Should You Stay with Your Pet During their Goodbye?
Sunset Vets Palliative and End of Life Care (Sunset Vets) are experts at supporting families through the end-of-life journey with their pets. Our team of compassionate vets regularly witness the very real moments that come with saying goodbye to a beloved member of the family. These moments can be a rollercoaster of emotions, and for some clients it can be overwhelming to contemplate being present for the final goodbye. This can be caused by many things including anticipatory grief, fear of the unknown, guilt around end-of-life decisions or lack of support.
Sunset Vets are here to support you, and we can help guide you through any doubts or concerns you may be having. While we will always support whatever decision you make that is right for you, we are regularly told by owners that they’re glad they were there during a Sunset Vets goodbye despite their initial hesitations. If you are unsure about how you might feel being present, working with a palliative care veterinarian ahead of an expected goodbye can often help you prepare. Read on for the four most common reasons families tell us they’re glad they stayed.
Comfort and Reassurance
Your presence provides comfort and reassurance to your pet. Elderly pets can sometimes become more anxious towards the end stages of their life. Your scent and presence will provide solace for your pet and help make their final moments peaceful.
Closure and Understanding
Staying offers closure and understanding for you. Witnessing the passing of your pet in a peaceful home environment where they are comfortable and at ease can be a positive aspect of your healing.
Support and Love
Your presence is a nod to the love and support that has defined your relationship. Being there in their last moments is a final act of compassion and devotion and it honours their life and the memories you’ve created together.
Respecting the Decision
Deciding to say goodbye is difficult but staying by your pet’s side shows that you respect the choice that you and your pet’s care team have made together about what is best for your pet. It also allows the veterinary team to support you through the process and validate your decision.
Every pet-owner relationship is unique, and deciding whether to stay during euthanasia is deeply personal and something that not everybody is comfortable with. No matter what you decide, we are here for you and your pet at every stage. Find out more HERE.
If you are considering being present, but this is something you’re not sure about yet, we encourage you to reach out to our team for support or read further in our blog ‘What to expect during an at-home euthanasia appointment’.
