10 Common Regrets After Pet Euthanasia (Part 1)
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of life’s most painful experiences — even for those who work in animal health. Veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and clinic staff often carry the same regrets after pet euthanasia as any pet parent. Despite their professional training, they, too, wonder whether they could have done more.
Many of us grieve deeply when we lose a companion who has been there through school years, breakups, job changes, or that very first apartment — the quiet presence who witnessed life’s milestones.
The bond we share with our animals goes beyond words. When they leave, we don’t just lose a pet. We lose a soul mate, a source of comfort, and a piece of our identity. Pure love, no drama. After euthanasia, it’s common to feel a flood of emotions: guilt, doubt, sorrow, and longing. These feelings are natural, and you’re not alone.
Here are five of the most common regrets pet owners have after euthanasia, shared in the hope of bringing peace and understanding.
1. “Why Do I Feel So Guilty?”
Among all emotions, guilt is the one that surfaces most often after a pet’s passing. Many pet parents feel they failed their animal somehow — that they missed a sign, made the wrong decision, or didn’t fight hard enough. Maybe there was a better treatment somewhere? They worry they let down the very being who trusted them most.
Dr. Sunday Cozzi, a long-time veterinarian who provided at-home euthanasia services, often told her clients: “Guilt lies at the intersection of love and grief.” No matter what we choose, guilt seems to follow.
If we help our beloved pets find peace through euthanasia, we feel guilty. If we wait or let them pass naturally, that guilt can be even heavier. It feels like there’s no winning. When we’re in pain, it’s human to blame ourselves and wonder what we could have done differently to ease the sorrow. The truth? Sometimes, there’s nothing more we could have done.
Transforming Guilt into an Act of Love
One of the most powerful pieces of advice from Dr. Céline Leheurteux, founder of EUTHABAG, is this: euthanasia is not an act of surrender — it’s an act of profound love.
In choosing to spare your pet further suffering, you made a decision rooted in compassion, even if it broke your heart. When guilt creeps in, remind yourself that it wasn’t neglect that guided you — it was love, right to the very end.
Ask yourself: if you were in your pet’s situation, would you have wanted the treatments to continue — or would you have chosen peace?
This heartfelt poem, If It Should Be, can offer comfort and help ease the guilt that often accompanies the decision to euthanize.
2. “Did I Act Too Soon?”
One of the most common regrets after putting a pet to sleep is wondering if the decision came too early.
Did I decide too quickly? Was there a better day, a clearer sign I missed? Many pet owners replay their timeline again and again, wondering if they could have extended their pet’s life. Even the most experienced veterinarians question themselves when it comes to their own pets. If you're feeling unsure — you're not alone.
Use Tools to Guide Your Decision
A Pet Quality of Life Questionnaire can provide a clearer perspective and help you track subtle changes in your pet’s condition over time. It’s never easy, but tools like this can bring clarity during difficult moments — perspective over intensity.
After years of working with companion animals, we can confidently say that this is one of the most valuable tools available to support end-of-life decision-making.
3. “Did I Wait Too Long?”
Even when a pet’s decline is evident, the “what-ifs” can feel overwhelming. You may be grieving not just the loss, but the fear that you could have spared them more pain.
Was my pet truly comfortable? Did they suffer? An outside perspective can help ease the weight of that doubt. It’s a difficult emotional space — full of uncertainty, vulnerability, and the deep need for reassurance.
Speak With Your Veterinarian
If you're struggling with these questions, reach out. Your veterinary team understands. They can explain the medical signs, provide context, and offer the compassionate support you need.
You made your decision with care and guidance, and that truly matters.
If you don’t currently have a veterinarian, telemedicine for pets can be a valuable option. At this stage, your animal may not need extensive medical intervention, but you may need clarity, comfort, and a better sense of what lies ahead. Sometimes, simply speaking with someone who understands the process can bring peace of mind.
4. “I Should Have Been There”
Some pet parents were away — travelling, working, studying abroad — or simply couldn’t find the emotional strength to stay for the final moments of euthanasia. Looking back, that absence can feel heartbreaking. There’s a deep ache in being unable to offer one last cuddle or whisper goodbye.
But please know this: your pet was never alone. The veterinary team treated them with the same care and tenderness they would give their own. Many of them have been in your shoes — and they understand.
Being Present Is a Personal Choice
Dr. Céline often reassures families that, in her experience, pets don’t appear more stressed when their loved ones aren’t present during euthanasia. Every goodbye is different, and only you know what you’re capable of in that moment.
Letting go from a distance doesn’t mean you loved them any less — sometimes, it’s the bravest choice you can make.
5. “I Didn’t Say a Proper Goodbye”
In the blur of appointments, tears, and urgent decisions, some owners realize too late that they never got to say goodbye fully. They wish they had taken a few extra minutes to hold their pet, whisper a thank you, or be present in those final breaths.
A personalized goodbye can ease that regret. Some pet owners write final words on their pet’s EUTHABAG, transforming a difficult moment into one of connection and healing.
Create a Farewell Ritual That Feels Right
Creating a ritual — writing a farewell letter, lighting a candle, or choosing a special resting place — can gently mark the beginning of the grieving process. Rituals offer more than comfort; they help you feel grounded and empowered during a time that can otherwise feel chaotic and helpless.
They give meaning to the moment, shaped by your own values and love for your pet. And later, when you look back, they can serve as a reminder that you acted with intention, care, and in alignment with your deepest beliefs.
Request EUTHABAG in Advance for a Thoughtful Goodbye
Many veterinary teams do their best to create a gentle, respectful environment for saying goodbye. They may dim the lights, clip a small lock of fur, or offer a condolence card — small gestures that hold deep meaning. These moments are part of a collective ritual that honors your pet’s passing.
But it’s often your own personal rituals that bring the most profound sense of closure. That’s why you can request an EUTHABAG ahead of time — giving you the chance to write on it, draw, or decorate it in a way that reflects your bond. These simple acts help transform grief into something meaningful, rooted in love and shaped by your values.
Also read: 10 Regrets After Pet Euthanasia (Part 2): What Pet Owners Wish They Knew