The right time
The perfect time does not exist,
but the right time for your pet does.
Deciding when the time may be right to say goodbye can be one of the hardest decisions we face as pet owners. Every pet and every family is different, and there is no single right answer. However, there are ways to help you understand your pet’s quality of life and feel more supported and confident when making this personal decision.
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Making the decision
Because you know your pet better than anyone, you are an important part of recognising when their quality of life is changing. However, this is not a decision you need to make alone. Talking with your veterinarian, family and trusted friends can provide valuable perspective, support and reassurance as you navigate this difficult time.
Quality of life Assessment
It may be helpful to complete the Rest Easy Pet Quality of Life Assessment for your pet. It can provide a snapshot of your pet’s current wellbeing and help you identify areas of concern. You can also repeat the assessment over time to track more subtle changes.
For further information about quality of life and making difficult decisions, you may find the following resource helpful:
How Will I Know?
Assessing Quality of Life and Making Difficult Decisions for Your Pet
- The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center
Veterinary consultation
A consultation with your veterinarian can provide valuable support with end-of-life decision-making, as well as guidance on palliative and comfort care.
During the consultation, your pet may be examined and you may be asked questions about their daily wellbeing, behaviour and quality of life. This can help identify areas where additional support or treatment may improve their comfort and enjoyment of life.
Depending on you and your pet’s individual needs, your veterinarian may discuss further investigation or recommendations to keep them more comfortable.
Your veterinarian can help you understand the options available and decide what feels right for you and your pet.
Family and friends
There is a tribe of people who admire your pet and would want what is best for you and them.
Remember, other people have been through this. Please reach out.
Family and friends may have different interactions with the pet and therefore, provide fresh perspectives. These are the people who get to see your pet in their everyday life and can provide valuable input in the decision making process.
Joy List
Write down 3 things that your pet loves to do (eg. going for walks, getting excited when you come home, play time). When they can no longer consistently enjoy doing these things then it may be time to discuss euthanasia.
Calendar
Mark good days and bad days on a calendar. As the bad day start to outweigh the good days, it may be time to consider euthanasia.
Comparing
Reviewing old photos or videos may make it easier to realise subtle declines in mobility, or changes to their appearance, behaviour or interactions with you.
If you’re looking for support with end-of-life decision-making for your pet, a consultation with a veterinarian can provide guidance, perspective and reassurance as you navigate this difficult time.
Will my pet tell me?
Many owners hope that, when the time comes, their pet will pass peacefully in their sleep without suffering. While this can happen, it is not always the peaceful or predictable process we hope for. The dying process can involve changes that are distressing for both pets and the people who love them.
Pets can also be remarkably good at hiding pain and illness. Over time, changes can become part of the familiar routine, making it difficult to recognise just how much your pet’s quality of life may have changed.
If you find yourself hoping that your pet will simply pass away peacefully in their sleep, it may be time to start talking about their quality of life and considering what options may be available. This does not mean you need to make a decision immediately. It is okay to slow down, take a breath, take things day by day, and appreciate each day you have together.
When the time comes, humane euthanasia can provide a peaceful and compassionate way to prevent unnecessary suffering. For many families, it becomes a final act of love and care for a lifelong companion.
Sometimes the decision feels clear. For many owners, however, there is uncertainty, and it is completely normal to question yourself or change your mind as circumstances evolve. Seeking guidance and talking through your concerns can help you feel more prepared when the time comes.
If you feel the time may be approaching, it can also help to imagine what you would want your pet’s final moments to look like — where they would be, who would be with them, and what would make them feel safe and loved.
At Rest Easy Pet, our aim is to help make these final moments peaceful, gentle and meaningful — surrounded by the people and comforts your pet knows best.
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Sometimes, we prolong the choice to euthanise because we are not ready, not because they aren't.
"Euthanasia is not natural"
Disease, illness and ageing are a natural part of life. Veterinary care can help us manage these changes, with the aim of supporting a good quality of life and minimising unnecessary suffering. When maintaining your pet’s quality of life becomes more difficult, euthanasia may become a kind and compassionate option.
These decisions can be deeply personal and difficult to navigate.
A Quality of Life Consultation can help you make sense of these changes, understand your pet’s individual needs, and feel more supported as you consider the options available to you.
“Euthanasia is often not so much a question of ‘artificially ending’ a life, but of when to cease artificially extending that life.”
– Moira Anderson Allen
Every decision is treated with respect and without judgement.
Following your booking, a pre-euthanasia phone consultation is included to discuss your pet’s circumstances, answer any questions, and ensure you feel comfortable and supported in your decision.
How will I cope?
It is very natural for this decision making process to bring up anticipatory grief, which is the grief that occurs before a pets death. Grieving our pets can bring up intense emotions that resemble mourning the loss of a family member. While some may not understand, there are plenty more who do. Please see grief resources for support.
Better three hours too soon than a minute too late
- William Shakespeare