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Is Pet Euthanasia the Right Choice? What You Need to Know

By: Claire Beutel • 3 cited sources • Updated Oct 17, 2024

Deciding whether it’s time to euthanize a beloved pet is one of the hardest choices a pet owner will have to make. Whether your pet is facing end-of-life severely diminished quality-of-life due to old age or unrecoverable medical issues, pet euthanasia is a humane way to keep your pet from suffering needlessly.

Key Takeaways

• Pet euthanasia is a humane option to end a pet’s suffering and pain due to severe illness or old age.
• Signs indicating a pet’s distress include difficulty in mobility, loss of appetite, unusual behavior, and incontinence.
• Consulting with a veterinarian is crucial to make an informed decision about euthanasia.
• Understanding the euthanasia process and what to expect can help pet owners prepare emotionally and make necessary arrangements.

Understanding Pet Euthanasia & Why It’s Necessary

If your pet’s quality of life is significantly compromised, your veterinarian may recommend pet euthanasia (also called “putting your pet to sleep” or “putting your pet down”) as a peaceful way to end your pet’s pain and suffering. According to Krystal Newberry, a licensed social worker and former certified vet technician from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, the word euthanasia literally translates to ‘good death’ in Greek^[1]. In most cases, pet euthanasia is performed by injecting a painless, death-inducing drug into an animal. The process of a pet’s euthanasia involves compassionate support and guidance from veterinarians to ensure families are prepared and supported throughout the decision-making process. It’s understandable that pet parents struggle with making this difficult decision, however in many cases it can be the best option for the pet and the pet owner.

How Much Does Pet Euthanasia Cost?

Pet euthanasia services are fairly affordable, though the cost will depend on various factors such as the type of animal being euthanized, the method of euthanasia, location, and additional services like cremation or burial. Your veterinarian will be able to provide accurate pricing based on your specific needs.

How Will I Know When It’s Time to Put My Pet Down?

Many pet parents often have questions about when it is time to euthanize a pet. If your pet isn’t able to engage in normal activities it once enjoyed, such as going for walks or playing fetch, or you’ve started to notice unusual behavior, your pet may be experiencing discomfort. While the signs of distress will vary from pet to pet, there are some universal signs that may indicate something is wrong. If you notice any of the symptoms listed below in your pet, be sure to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for a check-up.

Signs Your Beloved Pet May be in Distress

• Difficulty in mobility and performing regular daily activities
• Loss of appetite or noticeable weight loss
• Being withdrawn and quiet or hiding
• Acting out in aggression in unusual situations
• Restlessness and being unable to get comfortable
• Random crying or yelping
• Excessive panting, shaking or vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Incontinence or going to the bathroom in unusual places

What if My Pet is Critically Injured or Terminally Ill?

If your pet has been critically injured or diagnosed with a terminal illness, your vet may recommend treatment options that can prolong the life of your dog, cat, or other animal through surgery, ongoing medical procedures, or regular medication. Such treatments can be financially and emotionally challenging, which are valid concerns when deciding if euthanasia is the right route to go. Moreover, if you feel its quality of life has been sufficiently compromised, then you may need to consider whether prolonging the animal’s suffering is the “right” thing to do.

Human Health and Safety Concerns

If an animal presents a significant risk to human health and safety or the safety of other animals through disease or aggressive behavior, euthanasia may be a sensible, even necessary, decision^[2].

Consulting With Your Veterinarian

Before making a final choice about what’s in your pets’ best interest, it’s important to seek the opinion of a veterinary professional. Veterinarians work with dogs, cats, and various other animals every day, and they understand the special bond you share with your pet and can help you make the best decision for your furry family member. While your vet can offer recommendations and help guide you in your decision, the choice to euthanize your pet is ultimately yours. Just remember that as long as you have your pet’s best interest in mind, you will be making the right choice.

What to Expect Before the Euthanasia Procedure

If you have determined euthanasia is the best option after consulting with your veterinarian, there are a few things to expect.

• Your vet will ask you to sign an authorization form, permitting the procedure to happen.
• You’ll want to decide whether you would like to be present during the procedure. Sometimes pet parents invite close friends and family members to the appointment for emotional support. Your presence can also be comforting to your pet during their final moments.
• Your veterinarian may ask you if you would prefer in-home pet euthanasia. This option can be beneficial because it allows your pet to be put down in a comfortable environment which may reduce stress in their final moments.
• You will be asked what you’d like to do with your pet’s remains. Some pet owners wish to take the pet’s body home with them for a private burial, while others opt for cremation and ask to have the ashes returned to them. The pet’s cremation ashes will be handled with care and returned to you, ensuring that you have a keepsake of your beloved pet.
• You will likely have the option of paying for the procedure up front. This is often recommended so you don’t have to worry about payment on your pet’s final day.

What to Expect During the Euthanasia Process

Knowing what to expect when you walk into your pet’s euthanasia appointment can help you prepare emotionally for what’s to come. Whether you choose to have the euthanasia procedure at-home or in a clinic, the procedure usually follows the steps below.

• Your veterinarian will take you to a quiet room, often away from other animals and loud noises. Your pet can either be placed on a medical table with a soft blanket or you may have the option to hold them during the procedure. Your vet may then ask you to let them know when you are ready for the procedure to begin.
• Pre-euthanasia drugs such as sedatives and tranquilizers may be required to ensure safe and human handling of animals before the euthanasia procedure. This is particularly true if an animal is fractious, aggressive or fearful^[2].
• A lethal injection of a barbiturate anesthetic (sodium pentobarbital) will be administered intravenously to your pet. They will slowly lose consciousness and pass away without causing your pet any pain, distress or anxiety^[3].

In virtually all cases, the pet will lose consciousness and simply drift peacefully and painlessly away within a very short time, a matter of seconds.^[3]

Fred Scott, DVM, PhD, Former Director of Cornell University’s Feline Health Center

What to Expect After Your Pet’s Euthanasia

Once the ethanasia has been administered, your veterinarian will listen to your pet’s heart to confirm they have passed away. During this time they may step out of the room to give you privacy during the final moments with your pet. This can be a very emotional time. Try to remember that you are in a safe environment where everyone understands the hardship you are going through. 

Once you are satisfied with your final goodbye, your veterinarian will come back in and handle your pet’s remains. If you predetermined the aftercare of your pet, your vet will take care of the rest. If you’ve already made payment arrangements, you can simply head home when you’re ready.

Coping with Having to Put Your Beloved Pet to Rest

Grieving the loss of a deceased pet will be a rollercoaster of emotions. The process of grief looks different for everyone and it’s important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to grieve the loss of a pet. There are several ways to memorialize your pet to keep their memory in your heart forever. If you find yourself struggling emotionally, seek support from a professional grief counselor or pet loss support group.

Compassionate Choices for Our Furry Friends

Deciding to euthanize your pet is an emotionally challenging decision but it can be the most compassionate choice when faced with their severe illness or decline in quality of life. By recognizing the signs of distress, consulting with veterinary professionals, and understanding the euthanasia process, pet owners can ensure their pets experience a peaceful and pain-free end. It’s a deeply personal decision, but one made with the pet’s best interests at heart, providing them with a dignified and humane farewell.