Saying goodbye to your pet: A compassionate guide

Please note that this article discusses pet loss and end-of-life care, which may be distressing for some readers. Discretion is advised. If you are struggling with the loss of a pet or a loved one, please know that support is available. You can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 for additional support.

For many of us, our pet is our cherished companion; our best friend; our family member; our ‘baby’. So, when the time comes to say that final farewell, it’s natural for us to experience grief, sometimes overwhelmingly so. Fairly commonly, these feelings of loss and sadness may be accompanied by other emotions such as uncertainty, confusion, anger, or even guilt about the decisions we had to make for our pet, even when these choices came from a place of love and compassion.

Timely information and gentle professional guidance can make all the difference in allowing owners to feel more at peace with their furry friends’ passing.

How do you know when it’s time?

If your pet suffers a severe injury or unwellness episode that can’t be adequately treated to ensure a sufficient recovery, the decision to euthanise them can be a heartbreaking but clear-cut one.

More difficult, however, is a gradual deterioration in your pet’s quality of life due to progressive unwellness, especially if their condition waxes and wanes with good days and bad days. A simple approach in these cases is to monitor your pet for four key issues: fatigue, pain, distress (mental or physical), or nausea. If your pet is experiencing one of these symptoms more often than not, and their condition can’t be managed adequately or isn’t going to improve in the long-term, your veterinarian may advise that euthanasia is the most appropriate option to prevent suffering.

Completing pet quality of life assessment charts, such as this one created by Ohio State University, can also help to provide some objective clarity during this difficult time.

Speaking with your vet about euthanasia

Understanding your pet’s condition and all the potential treatment options and likely prognoses can help you to make informed decisions about their end-of-life care, whether it’s pursuing further treatment, entering a stage of palliative (comfort) care, or euthanasia.

Remember that there’s no standard “right decision” in these situations – realistically, multiple personal factors need to be considered and balanced when making the best choice for your pet; including their overall health status, their ability to cope mentally and physically with any veterinary intervention, and, just as importantly, a range of personal factors, alongside veterinary advice with their required care.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted vet, who will be able to:

• Provide you with medical information about your pet
• Help you to assess your pet’s quality of life with and without veterinary intervention
• Offer gentle guidance as to when euthanasia might be the kindest option

What happens during pet euthanasia?

Euthanasia is the medical procedure of humanely ending your pet’s life to prevent pain and suffering.

It most commonly involves two stages:

1. Administering strong sedative pain relief medications to your pet, so they feel drowsy, calm and comfortable
2. Administering an overdose of an anaesthetic medication to gently send them into a state of unconsciousness, which deepens to a point where their breathing and heart functions cease and they peacefully die

The veterinarian performing the procedure will then check your pet’s heart to confirm they have passed.

Depending on your pet’s condition, the euthanasia procedure may be performed in your home by a visiting veterinarian (either through a home visit from your regular clinic or a specialised pet home euthanasia service) or on-site at a veterinary clinic.

Can you be with your pet during the process?

Unless your pet needs to be euthanised urgently on an emergency basis, you will usually be offered choices to:

• say goodbye and then leave your pet in the care of the veterinarian
• attend for part of the euthanasia procedure (e.g. until your pet is sedated) and then leave
• remain present for the entire time

Once again, there is no standard ‘right decision’ – it’s important to make the choice that you feel is best for you and your pet. Regardless of whether you are present or not, your veterinary team will handle your pet in a gentle manner and perform their euthanasia kindly and professionally.

Aftercare options: burial or cremation

Making decisions on the aftercare for your pet’s body may feel confronting, but for many owners this can also be an important way of honouring and memorialising their pet.

Options for laying your pet to rest include:

• Cremation: Through a private cremation service (which either you or your veterinarian can arrange), with you being able to choose from a variety of containers to receive your pet’s ashes back in (depending on your plans to either keep your pet’s ashes or scatter them somewhere meaningful)
• Professional aftercare: This is arranged through your veterinary clinic or a licensed pet cremation provider, typically involving communal cremation where ashes are not returned
• Burial: On private property where permitted by local council or state regulations, and where it is safe and appropriate to do so

There is also the option to donate your pet’s body to a local veterinary school, where it can help train future veterinarians in anatomy, surgery, or dental procedures – giving your pet a meaningful way to contribute to the care of other animals.

Whatever you decide, there’s no right or wrong choice – only what feels most appropriate for you, your family and the bond you shared. Taking the time to consider what will bring you the most comfort can help make an incredibly difficult moment feel just a little more manageable.

Creating a meaningful goodbye

As well as laying your pet to rest in a manner that feels appropriate, many owners wish to honour their beloved animal companion’s memory in other ways.

Options for memorialising your pet include:

• Commissioning a piece of art in your pet’s memory, such as an engraved stone or plaque, bespoke jewellery, a painted portrait, or even a tattoo
• Organising a funeral service for your pet, with the inclusion of any friends or family who knew and loved them too
• Planting a tree in your garden for your pet
• Donating to an animal rescue organisation in your pet’s honour
• Compiling an album of photos or videos of your pet
• Writing down some of your favourite memories of your pet
• Displaying mementos connected to your pet, such as their collar, ink pawprints, or a lock of their fur in a glass jar

Coping with grief after losing a pet and when to seek extra support

Losing a beloved pet can trigger feelings of grief akin to those experienced from the loss of a close human family member.

During this time of loss, be kind to yourself and try to indulge in some healthy self-care, including giving yourself time and space to grieve for your pet (taking some time off from work if you need to), eating well, and trying to maintain healthy routines for outdoors time, gentle exercise and sleep.

It’s also important to reach out to friends or family who understand and respect the companion animal-human bond, so you can talk to them about how you’re feeling and receive some support and understanding. Having others acknowledge and empathise with the loss of your pet can help you to feel less alone in your grief.

If you feel like you need more support, it’s OK to seek professional help. Options include:

• Utilising a pet bereavement counselling service, such as Pets and People, Griefline or Rest Your Paws
• Speaking to a psychologist
• Contacting your GP for a mental health care plan
• Contacting a mental health support service such as Lifeline or Beyond Blue

Saying goodbye is never easy. Accessing the right information and support can help you navigate your options and honour your pet with care and love.

Read more pet-related articles on The Dish or see which organisations we’ve partnered with in the animal welfare, vet welfare, and animal research space through our Giving Program.

28 May 2026