Having walked through each stage of the euthanasia process—understanding your options, considering sedation, knowing what to expect, choosing aftercare arrangements, involving children and other pets, and caring for yourself—it can still feel overwhelming. There are so many practical and emotional details to consider, and it’s perfectly normal to worry about forgetting something important.
This final blog provides a comprehensive “preparing for euthanasia” checklist to guide you, so you can approach the day feeling more prepared and confident. Think of it as a roadmap to help ensure that nothing slips through the cracks. Feel free to print it, save it, or share it with anyone who might find it helpful. As always, adjust or skip steps that don’t feel relevant to your personal situation. This is your journey—make it work for you.
Before the Euthanasia Appointment
Research and Decision-Making
Confirm the Setting: Decide if you’ll have the procedure done at home, at a veterinarian’s office, or at a dedicated Comfort Center such as Honor Pet.
Pre-Appointment Sedation: Discuss sedation options with your vet and, if necessary, get prescriptions well in advance. Honor Pet offers virtual appointments to meet this need.
Cost Considerations: Ask about fees for the procedure, sedation, and aftercare so you’re not caught off guard.
Ask Questions: If certain practices matter to you (like not being separated from your pet), clarify them with your vet or care provider ahead of time.
Verify what happens after the procedure—How will your pet be cared for following death? How long until your pet is transported to the crematorium? Who is the crematorium?
Choose Cremation Options: Decide between flame or water-based cremation, communal or private options. If you wish for a witnessed cremation, make that request known and ask the crematorium how to best plan for this service.
Open Door Policy: If you feel strongly about visiting the crematorium, check if they allow it.
Timeline and Return of Ashes: Ask how long it will take to receive ashes or memorial items back.
When considering aftercare, both pet cremation and pet aquamation are meaningful options that allow you to honor your companion’s memory in a way that feels right for your family.
Informing Family Members
Honest Conversations: Let family members, including children, know what’s happening. Explain the process in an age-appropriate way.
Roles and Responsibilities: If someone will drive, hold the pet, or handle paperwork, assign these tasks in advance.
Involving Other Pets: Decide if your other pets will be present and, if not, how they’ll be cared for during the appointment.
Gathering Supplies and Comfort Items
Sedation Timing: Set a timer to remind you when to give oral sedation, if being used.
Favorite Blanket or Toy: Something familiar can provide extra comfort for your pet.
Treats: If your pet is still interested in food, a favorite treat before sedation or during the appointment can ease tension. Gather favorite treats ahead of time.
Calming Aids: Consider diffusers, soft music, or anything that creates a peaceful environment.
Scheduling in Advance
Lead Time: If you prefer a specific time of day or a certain vet, schedule it early.
Payment and Paperwork: Handling logistics prior to your appointment prevents additional stress during the appointment and lets you focus on your pet, not paperwork.
Transportation Plan: Ensure your vehicle is ready and comfortable if traveling.
Back-Up Contact: Have a friend or family member on standby in case you need extra support.
During the Euthanasia Appointment
Setting the Scene
Quiet Environment: Minimize noise, bright lights, or distractions. Turn off cell phones. Place a “do not disturb” sign on your door so as not to be interrupted by deliveries or doorbells.
Determine the Spot: If in-home euthanasia is elected, determine where to gather, such as by their favorite bed, outside in the sun, or wherever they’re most at ease.
Take Your Time: Don’t feel rushed. Death has no do-overs, and you have every right to make these moments exactly as you want them to be.
Communication with the Veterinarian
Ask Final Questions: If something is unclear, this is your moment to ask.
Confirm Aftercare Wishes: Verify your wishes for cremation and ensure any additional memorial item requests have been accurately captured (for example, wanting the right front paw to be used for a pawprint).
Immediately After the Euthanasia Appointment
Allowing for Goodbyes
Private Moments: Take the time you need to say goodbye, whisper final words, or share a quiet moment of thanks. Again, there should be no rush–this is your time.
Other Pets’ Farewells: If it feels right, let your other pets see or sniff their friend’s body to help them understand the loss.
Memorial Items: If you want a paw print, a fur clipping, or other mementos, let the staff know before the procedure ends.
Emotional and Practical Steps
Tissues and Comfort: You may need tissues, water, or a comforting presence from a loved one.
Support Network: If you have a friend or family member who wants to be notified immediately, send them a quick message.
Memorialization
Memorializing Your Pet
Ceremony or Ritual: Consider a home ceremony, lighting a candle, writing a letter, or planting a tree.
Keepsakes: Choose a pet urn, jewelry, portrait, or memory box that resonates with you. Determine if you’d like additional keepsakes, such as additional pawprints for other family members.
Online Tributes: Create a social media post, photo album, or online tribute to share memories with friends and family.
Involving Others
Children’s Needs
Age-Appropriate Explanations: Reassure them that their pet felt no pain and left surrounded by love.
Include Them if Comfortable: Give kids a small role or let them create a memory project.
Offer Ongoing Support: Keep conversations open in the following days and weeks.
Surviving Pets
Monitoring Behavior: Keep an eye on changes in appetite, sleep, or demeanor.
Routine and Familiarity: Maintain their normal schedule and environment.
Time and Patience: Give surviving pets space to adjust and extra affection if they seem withdrawn.
Caring for Yourself
Self-Compassion and Support
Acknowledge Your Emotions: It’s normal to feel sadness, relief, guilt, or a mixture of all three.
Reach Out for Help: Talk to understanding friends, join a pet loss support group, or seek professional counseling if needed.
Self-Care Routine: Maintain healthy eating, sleeping, and exercise habits to support emotional healing.
Remembering the Love
Honor Their Life, Not Just Their Passing: Reflect on favorite memories, inside jokes, habits that made you smile.
Take It One Day at a Time: Grief is not linear. Allow yourself to heal at your own pace.
Moving Forward
This checklist isn’t about making the experience easy—losing a companion is never easy. It’s about giving you tools and reminders so you can move through this challenging time feeling more supported and confident in your decisions. Every step you take—whether it’s asking the right questions, involving family members, or treating yourself with kindness—contributes to a more meaningful, heartfelt farewell.
Print this out, save it on your computer, or share it with someone who might need it. You’re not alone on this path, and by approaching these final moments with preparation, understanding, and love, you’re honoring the life you and your pet shared.