Saying goodbye to a pet
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Remain present throughout the euthanasia process to comfort your animal, since they might seek you out if absent.
Your presence can soothe them.
- I wouldn't blame anyone for not wanting to be there, its incredibly painful having to put down a pet
- Do NOT feel bad for not being there or not being able to be there. People handle things differently
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Allow surviving pets to see and smell the deceased companion's body before burial or cremation to provide closure and prevent perpetual waiting.
Animals understand death and seeing the body helps them mourn rather than feeling abandoned; however, some pets may become distressed or freaked out by the sight.
- Some pets may become distressed or freaked out by seeing the dead body.
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Hold your pet physically, such as holding their paw or keeping them in your arms, during the procedure.
It provides reassurance and you will want to hold them afterward.
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- Hold your pet physically, such as on your lap or in your arms, during the injection to provide physical comfort.3
Offer your pet their favorite treats or foods during their final days.
- Some rich foods like ice cream and burgers may cause digestive upset.
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- Talk to your pet and reassure them of your love during their final moments.2
- Spend your pet's final days doing their favorite activities.1
Take lots of pictures and videos of your pet's quirky behaviors and noises while they are well.
You never know when you won't be able to see them again, and you will miss these things when they are gone.
one person who lived it
Bring your pet's bed and favorite toys or blankets to the appointment.
It can help calm the pet immediately.
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- Bring familiar items like blankets, toys, or a shirt worn by a loved one to the vet or home setting so the pet can smell them.5
Allow the vet to play with your pet before the procedure if they are coming to your home.
One person reported their cat fell asleep in peace after the vet played with him.
one person who lived it
Consider waiting to get a new pet until after major life changes like moving.
Pets can have trouble adjusting after getting used to a place.
one person who lived it
Use imagery like the Rainbow Bridge poem to help cope by imagining a peaceful afterlife for your pet.
It helps to imagine.
one person who lived it
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Take videos and photos extensively and make paw prints.
Videos capture mannerisms like photos can't.
one person who lived it
If home euthanasia is not an option, arrange for the procedure to take place in a location where the pet feels safe, such as a car, a favorite tree, or outside on the grass.
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- If home visits are unavailable, request that euthanasia occur outdoors or in a non-clinical space, like on sunny grass.3
If your pet gets nervous during their final appointment, try specific comforting physical actions they enjoyed, such as scrunching their ears.
One person reported that their childhood dog relaxed only after they started scrunching his ears.
one person who lived it
Plan for different scenarios regarding pet euthanasia, including having contact information for emergency or off-hours veterinarians.
One approach that helped: having plans prevents panic when unexpected situations arise, such as being unable to take a pet home or finding no local 24-hour vets.
one person who lived it
Place the pet on a blanket or their favorite pillow during the procedure.
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