Euthanasia (often referred to as “put to sleep” or “put down”) is the humane termination of an animal’s life. In the Greek language it means ‘good death’ as it’s a gentle method of relieving an animal’s suffering. Putting pets to sleep is a difficult time for pet owners, but it’s not something to feel afraid or guilty about.

How Do I Decide When is the Right Time to Euthanise My Pet?

Deciding when to put your beloved pet to sleep is a difficult decision. Pet euthanasia is a last resort, when no other care can be given to prevent suffering, or their quality of life is being affected. It may be time to euthanise your pet if it's experiencing one or more of the following:

• Unable to stand or move safely
• Untreatable pain and suffering
• Unable to eat or drink
• Unable to empty bowels/bladder without pain or they’re incontinent
• Struggling to breathe properly
• Loss of senses causing decreased activity

There are other aspects to take into consideration other than the pet’s physical condition like:

• The difficulties and emotional strain that comes with caring for a pet at the end of its life
• Financial limitations
• Your ability to provide care for your pet
• Your own physical abilities
• The pet’s willingness to receive the care that it needs

Your vet will be able to help you decide what to do and support you during this difficult time.

What Happens During Pet Euthanasia?

When the time comes to have your pet put the sleep, your vet will discuss the process with you. The exact process will depend on what you and your vet decide is best for your pet. It involves either giving your pet a sedative before administering the euthanasia solution or giving the solution while they’re still awake.

If your pet becomes very distressed when visiting a veterinary practice, it may be best to sedate them first. Once a decision has been made, you’ll need to sign a consent form before your vet can euthanise your pet.

The euthanasia solution is injected using a needle into a vein, usually on the front leg, or another area of the body where there’s good blood flow. They’ll lose consciousness within a few seconds of the solution being administered, and their heartbeat stops within a few minutes, depending on where the injection is given. Rest assured that the process is completely pain free for your pet, it’s just like them slowly going to sleep.

Muscle twitches, deep breaths, wide eyes, body stretching and defecating/urinating are all common during a pet’s final moments. These shouldn’t be confused with signs of suffering; this isn’t the case at all. Your vet will listen for a heartbeat and let you know when your beloved pet has passed away. Afterwards, your vet will offer you some private time alone with your pet to say your goodbyes.

And remember, it's completely your choice whether you stay throughout the euthanasia process. Having an owner present can be calming for a pet. Being held or hearing a familiar voice creates a safe and comforting space.

If you feel it would be too emotional for you and your distress may be picked up on by your pet, it may be best not to stay. Maybe you could ask another family member to be there instead if they would like to.

Can Euthanasia Be Done at Home?

In most cases this is done at the veterinary practice. But having a dog, cat or other small pet put to sleep at home may be an option – speak to your veterinary practice to see if your vet can arrange this or recommend a vet that can. Most vets prefer to see their patients at the clinic where they have equipment and trained staff on hand.

Choosing euthanasia at home can provide a peaceful farewell for your beloved pet. Home visits allow your furry friend to pass in familiar surroundings, reducing stress for both you and your pet during this difficult time and allowing for them a peaceful passing.

Some pets get distressed when travelling or visiting the vets and a home euthanasia may be preferable. If you decide to visit the practice, you may be offered a private space to wait rather than being in a busy waiting room. This provides some quiet time to help keep your pet calm and give you time to say a final goodbye.

What Happens After My Pet is Put to Sleep?

When your pet passes, you’ll have the option of having them cremated at a pet crematorium or buried. If you choose a burial, you could choose a pet cemetery or take the body home to bury in your own garden.

If you would like your pet cremated, you can choose a communal cremation (cremated at the same time as other pets) or an individual cremation. You can have your pet's ashes returned to you after cremation. Ashes can be kept as remembrance, or you could scatter or bury them as you wish.

Pet Euthanasia Costs

The cost of euthanasia varies a lot between practices but on average a dog euthanasia costs £200, a cat euthanasia costs £150, a rabbit euthanasia costs £100 and a small animal euthanasia costs £50. There’ll be an additional cost for cremation depending on the size of the animal.

Euthanasia costs more if you want to have the ashes returned to you, and you’ll need to pay extra for an urn or personalised box if you decide to have one. Your vet will be able to guide you through the options but try to make decisions before your pet is put to sleep so that you’re not having to make them at a highly emotional time.

Dealing With the Loss of a Pet

Grieving the loss of a pet after euthanasia is perfectly natural and many pet owners feel guilty. There are pet bereavement services available to help you manage your feelings through this incredibly difficult time. Talking to family and friends is also very important.

Some people find it therapeutic to hold a burial or honouring ceremony. You could also create a memorial box with items like a paw print, photos, their collar, and a favourite toy.

Deciding whether to have your pet put to sleep is an incredibly difficult decision. We all want to hold on to our beloved companions for as long as we can, but their quality of life is the most important thing to consider. Don’t be afraid of the euthanasia procedure as your pet will feel no pain during their final injection. Make sure you seek help, through friends, family, support groups or bereavement counsellors, to support you through this difficult time.

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