End of life information

How Do I Know When it’s Time?
Assessing Quality of Life for
Your Companion Animal and Making End-of-Life Decisions
Credit for this information goes to LSU/Ohio State Veterinary Medicine

Deciding to euthanize your companion animal may be one of the most difficult decisions you ever make. Often, well-loved pets are euthanized to minimize unnecessary suffering. The quality of animals’ lives is defined by their overall physical and mental well-being, not just one aspect of their lives. The chart on the opposite side of this fact sheet attempts to consider all aspects of your pet’s life. It is important to remember that all pets are different. What may be considered a poor quality of life for one may be different for another.

Higher numbers on this chart equal a better quality of life. This chart may help you to better visualize the general well-being of your pet. In some cases, even one item on the left-hand side of the chart (for example: pain) may indicate a poor quality of life, even if many of the other items are still positive. Some items or symptoms on the list may be expected side effects of the treatments that your pet is undergoing. It is important to discuss these symptoms and side effects with your veterinarian. 

Personally, I've had to make the decision for my precious pets. I'm here to support you and love your pet through the end of their lives, including advocating for them when they cannot.
End of life care is very personal and I will help you the best I can.

For in home euthanasia, I highly recommend Dr. Cherie Buisson with Helping Hands Pet Hospice.
I've used Helping Hands for my personal dogs and many of my clients have used their services as well.

What if your pet passes naturally at home

If your pet passes away naturally at home, ensure they are deceased, then contact your veterinarian or a pet funeral service to discuss options for handling their remains, whether it's burial, cremation, or other memorialization methods. 

• Confirm Death: Make sure your pet is truly gone. You can check for a pulse or heartbeat. 

Contact Professionals:

• Veterinarian: Call your vet to inform them of the passing and discuss options for handling the body, including disposal or cremation. 

• Pet Funeral Service: If you prefer, contact a pet funeral service for guidance and assistance with arrangements.  

• Prepare the Body: Cool, Dry Place: Place the body in a cool, dry area.
  Cover with a Blanket or Towel: Wrap the body in a blanket or towel for dignity and to help slow down the natural decomposition process. 

Consider Your Options:

• Burial: If you choose burial, ensure it's in a pet cemetery or on your property (if permitted) and follow local regulations

• Cremation: If you choose cremation, you can have the ashes returned to you in an urn or keepsake, or have them scattered. 

• What happens if my dog dies and I can't afford cremation? If you do not have a location in which to bury a pet, but do not wish to pay any disposal fees, one option is to take your pet to your local humane society. Most humane societies are set up to receive and dispose of animal remains, and most do not charge.

Grieve and Support:

• Acknowledge Your Grief: Allow yourself to grieve and express your emotions.

• Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family, or pet loss support groups for emotional support. Consider a Pet Loss Counselor, or a therapist who specializes in Grief to help you along your journey.

• Memorials: Consider other ways to memorialize your pet, such as planting a tree, creating a photo album, or donating to an animal shelter in their name.  For those who have children, it helped us when our dog's passed to give our child the option to be with us when our dog passed, and respect that choice. Make arrangements if your child does not want to be at the appointment. Getting a stuffed animal who looked similar to our dog who passed, helped ease the pain some.  Explaining  the procedure in simple terms will help, too.

Remember the Good Times:
Focus on the happy memories you shared with your pet.