What Vets Want You to Know About At-Home Euthanasia

Dr. Laura Chenault has performed approximately 800 athome pet euthanizations. Here’s what she would like pet owners to know about having a vet come into your home for your pet’s final moments.

Do Not: Clean your house

Dr. Chenault says many clients feel they need to clean before she comes over, but the last thing a vet cares about is whether the house is tidy. She is there as a collaborator, a helper, an assistant—not a guest. “I don’t care if their house is clean,” she says.

Do: Have special treats

Does your cat love tuna? Cheese? Now is the time for special treats, or a final meal that they love. The only physical discomfort the animal will feel in the entire process is the sedative shot administered under the skin, and Dr. Chenault says many pets can be distracted through food so they don’t even notice it.

Do: Use familiar and comfortable items

Does your cat have a special blanket or bed they like to lie on? A stuffed animal they like snuggling with? This is a logical spot for the process where they will be the most comfortable.

Do: Have a support system

Having family members, or other friends who loved the pet in the home, can make the process easier. Dr. Chenault says sometimes whole families will be present, including kids, who get to express their grief in a more natural and healthy way.

Do: Show emotion

One of the biggest advantages of being in your own home is that pet parents can be more open with their emotions. Dr. Chenault wants people to know: It’s okay to cry. “If this was my baby I would cry,” she says.