Things to Do Before Euthanizing Your Pet to Help You Feel More at Peace
When you’ve made the difficult decision to euthanize your pet, you can never feel truly prepared for it. Even still, there are a few things you can do before saying goodbye that may help you feel more at peace with your decision.
In the days and hours leading up to euthanizing your pet, we recommend the following tips to help make the passing easier and less stressful for yourself and your pet.
Take Plenty of Photos
If you’re anything like our team here at Pet Passages, you probably have hundreds or thousands of pet photos on your phone. Still, before you say your final goodbye, take the time to snap a few more pictures so you will always have precious photo memories of your beloved companion.
Give Your Loved Ones a Chance to Say Goodbye
You’re likely not the only one who loves your pet dearly. In the last few days leading up to euthanization, invite friends, family members, and other loved ones over to say goodbye to your pet. Having the chance to say their goodbyes can help with navigating the grieving process.
Plan a Special Final Day
We don’t always realize our last day with our pet is the last one, which can be particularly hard to handle. When you do have time to plan for the end of your pet’s life, try to do everything possible to give them one last special day.
Depending on your pet’s health condition, we recommend getting them their favorite foods or treats, taking them for a walk or to their favorite park, playing with their favorite toys, spending extra time together, or even just giving them extra cuddles.
Keep Their Daily Routine as Normal as Possible
Our pets can tell when things are different, which often makes them feel anxious. To help keep them calm in the days before they pass, try to keep their routine as normal as possible. This can include feeding them at the same time, going for regular walks if they’re up for it, etc.
Research Memorial Items
It might seem strange to look for memorial items before your pet passes, but it can be a helpful part of preparing for the grieving process. After your pet passes away, you might find it hard to make clear-minded decisions.
For example, in the moment, you might not think you want to keep your pet’s ashes. Then, in the weeks or months that follow, you may wish that you had an urn for them or a piece of memorial jewelry. By researching memorial items before their passing, you can feel confident that you’ll know the best way to honor your pet once the time comes.
Arrange to Pay Ahead of Time
In those precious final moments of your pet’s life, the last thing you want to think about is filling out paperwork and paying for the services. Instead, arrange to pre-pay before the appointment so you can focus on nothing else than being there for your pet when they need you most.
Bring Your Pet’s Comfort Items
Finally, when it’s time to say goodbye, consider bringing a few of your pet’s favorite items to give them comfort. This can be a special blanket, toy, pet bed, or something similar. By surrounding them with items that bring them peace and comfort, you can help ensure that they feel safe and loved in their final moments.
Here to Help You Feel Prepared Before Euthanizing Your Pet
Euthanizing your pet is never easy, but by taking these steps in the days and hours leading up to it, we hope that both you and your pet will feel more at peace. For more guidance as you navigate this grief, please read through our pet loss resources.
The Pet Passages team is here for you.