have all the time you need. They'll answer your questions gently and honestly, and sit beside you for as long as you'd like them to.

The euthanasia is carried out with two injections. The first is a sedative to relax your pet, the second peacefully stops the heart. Your pet should feel no pain and won't know they're being euthanised.

Occasionally there may be some muscle twitches or spasms. But rest assured your pet is not conscious and these are involuntary and normal reactions from the body.

We recommend saying your final goodbyes before the first injection, and then holding your pet or sitting close.

Should other pets be present?

It's best for any other pets to be out of the room for the actual euthanasia, this allows you and your vet to focus wholly on the pet who needs the most attention. Allowing other pets into the room afterwards can help them make sense of what's happened so they can begin their own grieving process.

Should children be present?

This is a family decision and it's worth speaking to your children about beforehand. Gently but honestly walk them through what to expect and give them a choice as to whether they'd like to be present.

For some children, they want to be there to say goodbye. For others, they may prefer to say their goodbyes but not be present. There is no right or wrong. At Vets at Home our vets are happy to spend time talking to younger family members in an age appropriate manner to help them process what's happening.

You can find more tips for talking to children about pet loss here.

Take all the time you need

By far the biggest sadness we hear from people who've loved and lost is not having enough time to say goodbye. They may have felt rushed or embarrassed by their grief, and later regret that they didn't have longer by their pet's side.

At Vets at Home, we'll never rush you. You have as long as you need before, during, and after the appointment so you can go at your pace. Our aftercare services are coordinated to your wishes, so you can have time alone together if you'd like.

What to do in the days that follow

Saying goodbye, even when peaceful, can be immeasurably hard. If you can, arrange to take some days off from work or relieve yourself of responsibilities.

There is no standard length of time you're 'allowed' to grieve. The loss of a loved one is not less because it's not a person, so give yourself permission to take as much time as you need.

Some people find it helpful to look over old photographs or happy memories, or to compile a photo album. Some people choose a beautiful memorial casket for their loved ones ashes. Some people have a portrait painted. Some people plant a tree or a plant. Some people visit a special place to spend time thinking about their loved one.

Those are just some ideas, but everybody's grief and preferences are different. There is no right or wrong, just what feels comforting to you.

Pet Loss Support

The Blue Cross Pet Loss Support offers a free and confidential helpline (0800 096 6606) and live webchat, available every day from 8:30am to 8:30pm.

You can find an accredited, local pet bereavement specialist or therapist through the Association of Pet Bereavement Counsellors, which hosts a comprehensive directory of professionals.