One of the hardest decisions you make as a pet owner is when—or if—to help your beloved companion pass on. The decision is easier for pets with a terminal illness or disease who are clearly suffering, but it can be much more difficult for pets who still have good days and a positive outlook. We recommend using our quality of life scoring tools to help reach a decision about when to enlist a veterinarian’s help with euthanasia. To help clarify the pet euthanasia process and ease your worries before deciding on the best option for your pet and your family, read our answers to the most common questions pet owners ask about euthanasia below.

What is pet euthanasia?

Euthanasia is defined as the act of humanely ending the life of a living being to end unnecessary suffering that is often the result of a serious, irreversible medical condition. Many pet owners find ending their pet’s life a moral dilemma, but euthanasia can often be viewed as a final gift to a cherished companion to end their suffering.

What is the process of pet euthanasia?

During the euthanasia process, your pet will likely be given a sedative and pain reliever to ease them into a calm and comfortable state. You can remain with your pet while they become sedated and sleepy, and hold, comfort, and talk to them as your veterinarian administers the euthanasia solution. Giving your pet time to become sedated may take 5 to 15 minutes, while the actual euthanasia portion typically takes less than 60 seconds. Keep in mind, these timeframes may differ from pet to pet based on many factors, including hydration status, underlying disease(s), pain, anxiety, etc. Be aware that your pet may urinate, defecate, or release other bodily fluids as their muscles relax after they pass. Occasionally, you may see muscle spasms or hear sounds as air and energy dissipate from their body, especially as the diaphragm relaxes, which may cause your pet to “gasp.” This can be very normal. Keep in mind also that your pet’s eyes will remain open—this characteristic is often portrayed inaccurately in movies and can be alarming if this is your first pet euthanasia.

Will euthanasia hurt my pet?

Euthanasia is a gentle process, but some pets may feel disoriented, pick up their heads, or vocalize while the euthanasia solution—generally pentobarbital—is being administered. Pentobarbital is a potent anesthesia medication that causes unconsciousness, followed by a slowing and stopping of respiration and ultimately, the heart, resulting in a peaceful death. 

Can my pet be euthanized in the comfort of our home?

Not all veterinarians offer in-home euthanasia services, and may require you to schedule the procedure at your veterinary hospital. However, your local Lap of Love veterinarian provides this compassionate option, allowing your cherished companion to pass away in the comfort of a familiar setting, surrounded by loved ones. 

What happens to my pet’s body after euthanasia?

You have several options for the aftercare of your pet’s body. Post-euthanasia options include:

• At-home burial
• Pet cemetery burial
• Communal cremation
• Private cremation

If you choose a cremation service for your pet, you may have additional options, such as whether you’d prefer fire- or water-based cremation techniques. Aftercare options are often based on your location, local crematorium policies, and burial regulations.

Whom can I talk to about euthanasia for my pet?

Deciding to euthanize your pet is an incredibly difficult decision. Still, you can reach out to your family veterinarian for guidance or discuss your options with your Lap of Love veterinarian. A vast number of resources and support groups are available to help make this choice less difficult, and speaking with pet owners who have encountered the same situation may also be helpful. 

Contact our Support Center to learn more about veterinary hospice care, in-home euthanasia, our aftercare options, and telehospice services. Our team is devoted to helping you shoulder the burden of choosing whether to euthanize your pet—reach out for our support and advice.