Euthanasia: Saying Goodbye To Your Pet

The decision can involve many conflicting emotions, and a home can seem empty with the loss of a loving presence.

Knowing more about the process involved and what options you have can help pet owners feel a little more in control throughout the process and bring some relief at this sad time.

For some, the euthanasia appointment is a complete shock: a sudden emergency or a rapid deterioration. This is extremely difficult to deal with and not the type of situation you can prepare for.

In many cases, an appointment may be planned to have a pet put to sleep.

This can be a very difficult decision, but it is comforting to many owners to be able to give their beloved pet a peaceful, pain-free and dignified way to go.

Understanding the Decision

Choosing euthanasia is never easy. Many pet owners wrestle with feelings of guilt, doubt, and sadness, even when they know it is the kindest option.

Speaking openly with your vet about your pet’s quality of life can help bring clarity and reassurance that you are making the right decision for them.

It can also help to remind yourself that this decision is made out of love – to prevent suffering and allow your pet to pass peacefully.

A Royal Veterinary College study of over 29,000 UK dog deaths found that 91.5% were by euthanasia, with quality of life identified as the strongest factor in the decision [1]. You are not alone in facing this choice – it is the most common final act of care that owners provide for their pets.

For some owners, the hardest part is knowing that treatment was available but financially out of reach.

Having pet insurance in place earlier in a pet’s life can mean more options when a serious diagnosis arrives, and more time before this final decision has to be made. If you’re thinking about cover for a younger pet, our honest look at the value of pet insurance sets out the real-world claims data and the circumstances where a policy makes the biggest difference.

Before the appointment

If you have some time to prepare, consider taking some last photographs of your pet, give them their favourite meal or take them out to their favourite spot.

There will never be enough time to spend with our companions, but making some last pleasant memories can be very comforting.

It can be difficult to make decisions whilst grieving, so consider making a plan before the appointment itself.

Here are some helpful questions to mull over:

• Would you like anyone to accompany you?
• Would you like to take a favourite blanket or toy with your pet?
• Would you like to keep their collar afterwards, or request a small cutting of hair?
• Are you going to stay with your pet?

One of the most important questions to decide is what you will do with your pet after they have passed. There are three main options.

Firstly, you can take your pet’s body home with you for burial.

This option can be practically difficult, especially if there is wildlife such as foxes in your area.

Secondly, you can opt to have your pet cremated. This will be all arranged by your vet unless you choose to organise this yourself.

You can opt to have your pet individually cremated, with the ashes either returned to you or scattered, or you can choose a communal cremation.

There is often a significant price difference between these options, which may be worth discussing with your vet before the appointment.

Some owners prefer to pre-pay for the appointment so that they don’t have to deal with the financial side at a later stage.

Memorial Options and Keepsakes

Many owners take comfort in having something to remember their pet by. From simple framed photographs to more personalised tributes, keepsakes can play an important role in the grieving process.

You may wish to explore thoughtful options, UK specialists D for Dog provide a range of thoughtful pet urns and keepsakes, which can provide a meaningful way to honour your pet’s memory and keep them close in a way that feels right for you.

During the appointment

Your vet will understand that this is a very difficult time, and give you plenty of time to discuss your decision.

They may examine your pet, or just discuss their health with you.

The euthanasia process can vary slightly, depending on your pet’s temperament, health conditions and the vet’s preference. Sometimes, the pet is given a sedative injection first, so that they become very relaxed and sleepy.

The vet will often place a catheter/cannula into your pet’s vein, which they may do out of the room with a nurse assisting. An injection is given which causes your pet to fall into a deep sleep and then pass away.

This can happen quite rapidly, or be slower, depending on the method used.

Whether you stay with your pet is a very personal decision. Some owners prefer to say their goodbyes whilst their pet is still conscious and aware, while others prefer to stay with them until the end.

Whatever your decision, it is the right one for you, and if you decide to leave your pet will be well looked after by the veterinary team.

