How to Get Ready for Your Pet’s Passing

Even though losing a pet is never easy, getting ready for it can lessen your mental and emotional pain. Here are four suggestions to help you prepare for and grieve the eventual loss of your pet.

 

#1: Assess your pet’s quality of life

Your pet can’t tell you when they feel unwell, but they can indicate poor mental and physical health. Using a quality of life scale, you can assess your pet’s health and happiness as they age or deteriorate from a chronic medical condition. The quality of life scale allows you to be objective when evaluating your pet and can help determine if they are suffering. 

 

#2: Decide when to schedule your pet’s euthanasia

The burden of determining when—and if—euthanasia is the best option is lifted when a pet dies unexpectedly, but you might wonder if you missed your pet’s illness. Contrarily, figuring out when to schedule euthanasia and when your pet is ready to pass away is never easy. However, keep in mind that not all pets die peacefully in their sleep, so humane euthanasia can be your final act of devotion to your suffering animal.

 

#3: Discuss how to care for your pet’s body

You might not be ready for your pet’s aftercare when they pass away. If you are aware that your pet’s time is running out, talking about how you want to handle their body can reduce your stress. It’s common to choose cremation, and you can decide to receive your pet’s cremated remains. Aquamation is becoming more and more well-liked as a form of post-care, but it is still not widely accessible.

 

#4: Rely on grief support groups to process your pet’s death

In addition to leaning on family and friends as you grieve, reach out to support groups. Many veterinary universities offer pet loss support hotlines, and a multitude of pet bereavement groups on social media may fit your unique situation. You never have to make your journey through grief alone.

Ask our staff for assistance in determining your pet’s quality of life and making arrangements for their eventual passing if their health or happiness are deteriorating.