Pet Care Library: A Guide for the Consideration of Euthanasia, Part Two

Planning for the Euthanasia

Once you realize the time for your pet's euthanasia is near, it is helpful to do as much planning and preparation ahead of time as possible. The purpose of this list is to make you aware of the many choices you have about your pet's death. Please discuss any decisions you are uncertain about with your veterinarian.

When preparing for your pet’s euthanasia, the following factors should be considered:

Decide whether or not to be present during your pet's euthanasia. This is a very personal decision. We support our clients’ desire to be present for the procedure, as most feel that they want their pet to be with a loved one at the end. If you feel that you are not able to stay, we will do everything possible to ease the way for your friend.

Decide who else (if anyone) you would like to have present during the euthanasia. If you wish to be alone during the procedure, you may still want to ask a friend or family member to accompany you to the appointment so you will have support before and afterward.

If you have children, should they be present? The ages of the children and the relationship to the pet should be considered. We have a separate article with more information for you about this.

Plan the logistical details of your pet's euthanasia.

When should it take place?
Where should it take place?
How will you care for your pet's body?
What will you transport/bury your pet's body in if you take the body with you?

When you call to discuss scheduling the euthanasia, we will provide you with the options that we offer at Aztec. If there is a sense of urgency to your pet’s condition or time limitations for the veterinarians, it may be best to schedule a time with us at the hospital. In an emergency situation, we will accommodate our patient’s needs at the hospital in every way that we can.

Think about how you want to say goodbye and/or memorialize your pet.

If I Should Grow Frail

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain does keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done
For this, the last battle, can’t be won.

You will be sad I understand
But don’t let grief then stay your hand.
For on this day, more than the rest
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We had so many happy years,
You wouldn’t want me to suffer so
When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where my needs they’ll tend,
Then stay with me until the end.
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don’t grieve that it must now be you
Who had to decide this thing to do.
We’ve been so close, we two, these years
Don’t let your heart hold any tears.

~ Author Unknown

Aztec Animal Clinic

4340 Coal SE

Albuquerque, NM 87108
Phone: 505-265-4939

Fax: 505-265-4950



		A Guide for the Consideration of Euthanasia The Decision for Euthanasia Planning for the Euthanasia What to Expect When You Come In Single Page RELATED: Grief Planning for the Euthanasia Once you realize the time for your pet's euthanasia is near, it is helpful to do as much planning and preparation ahead of time as possible. The purpose of this list is to make you aware of the many choices you have about your pet's death. Please discuss any decisions you are uncertain about with your veterinarian. When preparing for your pet’s euthanasia, the following factors should be considered: Decide whether or not to be present during your pet's euthanasia. This is a very personal decision. We support our clients’ desire to be present for the procedure, as most feel that they want their pet to be with a loved one at the end. If you feel that you are not able to stay, we will do everything possible to ease the way for your friend. Decide who else (if anyone) you would like to have present during the euthanasia. If you wish to be alone during the procedure, you may still want to ask a friend or family member to accompany you to the appointment so you will have support before and afterward. If you have children, should they be present? The ages of the children and the relationship to the pet should be considered. We have a separate article with more information for you about this. Plan the logistical details of your pet's euthanasia. When should it take place? Where should it take place? How will you care for your pet's body? What will you transport/bury your pet's body in if you take the body with you? When you call to discuss scheduling the euthanasia, we will provide you with the options that we offer at Aztec. If there is a sense of urgency to your pet’s condition or time limitations for the veterinarians, it may be best to schedule a time with us at the hospital. In an emergency situation, we will accommodate our patient’s needs at the hospital in every way that we can. Think about how you want to say goodbye and/or memorialize your pet. NEXT: What to Expect When You Come In >> If I Should Grow Frail If it should be that I grow frail and weak And pain does keep me from my sleep, Then will you do what must be done For this, the last battle, can’t be won. You will be sad I understand But don’t let grief then stay your hand. For on this day, more than the rest Your love and friendship must stand the test. We had so many happy years, You wouldn’t want me to suffer so When the time comes, please, let me go. Take me to where my needs they’ll tend, Then stay with me until the end. And hold me firm and speak to me Until my eyes no longer see. I know in time you will agree It is a kindness you do for me. Although my tail its last has waved, From pain and suffering I have been saved. Don’t grieve that it must now be you Who had to decide this thing to do. We’ve been so close, we two, these years Don’t let your heart hold any tears. ~ Author Unknown ~ List of Library Articles ~ Aztec Animal Clinic 4340 Coal SE Albuquerque, NM 87108 Phone: 505-265-4939 Fax: 505-265-4950
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