SAYING GOODBYE: A COMPASSION PREPARATION GUIDE FOR PET FAMILIES

Elderly dog after euthanasia- peaceful goodbye



Helping You Prepare and Grieve with Intention- Here is The Euthanasia Preparation Checklist for Pet Owners

Saying goodbye to your beloved pet is one of the most difficult moments a pet owner can face. Planning ahead can help you feel more prepared and can ease your grieving. This checklist is designed to guide you through this challenging time.

🕊️ Before the Appointment: Emotional and Practical Preparation 

Have a Quality-of-Life Conversation 

  • Speak openly with your veterinary team, vet tech or veterinarian, about your pet’s condition, pain management, and signs that it may be time. 

Plan the Euthanasia in Advance 

  • Whenever possible, schedule euthanasia ahead of time to give yourself space to prepare and personalize the experience. 

  • Inquire with your veterinarian about the available options for euthanasia and take time to explore what feels right for you, based on your values and practical considerations. Options may include: 

  • At-home, in-clinic or in a comfort center euthanasia 

  • Assisted or non-assisted 

  • Keepsakes such as paw prints or fur clippings 

Clarify the Process with Your Veterinary Team 

  • Understand the steps of euthanasia, including sedation, and what to expect immediately after. We have designed 2 FAQ to support pet owners:

    Pet Euthanasia and Pet Aftercare  Keep in mind: your vet can prescribe oral sedation to give at home if your pet is very anxious before the appointment. 


Discuss Payment in Advance

  • Handling payment before the appointment can help you focus fully on your experience when the day comes. 



🕊️Personalize the Goodbye

Plan the Last Shared Moments

  • Spend intentional time with your pet in a way that brings comfort to both of you. This could be: 

  • A last cuddle session 

  • Watching your pet enjoy their favorite treat 

  • A final walk in a special place 

  • Rolling in the grass or lying together in the sun 

  • Any peaceful activity that has been meaningful throughout their life 

Choose Meaningful Rituals 

  • Bring your pet’s favorite toy, blanket, or treats to the appointment. 

  • Play calming music or a song that has meaning for you. 

  • Consider writing a letter to your pet or sharing special memories during the appointment. 

  • Personalizing your pet’s EUTHABAG, a soothing ritual before saying your final goodbye to your companion. It can help you feel you did your homework and preserved your pet's dignity. 

EUTHABAG decorated to honour your beloved pet

Personalizing your pet’s EUTHABAG

A soothing ritual before saying your final goodbye to your companion. It can facilitate acceptance of the animal’s departure and initiate the mourning process. A letter, a drawing or their favorite toy can be put it in the bag to accompany them across the rainbow bridge. Permanent markers, pens & paint work wonderfully on the fabric.

Plan for Keepsakes 

  • Decide if you would like a paw print, a lock of fur, or other memorial items like jewelry. 

  • Consider personalizing the urn (the crematorium team can guide you). 

 

🕊️Prepare Family and Friends 

Discuss with Household Members 

  • Make sure all family members, including children, understand what is happening and have a chance to say goodbye in their own way. 

  • If children attend euthanasia, prepare them with age-appropriate information.  Euthabag offers a curated list of self-help books on pet loss and grief.  

Notify Close Friends or Support People 

  • Let people who understand your bond know about the appointment so they can offer emotional support. 



🕊️Aftercare and Memorial Planning 

Plan the Aftercare 

  • Choose between: 

  • Cremation (individual or communal)  

  • Aquamation 

  • Cemetery 

  • Home burial (if allowed in your area). 

  • Confirm aftercare details with your veterinary clinic. 

Consider Memorial Options 

  • Personalized urns, paw print keepsakes, memorial jewelry, or planting a tree in your pet’s memory. The aftercare provider can assist you. 

  • A donation to a shelter or a non-profit to keep your pet’s memory alive. 

 

🕊️Support Your Grieving Process 

Give Yourself Permission to Grieve 

  • Grief is unique to each person. There is no right or wrong way to feel. Pets are a unique source of unconditional love. 

Seek Support 

  • Reach out to pet loss support groups, grief counselors, or online communities. Their support can be invaluable—and often, just a few sessions make a big difference. 

Prepare Resources 

  • Have books, podcasts, or articles on pet loss ready to help you through the coming days. 

  • LoveBaxter is an online resource offering heartfelt support, guidance, and tools for pet parents coping with the loss of a beloved companion.