MAKING A TOUGH DECISION:
PET EUTHANIZATION

If you are dreading the impending visit to or from the vet to euthanize your beloved friend, my heart goes out to you.  I know what you are going through as I've been there. 

I've developed this section as a resource to provide you with the information and support to make tough decisions in the best interest of your pet.

How Long Should my Pet Live?

• Average life expectancy of popular dog breeds

• Average life expectancy of cats

• Average life expectancy of other types of pets

Another Option: Pet Hospice

• Pet Hospice as an Alternative

• Animal Hospice Services

• Hospice Care

Euthanizing Your Pet

• Quality of Life Assessment

• Euthanasia or Natural Death?

• The Decision to Euthanize Your Pet

• Euthanasia: Gentle Death, Painful Decision

• Euthanasia... What to Expect (includes a section on "To Be There or Not...")

• How Euthanasia Works

• Euthanizing a Pet: Should Children Be Present?

Note that many veterinarians will do in-home euthanasia.  
I opted for this when it was time to put my two dogs down, and I'm glad I did.  Even though it's hard to see the place in my home where they died, it gives me comfort knowing that they didn't have to feel the stress of a visit to the vet or take their last breath on a cold table.  They were in the comfort of their surroundings and they went peacefully in my arms. 

• Article from a licensed vet tech about in-home euthanasia

• Article about the pros and cons of in-home euthanasia