How to prepare yourself, your family, and your pet for euthanasia.
I am often asked by families – how do we prepare for our end-of-life visit? What should we include? How can we make the euthanasia visit a good experience for us and our beloved pet?
Each family and each beloved pet will have unique requirements, but ultimately the time during this visit is about honouring your pet and your bond to one another.
Here are a few things you can do to prepare yourself and your pet before the euthanasia visit:
Days Before the Visit
Create a bucket-list of activities you would like to do with your pet and work through each item. It’s ok if you don’t finish the list! Prioritize spending quality time together in a way that makes your pet happy.
Talk about the upcoming day. Ask questions of yourself, family members and of your veterinary team.
o Make sure you know what aspects you want to include or want to make sure to avoid before the day of the appointment
o Consider your wishes for a house call visit vs. an appointment in a veterinary clinic. What needs may differ between the two?
- For an in-home visit, the veterinarian will often need assistance to the vehicle with your beloved pet – can you assist? Is there a particular location you want the veterinarian to park?
- For an in-clinic appointment, consider how you will get to the appointment and how you will get home. Can you safely transport your companion?
o How does your dog or cat usually do at the vet’s office or with strangers entering their home? Would it be kindest and safest to have some calming medications prescribed before the visit to keep your pet comfortable?
o Think about who will want to be present or would like the opportunity to say goodbye.
Learn more about the available options for aftercare, such as cremation vs. burial. Information on our cremation aftercare can be found here.
Consider the numerous ways you can memorialize your pet. Some options may need to be started when your pet is still present, while others can wait until after they have passed.
Understand the euthanasia process and be aware of the steps of the visit to feel comfortable, prepared and allow time to ask questions.
Hours Before the Visit
Keep your pet comfortable. It is preferable to keep cats and dogs in a space where they are easy to retrieve, especially for those who tend to hide. I do not recommend moving your beloved pet if they are comfortable, as we can come to them.
Create a comfortable space – in as large of an area as possible, or outdoors (weather permitting) – for all 5 senses:
o Touch: set up cozy or familiar bedding and blankets. Know that urine leakage is extremely common when selecting items. (We will supply absorbent pads, but there is still a possibility of staining on any bedding)
o Smell: provide familiar or comforting scents from candles, incense or their favourite treats/food.
o Sound: play calming sounds, like relaxing music, or have silence. Decrease distractions by turning off loud TVs and silencing phones
o Taste: give treats (if they are eating). Make sure to give their favourites, or perhaps ones they’ve rarely or never had before – chocolate, ice cream, a cheeseburger, tuna
o Sights: keep the lighting comfortable for your family and reduce any distractions. We will provide our own lighting if needed.
During the Visit
Have your family and other pets who wish to be present gather near your companion. Sometimes small children may require other distractions, so having an activity for them or arranging childcare may be required. If other pets become a distraction, they can be removed to another area of the home, but typically they should be allowed to see their friend or housemate has parted.
Know it’s ok to be emotional – your dog or cat has likely been your rock through many other life experiences and they would still be supportive of you at this time. Our veterinary team understands that grief expresses itself in so many different ways, and it’s very normal to be emotional. It is also very normal to not show emotions. If you are concerned about your feelings surrounding your pet’s passing, reach out to us or explore our resources to ensure you receive the assistance you need.
Never be afraid to ask questions of your veterinarian or their team. We are here to guide you through this process. Feel comfortable to ask for time or space at any point.
If there is anything you or your family would like to include during the euthanasia visit, reach out to us or your veterinary team to ensure your wishes can be met. This time is to honour your cherished dog or cat.
