Thanks to a recent pet owner survey, we can now say with certainty that a quality companion animal euthanasia is more than just the medical procedure itself. These are the top 5 things pet owners considered to be most important to them.
Remaining Together Throughout
Pet owners want to be with their pet for the entire procedure. From start to finish, over 80% of owners shared how important it was not be separated. It’s still common for pets to be brought to the treatment area for catheter placement, which can take anywhere from 3-20 minutes depending on numerous factors.
The concern is the pet may be fearful during this time, away from loved ones, and pet owners are left waiting for their return. Every minute becomes more and more precious as the final moment together draws near. Euthanasia is unique among medical procedures in that owners can be and want to be there.
A Pain Free Procedure
A very close second is the desire for a pain-free procedure. This is what everyone wants; the pet, the owner and the veterinary team. Pain and euthanasia simply don’t belong together. Pet owners are very aware of their pet’s emotions and feelings during the procedure. There seems to be a general consensus that sometimes pain may be present.
As long as veterinary personnel proceed with compassion and gentleness, including taking their time to minimise discomfort, pet owners will trust everything was done to make the experience as pleasant as possible. Veterinary teams can take precautions to make sure handling and necessary injections are gentle and pain free: using more oral pre-sedatives, asking if the pet is painful anywhere, using the least amount of restraint possible, and choosing drugs with minimal pain on injection.
Restful Sleep Pre-Euthanasia
Pet owners overwhelming preferred pre-euthanasia sedation for their pet rather than euthanasia while their pet was wide awake. Sleep provides a break from pain and other symptoms of disease and dying. And owners were accommodating about how long it would take too.
Their pet taking more than 20 minutes to fall asleep was acceptable as long as the pet was comfortable and the setting relaxed. Providing the right sedatives before any technical aspects of the procedure (such as catheter placement) helps ensure the pet experiences less pain, and anxiety.
Help With Preplanning
Those who reported the most satisfaction with their pet’s euthanasia appeared to have more time to plan things out. Emergency euthanasia ranked the most stressful, in large part due to the lack of preparations and the inability to say goodbye in the manner they wanted. Preplanning was welcomed in the form of pre-appointment conversations, website information, and talking with family members.
Overall, preplanning their ideal pet euthanasia event reduced regret. More people were able to say goodbye in their way, befitting the life and bond they shared with their pet.
Being at Home, in Peace, Together
A significant number of pet owners expressed a strong preference for at-home euthanasia services. Being in familiar surroundings helps reduce stress for both the pet and family members during this emotional time. The home environment allows pets to remain comfortable in their favourite spots, surrounded by familiar scents and sounds.
Pet owners appreciate not having to transport an ailing pet to a clinic and value the privacy and intimacy that home euthanasia provides. This setting also allows for more flexible timing and personalized goodbyes, enabling families to create meaningful end-of-life experiences in their own space.
