There are many reasons why I believe you should consider at-home or in-home pet euthanasia. This article will examine the concepts of quality of life and euthanasia, why euthanasia is performed on pets, the process of having a pet euthanized at home, and what to expect. Show
What is Quality of Life for Pets?The quality of a pet’s life is different for each individual pet and has to do with their disease process, their pain level, their mobility, ability to engage in normal activities, mental state, and other factors specific to their home, family, and finances. There are numerous factors and combinations of factors that come into play that are different for each patient and each family. Fortunately, a series of tools have been created to help you sort through these factors and assess quality of life. Below are some links to quality-of-life assessment tools you can use for your senior or ill pet for guidance. The tools will help you evaluate how your pet performs in basic, daily situations and how that translates to their quality of life. These tools can be used independently or together to help you understand if your pet has quality of life and, if so, how much quality.
How Do You Know 'When It's Time'?Dr. Dani McVety shares her insights in this video on how to know "when it’s time” to say goodbye to your pet:
Another quality-of-life tool is the Pet Hospice Journal. You do have to make an account, but the use of the tool is free. Once you log in, the program will help you score your pet’s quality of life based on daily life events. The information is stored and becomes a “journal” in that you can compare your pet’s scores day-to-day. This kind of program is great for identifying trends and seeing progression over time. What is Euthanasia?The word euthanasia literally means “good death.” The meaning of the word is exactly why we perform the procedure – to prevent further pain and suffering at the end of life. There are a variety of reasons veterinarians perform euthanasias – poor quality of life, terminal medical conditions, unrelenting pain, inability to re-home a pet because of severe behavioral/safety concerns, caregiver burnout, and the list goes on. Each pet and each situation is different, and a veterinarian will often be able to help you decide if, based on your pet’s condition, they are a candidate for euthanasia. Euthanasia is a tool we can use to end suffering when nothing else can be done to help the pet. Although many of my clients often feel guilty about choosing euthanasia for their pet, it is considered an act of compassion, mercy, and love. Euthanasia isn’t an option available in human hospice care in many areas, despite the immense pain and suffering some humans face at the end of their life. Consider the alternative. Without euthanasia, some pets may suffer unrelenting pain, others will entirely lose track of who they are and where they are. Some pets would be unable to walk, and others would drown in their own internal body fluid during heart failure. As a pet parent, I would rather have a little less time with my pet and have that time be good quality time together. The alternative is to have a little extra time, but my pet would be suffering needlessly. Another consideration is that without euthanasia, there’s a risk of having your pet pass away alone when you aren’t home. Who Performs Euthanasia at Your Home?There are several options available when you are considering in-home euthanasia. First is your family veterinarian. Sure, they have a brick-and-mortar practice, but some veterinary hospitals will send a veterinarian to your home if requested. Another option is veterinary companies that send veterinarians specifically to provide in-home hospice and euthanasia for pets. One company has a nationwide presence, while the others have more of a state-wide or local presence. Below are a few companies with larger service areas, but you can also type “in-home euthanasia (your city, state)” into Google and see what services are available to you locally.
Why Perform Euthanasia at Home?Is it better to have your dog or cat euthanized at home? I personally think so, but ask someone you know and trust who has been through the process. If you know someone who has been through euthanasia in a veterinary hospital and another euthanasia at home, that perspective is even better. If you need more information, read through the pet hospice websites listed above or call their teams and ask questions. There are also lots of online reviews that you can read through. Every person I have talked to who has experienced an in-home euthanasia has said they will always have it performed at home in the future. Full disclosure: I decided to join Lap of Love and provide in-home euthanasia and hospice care. I believe it’s an important service, and I want to help maintain the human-animal bond and create a peaceful and personal experience for families at this very difficult time in their lives. Is an In-home Euthanasia Right for Your Family?Here are some questions to ask yourself:
How to Make Your Pet’s Last Days SpecialIf your pet is getting older, it may be a good idea to create a “bucket list” for your pet. What have you always wanted your pet to experience? If there are certain places you want your pet to visit before the end of their life, then start making plans! I will caution that feeding certain fatty human foods may make your pet feel very sick, vomit, or have diarrhea – so don’t go crazy in the food department. For Cats:
For Dogs:
What to Expect When a Pet is Euthanized at HomeA veterinarian will come to your home at a time you decide upon. The veterinarian will talk you through the euthanasia process and their protocol. They will also tell you about how the body acts during the process. The veterinarian will get permission from you before they start the euthanasia to make sure you are ready (none of us ever are). The process is quick and painless, and your pet will transition to be at peace in the comfort of their home and in the presence of their family. After EuthanasiaGenerally, there are three options once your pet has passed away. You can bury your pet at home if your state and locality allow, or you can have your pet cremated (traditionally or through aquamation cremation). If you select a private cremation service, your pet’s ashes will be returned to you, usually in an urn. Some people may wish to keep their pet’s ashes. Others may want to scatter their pet’s ashes at their favorite outdoor spot, in a garden, or at the beach of an ocean or lake. Scattering your pet’s ashes is a way some people choose to part with their loved one’s physical body while reconnecting with their love and spirit. Find a Special Way to Honor Your Pet’s LifeOur pets are incredibly important to us. After they pass away, creating a memorial of some kind can help you process your pet’s transition. Here are some ideas:
Grief Resources for Pet LossThe loss of any family member is a devastating experience. Everyone grieves a little bit differently. For some, the grief can be overwhelming. To anyone reading who is overwhelmed with grief after the passing of their pet, you are not alone. There are some helpful resources available to you: books, discussion groups, helplines, and more.
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