How to Prepare for Your Pet’s Passing

Losing a pet is always difficult, but planning ahead can ease some of the emotional and mental burdens. To prepare for and cope with your pet’s eventual passing, consider these four strategies.

#1: Assess your pet’s quality of life

It’s difficult for pets to communicate when they are not feeling well, but they may show signs of poor mental or physical health. To evaluate your pet’s health and happiness as they age or cope with a chronic condition, you can use a quality-of-life scale. This scale helps you assess your pet in an objective manner and can help determine if they are experiencing any suffering.

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

Losing a pet suddenly can relieve you from the tough decision of opting for euthanasia. However, it may also lead you to wonder if you missed any signs of your pet’s illness. On the other hand, deciding when it is the right time for your pet to pass away and scheduling euthanasia can be challenging. It is important to remember that most pets do not pass away peacefully in their sleep, so choosing humane euthanasia can be the ultimate act of love for your pet who is in pain.

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

If you’re not prepared for after-care when your pet dies, it can be overwhelming. To avoid some stress, consider discussing with your vet options for caring for your pet’s body before they pass. Cremation is a common choice, and you may choose to receive the ashes. Aquamation is gaining popularity but may not be widely available yet.

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

When you’re mourning the loss of your pet, don’t hesitate to seek comfort from support groups in addition to your loved ones. Various veterinary universities have pet loss support hotlines, and there are numerous pet bereavement groups available on social media that may be a good fit for you. Remember, you don’t have to go through this grieving process by yourself.

If your pet’s health or happiness is decreasing, contact our team for assistance in evaluating their quality of life and getting ready for their eventual passing.