Understanding companion animal euthanasia - Your guide for making preparations

At Mulberry Lane, our in-home veterinary practice takes a compassionate approach to end-of-life care and humane pet euthanasia that is sensitive to the significant role your pet plays in your life. We honour your relationship and your strong bond.

Our goal is to keep pets feeling comfortable for as long as possible and to allow them to express as many of their preferred behaviours for as long as they can. We are also sensitive to the capacities and limitations caregivers have when providing care for ailing pets.

It’s not an easy decision

Making the decision to say goodbye to a special friend is very hard and can be very complicated. Take your time. Think about what is important to you, your pet, and everyone who loves them. And thank you for the care and devotion you’ve given throughout your pet’s life.

Euthanasia is the act of humanely ending an animal’s life. Most often, euthanasia is achieved by administering an anesthetic overdose that will quickly and gently end all life functions (often in under two minutes). Ask questions as you need and trust we have your pet’s best interest at heart. The procedure will help your pet pass peacefully, with little to no pain or anxiety. Euthanasia means ‘good death’. To help facilitate this peacefulness, we will administer a sedative first to induce sleep.

Decision-making

Take your time. Think about what is important to you, your pet, and everyone who loves them

Knowing when the time may be right for euthanasia is very complicated. Your pet’s overall comfort and quality of life will be important to consider. Options in medical care and your ability to provide for their daily care must be reviewed. When no more options are available to prevent suffering, euthanasia becomes a very kind way to release them from their body. Many decisions will need to be made. We are there to help guide and support you through the process.

Memorialization

You may choose to include special features in your pet’s euthanasia including candles, special reading, music, ceremonial rites, paw print or clipping of fur or hair.

Planning and preparations

Reflect on who you want present for your pet’s passing: children, other pets, extended family members or friends. Everyone is welcome but no one is ever made to stay. You may decide to remain present or step away.

The time to choose euthanasia is a combination of when the pet is ready and when those who want to attend are available. Some people want a particular time of day or day of the week. We will schedule and find a time that works best for everyone, keeping in mind your pet’s health and what is best for them. Euthanasia appointments typically are 60 minutes long. You may want more or less time to say goodbye.

Euthanasia can occur wherever we’re able to gather. Safety, security, and comfort will be important. Location options include the home, backyard, in a garden, or other safe space. When choosing a location, consider such factors as weather, privacy, and post-euthanasia body handling.

Memorialize your pet by choosing something meaningful to you and your family.

Aftercare preparations

Together, we can discuss how best to arrange for your pet’s body care. Options may include communal or private cremation, a necropsy, or we can leave the remains for personal disposition/burial. Finalizing details before euthanasia will minimize decision-making after.

Considerations for children

Children may ask to be present for the euthanasia of their pet. This is very normal and acceptable in most instances. Parents will have to decide if it’s best to have their children witness.

Regardless, children should be offered the truth about what is taking place. Euphemisms like ‘put to sleep’ or ‘passed on’ can be confusing and complicate their understanding.

It is best to speak slowly and honestly about the process. Knowing what is taking place can lessen fears of the unknown.

Considerations for other pets

It is acceptable to have other pets present during the death of a companion during an in-home euthanasia.

Some may recognize death has occurred while others may not, or at least not show it in ways we sense. Studies show animals have the capacity to mourn the loss of a companion.

Grief support

It is important to take care of yourself before, during, and after the euthanasia of your beloved pet. Surround yourself with people who understand your bond and how difficult this loss may be. We will provide you with pet loss resources to assist you in your grief. Remember you are not alone. Your pet is special, and their loss may be overwhelming. They’re a member of your family.

Options beyond euthanasia

There may be conflict within your group of caregivers regarding when the time is right for euthanasia. It is good to explore all options in palliative (non-curative / comfort care) medicine and consider everyone’s goals and concerns. If euthanasia is not acceptable based on religious, spiritual, or personal preferences, talk with us about hospice care.

More information

If you’d like more information or would like to book an appointment, contact Mulberry Lane. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Special thanks to the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy for making this information available.