What to Expect Emotionally

Grief can come in waves, and there is no right or wrong way to feel after losing a pet. Some people feel overwhelming sadness immediately, while others may feel numb or even relieved that their pet is no longer suffering.

It’s important to give yourself time and space to process these emotions.

Talking to friends, family, or even a dedicated bereavement service can help you navigate this difficult period.

Everyone processes pet loss differently, and the grieving period can last longer than you might expect. Our guide to coping with the loss of a pet explores the emotional stages of grief and practical ways to look after yourself during this time.

After the euthanasia

The vet will give you some time with your pet after they pass away.

They may offer to take some hair clippings for you, or a paw-print using ink.

It is normal to grieve for our pets, and we all cope differently.

If children are part of your family, explaining what has happened in an age-appropriate way takes careful thought. Our article on helping children cope with the death of a pet offers guidance from a specialist bereavement counsellor on supporting younger family members through pet loss.

We will always have our memories of our pets, but having a keepsake can be a lovely way to remember their love and companionship.

A keepsake can be as simple as a framed photograph or drawing.

Some vets will take a paw print from your pet which can also be kept as a remembrance. You may have lovely memories of your dog in their collar and lead, and these can be kept safely as a keepsake.

You can even use a collar wrapped around a water bowl as a pot for a plant.

If your pet, or their ashes, are buried, this site can become a comforting place to remember them. Consider a plaque or a plant at the site.

If you have your pet’s ashes returned to you, they can be kept in an ornamental urn, buried or even scattered in a favourite place.

Ashes and hair can also be made into beautiful keepsakes. Many companies offer to turn ashes or hair into jewellery, keepsakes and art.

They can be combined into various materials to make beautiful keepsakes, or kept in jewellery such as a locket.

Whatever choices you make, and however you remember them, we all keep our pets in our hearts.

Common Questions About Pet Euthanasia

How will I know it is the right time to say goodbye?

There is no single answer, but most vets recommend focusing on your pet’s quality of life.

If your pet is in persistent pain, has stopped eating or drinking, can no longer do the things they enjoy, or is having more bad days than good – it may be time to have that conversation with your vet.

Many practices use quality-of-life assessment tools to help guide the decision.

Will my pet feel any pain during euthanasia?

No.

The injection used in euthanasia is an overdose of anaesthetic. Your pet will fall into a deep sleep within seconds and will not feel any pain.

Many vets administer a sedative first so your pet is already calm and relaxed before the final injection is given.

How long does the euthanasia process take?

The procedure itself is very quick – usually just a few seconds once the injection is given.

However, your vet will give you time before and after.

Most appointments allow around 30 minutes in total, so you can say goodbye, hear what will happen, and spend a few quiet moments with your pet afterwards.

Should children be present during the appointment?

This is a personal decision and depends on the age and temperament of the child.

Some families find it helpful for children to be part of the goodbye, while others prefer to let them say their farewells beforehand. If children are present, explaining what will happen in advance – in simple, honest terms – can help them feel prepared.

Our bereavement hub includes guidance on supporting children through pet loss.

Does pet insurance cover the cost of euthanasia?

Many UK pet insurance policies do cover euthanasia when it has been recommended by a vet due to illness or injury.

Cover for cremation and burial varies between providers.

It is always best to check your policy documents or contact your insurer directly to understand what is and is not included.

What support is available if I am struggling after losing my pet?

Pet bereavement is a real and valid form of grief – and there is no right or wrong timeline for it.

If you are a Perfect Pet policyholder, you can call our Pet Bereavement Line on 01922 218886 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm). The Blue Cross also offers a free pet bereavement support service.

Our guide to coping with pet loss explores the emotional stages of grief and practical ways to look after yourself during this time.

Perfect Pet Bereavement Line

If you’re a Perfect Pet policyholder and would like to talk to someone about the passing of your pet, call the Pet Bereavement Line on 01922 218886 Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm.

References

[1] Pegram, C. et al., Proportion and risk factors for death by euthanasia in dogs in the UK, Scientific Reports (2021)

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