After years with your pet, there may come a time when you’ve to make the difficult decision to euthanize them. You may find yourself at a crossroads about whether to accompany them for the procedure, leading to the question: Should I be there when my dog is euthanized? Here are some reasons you should do so and some things to consider.
Should You Stay With Your Pet During Euthanasia?
It’s best to stay with your pet during the euthanasia process as it can alleviate their stress and discomfort. This also gives you more time to spend with your cat or dog, giving you the closure that your pet can have peaceful last moments. 
Deciding to be present during the end of a pet’s life comes with plenty of emotions. This will be a tough decision for any pet owner, so there are valid reasons why you may hesitate to be present.
Reasons Why You Should Be With Your Pet During Euthanasia
Your pet has spent their life being present with you, and you can show your love by making sure you’re there for them during the process. These are reasons why you must stay with your dog or cat before, during, and after euthanasia.
Get a Better Sense of Closure
Closure can mean different things to different people, and seeing your dogs and cats free from pain is a great reason to stay by their side. Find peace in choosing pet euthanasia, seeing your furry friend pass away peacefully can give you a sense of closure and relief.
Allow Your Pet to See Your Face for the Last Time
When someone is aware that their time on earth is drawing close, they commonly contact or see their loved ones. They want to spend the remaining time with their loved ones and closest pals. This could be their final joyful memory.
The same goes for pets. If you’re present during euthanasia, they’ll know that someone familiar and dear to them stayed with them until the end.
Avoid Regret
You may end up regretting being absent. Eventually, you may feel like you’ve let your pets down by not being there for them during their last moments. 
Give Back to Your Pet
Your cat or dog accompanied you in your best and worst moments of life. Now is your chance to do the same for your pet. Even if it’s emotionally challenging, sacrifice a bit of your time to give back to your pet.
Cope With Grief
A study about the correlation between attending pet euthanasia and complicated grief shows that 34% of owners decide to accompany their pets during the process. Meanwhile, about 50% opted not to attend.
Choosing to stay allows you to say a proper goodbye to your best friend, beginning the grieving process and finding a path toward healing. By being present, you can better cope with your emotions in the days to come.
Reasons Why You May Not Stay During Euthanasia
While there are important reasons why you should stay during your pet’s euthanasia, there are also well-considered reasons why you may feel like stepping away.
- You’re afraid of what you will see: Being present during a pet’s death can be traumatizing when done incorrectly. However, with the help of compassionate and well-trained veterinarians, the assisted end-of-life process can be a beautiful experience too.
- You feel self-conscious about showing emotions: Our veterinarians and euthanasia staff are compassionate professionals who are here to support you, never to judge. We provide a private, safe space where you can feel comfortable saying goodbye to your beloved pet. During this time, it’s truly about you and your pet — we’re here to make the experience as peaceful and respectful as possible, so you don’t need to worry about us or feel rushed in any way.
- You worry about upsetting your pet: A recent study shows that dogs have a 93% accuracy in detecting a person’s psychological stress due to breath and sweat. However, your cat or dog will be unaware of the situation. Hence, they won’t be reactive to your emotions.
What You Can Do While Accompanying Pets for Euthanasia
We aim to keep you and your pet as comfortable as possible during the process. Once you’re prepared to proceed, you can do these things to accompany your cat or dog before, during, and after euthanasia.
- Replace guilt with grace: You may feel overwhelming guilt because you’re the one who decided to make the euthanasia appointment. Remember that you’re doing your best for your pet, given the circumstances. Recognize that letting your dog or cat go allows them to experience true peace and freedom from suffering.
- Give your pet the last best day: Although saying goodbye to a cherished pet can be devastating, it can also be a joyful day. Give your dog or cat an excellent last day by preparing treats, creating a comfortable sleeping space, and surrounding them with love.
- Choose a serene space for euthanasia: Even though it’s normal to conduct euthanasia in a clinic, you have the option to do in-home services. This way, your pet can say goodbye to its favorite place, the space where your family spends the most time.
- Speak loving words: While your pet won’t completely hear or understand what you’re saying, it’s encouraging to speak soothing and loving words to your pet. Expressing your feelings might also be helpful for your child who is experiencing loss as well.
- Take the time you need: Some people need extra time to grieve after the procedure, while others leave silently. Regardless of how you react, take the time you need to mourn. Our vets and staff will never rush you; we’re here to give you all the time and space you need during this sensitive moment.
Related Questions
What Does a Dog or Cat Feel During Euthanasia?
Cats or dogs don’t feel anything while undergoing euthanasia because they are unconscious. As cited in an article published in the San Diego Tribune, home euthanasia allows pets to pass in peace. Most animals pass away peacefully because the process induces death without pain.
Can I Make Special Requests for My Pet’s Euthanasia and Burial?
Depending on the service provider, you can make special requests regarding the euthanasia process, cremation, or burial. For instance, some veterinary clinics have a strict process that you have to follow. Meanwhile, in-home services give you more freedom, especially regarding time and mementos.
What if I Can’t Handle Seeing My Pet Pass Away?
If you can’t handle seeing your pet pass away, it’s okay to step out during the procedure. Many owners feel overwhelmed, so prioritizing your emotional well-being is important. Consider seeking support from friends, family, or your veterinarian to help navigate these feelings and make the best choice for you and your pet.
Conclusion
Saying goodbye to your pet is never easy, however with a skilled Veterinarian present during in home euthanasia, you can be with your pet knowing they aren’t in pain. Being there for their final moments can be beautiful and memorable.
