Is It Time? A Compassionate Checklist for Euthanasia Decisions
By Dr. Lynda Loudon, end-of-life specialist
Deciding when to help your pet transition is never easy. This checklist is here to gently guide you through the signs, considerations, and supportive steps to help you make the most informed and loving decision possible. When the time is right, choosing euthanasia can be a final act of love, giving your pet the gift of peace and freedom from suffering.
UNDERSTAND THE MEDICAL SITUATION
☐ Has your pet been diagnosed with a terminal illness?
☐ Are palliative care or hospice options available to provide comfort?
☐ Have you explored holistic or integrative treatments to manage pain or symptoms?
☐ Has your veterinarian advised that further treatments are unlikely to improve your pet’s condition?
☐ Do you need a second opinion to feel confident in your decision?
Quality of Life Indicators
☐ Is your pet able to eat and drink consistently?
☐ Does your pet still engage with family members or surroundings?
☐ Can they move comfortably, even with assistance or support?
☐ Are they able to sleep restfully?
☐ Are they free from chronic pain, anxiety, or distress most of the time?
☐ Have they stopped enjoying previously loved activities (play, walks, cuddles)?
Physical & Behavioral Symptoms of Suffering
☐ Labored breathing that persists despite rest
☐ Crying or vocalizing frequently, especially in pain
☐ Restlessness or pacing with no relief from medications or remedies
☐ Frequent vomiting or diarrhea that does not respond to treatment
☐ Lack of appetite for multiple days
☐ Inability to stand or walk unassisted
☐ Seizures that cannot be controlled with treatment
☐ Sudden behavior changes: withdrawal, aggression, confusion
☐ Collapse or extreme weakness
Steps to Take Before Making the Decision
☐ Schedule a check-up or telehealth consult with your veterinarian or a quality-of-life specialist. We offer this service: Quality of Life Consultation
☐ Consider bloodwork, X-rays, or ultrasound to clarify diagnosis & prognosis
☐ Try appropriate pain relief options and supportive therapies, if safe
☐ Offer home-cooked meals or favorite treats to improve appetite
☐ Ask yourself: “Is my pet still experiencing more good days than bad?”
Emotional & Spiritual Preparation
☐ Have you said the things you want your pet to hear?
☐ Are you emotionally ready to let go if their suffering continues?
☐ Have you made plans for in-home euthanasia to ensure comfort and peace?
☐ Are you open to aftercare rituals or memorials to honor your pet’s life?
☐ Do you have a support system or grief group to turn to?
☐ Are you giving yourself grace in this process?
LEARN MOREThis time with your pet is sacred. As their guardian, you’ve walked beside them through every chapter of their life and now, with love and courage, you may be called to walk them home. Please remember: it is not the number of days that defines your care, but the quality of the days you share.
If you’re struggling with the weight of this decision, know that you don’t have to face it alone. We offer Quality of Life Consultations to support you with compassion and clarity, as well as grief support services to hold you in the tender days that follow.
And if it’s not yet time, we can help you create a path forward with our Palliative Care Consultations to ensure that both you and your beloved companion are fully supported with comfort, dignity, and love during this precious chapter.
You are not alone. We’re here to walk beside you, to honor your bond, and to help you offer the care your pet needs — every step of the way.
