If you wish to be present with your
pet during the euthanasia procedure, we recommend contacting your pet's primary veterinarian to inquire about this service.
There are some unpleasant things that can
occur during a euthanasia, so it's important to be aware of them, so they won't alarm or scare you if they do happen.
Whether or not children should be present
during euthanasia very much depends on factors such as the age and maturity of the child as well as their individual personality.
Regardless of whether you choose burial or cremation, if you've chosen to be with your
cat during euthanasia, make sure that your veterinarian allows you plenty of time to be with your cat's body so you can say your final good - bye at your own pace.
As a vet tech, I assisted in the euthanasia of hundreds of pets; I've also supported friends, family, and clients
during the euthanasia of their pets, and was present when all of my own animals passed.
As your pet's best and most trusted friend, it is logical to think that you being there will provide your pet with the maximum amount of comfort possible; some owners that are not present
during euthanasia go on to feel a considerable sense of guilt that they abandoned their pet during their final moments.
Please note: Pet owners are able to stay with their pet in the grieving room to say their final goodbyes, but due to staffing limitations and insurance requirements, pet owners are not able to
stay during the euthanasia procedure.
Making the decision to say goodbye to a beloved pet is stressful, and your anxiety can often be exacerbated if you do not know what to
expect during the euthanasia procedure.
In our veterinary clinic, we often used Rose and Frankincense Essential
Oils during euthanasia procedures, and noticed huge benefits to all involved.
The stories were difficult to recount (they are described in «Pet Euthanasia Gone Wrong»), but as a tribute to these animals, who didn't get the painless, peaceful end they were entitled to, I'd like to warn others about the things that can potentially go
wrong during euthanasia.
I want to stand at the edge of the world and scream, «No animal should suffer pain and terror at the end of her
life during euthanasia, at the hands of a veterinarian!»
You and your pet can visit in quiet rooms with couches or teak benches, or you may choose to sit with your pet outside on our lawn on a
blanket during the euthanasia.
Deciding whether you want to be with your
cat during the euthanasia, or whether you simply can't bear to see the final moment of your beloved cat's passing, is a highly personal choice.
In addition, many of our families have brought music to play, or have sung to their animals, and brought momentos or favorite items to have present
during euthanasia.
There are examples of inter and intra species grief that lead some to believe that offering other pets the opportunity to be present
during euthanasia or being able to visit the deceased body afterward can be of benefit.
During the euthanasia, your pet is given a medication in their IV catheter.
You may opt to stay with your pet
during the euthanasia or step out of the room.
If you would like to accompany your pet
during the euthanasia, please contact your regular veterinarian to schedule an appointment.
Decide who else (if anyone) you would like to have present
during the euthanasia.
If you can not bear to leave your cat in the care of the veterinarian only, think about asking a friend or a parent who knows your cat to please stay with your cat
during the euthanasia.
There is much to be said for you being present
during the euthanasia.
Although there are no hard and fast rules, in general it is recommended to stay with your pet
during euthanasia.
Another consideration may be deciding who else (if anyone) you would like to have present
during the euthanasia.
Furthermore being present
during euthanasia will allow you to witness that it was quick and peaceful and therefore eliminate any worry about how distressing your pet's final moments were.