Back to "Make Decisions" in the Pet Parent Resource Center
Print this article

A Helpful Checklist for Pet Parents

It’s so hard to think about saying good-bye to your pet. Yet, if you can find the courage to make plans before your pet dies, you may feel more prepared to face it when the time arrives. Feeling prepared, especially when you are facing your pet’s euthanasia, may help you have fewer regrets about how, when and where your pet dies. Please take some time to think about the details surrounding the way you want to say good-bye to your beloved pet. Use this checklist to help you make arrangements.

___I have discussed the medical and emotional aspects of euthanasia with my veterinarian and feel ready to make an informed decision on behalf of my pet.

___I have researched my options for pet euthanasia and have chosen

___euthanasia at my veterinary clinic.

___home euthanasia.

___pet hospice care.

___I have made an appointment for euthanasia with my veterinarian at _______AM/PM on __________________(mo/day/year) or

___I have enrolled my pet in a pet hospice program.

___I have decided to be present/not be present (circle one) during my pet’s euthanasia.

___I have informed family members, friends, and others (ex-spouses, neighbors, adult children, animal-assisted therapy clients, etc.) who love my pet about my pet’s condition, allowing them to say good-bye or be present during my pet’s euthanasia.

___I have asked a friend to go to my pet’s euthanasia appointment with me to provide support for me/my young children.

___I have talked with my veterinarian and researched local services for caring for my pet’s body after he/she dies and have chosen ______________________. The name and contact information for this service is:

____I have collected the poems/prayers/music/memorials that will be meaningful and comforting to me during my pet’s euthanasia. I have attached copies and information about them to this worksheet.

Please take care of yourself with as much compassion and kindness as you give your pet!

Click here to print this article.

Find additional resources and related articles under Make Decisions in the Veterinary Wisdom® Resource Center - Support for Pet Parents.

© 2013. World by the Tail, Inc. All rights reserved.

Laurel Lagoni is a nationally recognized veterinary grief expert and the former Director of the Argus Institute at Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital. She is President of World by the Tail, Inc., and directs the Veterinary Wisdom® Resource Centers at www.veterinarywisdom.com