Pet Euthanasia
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Euthanasia support
How do you know when it is time to say goodbye?
There is never a straight-forward answer to this very personal and emotional question – every pet’s and every family’s circumstances are different! To offer some guidance, vets have composed Quality of Life scales that can help you assess your pet’s quality of life. In its most basic form, measuring Quality of Life means answering the question ‘Is my pet able to do the things that make him/her happy?’ ‘Is he/she having more good days than bad days?’.
Quality of Life scales:
- Lap of Love Pet Quality of Life Scale by Mary Gardner, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. This online interactive tool asks owners to evaluate their pet’s quality of life. This scale considers social functions, mental health, physical health and family concerns. Note: Based on your ailment selection, the questions and parameters listed will be different.
View Here - The HHHHHMM Quality of Life Scale by Alice Villalobos, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. This scale considers Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility, and More good days than bad.
View Here
Suggestions on using any quality of life scale:
- Complete the scale at different times of the day, note circadian fluctuations in well-being. (Most pets tend to do worse at night and better during the day.)
- Request multiple members of the family complete the scale; compare observations.
- Take periodic photos of your pet to help you remember their physical appearance.
Things to think about:
Palliative and hospice care for pets
Considerations around other pets
What happens immediately after a pet’s passing
Where to find support:
The Blue Cross charity pet bereavement support: Freephone: 0800 096 6606 (8.30am – 8.30pm every day); email: pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk; https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-loss
Cats Protection grief support: Freephone: 0800 024 94 94 (9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday); www.cats.org.uk/grief
Samaritans: 116 123