Veterinarians Recommend Planning Pet End-of-Life Care in Advance

Veterinarians advise pet owners to discuss end-of-life options before their animals show serious decline. They state that waiting until the final day often leaves families with little time to choose medical care, euthanasia settings, or aftercare methods.

Dr. Becky Frank, a veterinarian with Lap of Love, said owners who avoid the topic can feel rushed when decisions must be made quickly. She added that setting a personal limit in advance, such as when a pet stops climbing stairs or refuses walks, removes guesswork at the moment of euthanasia.

Godwin said her Labrador, Bogart, declined faster than she expected and that she had only about 24 hours to arrange final care. She chose in-home euthanasia so the dog could remain in familiar surroundings. Dr. Shea Cox and entrepreneur Eli Harris opened Honor Pet in Los Angeles in 2023.

The facility provides euthanasia rooms, aquamation, and memorial options, and it schedules pre-planning sessions with families.

After a pet dies, owners must decide between communal or private cremation and between fire-based cremation or water-based aquamation. Eli Harris said aquamation uses less than 10 percent of the energy required for traditional cremation. Godwin noted she later regretted not selecting a memorial urn during the initial arrangements and was glad a family member ordered one.

Dr. Andrew Findlaytor, founder of Vetsie, said in-home visits allow pets to stay in a quiet setting rather than a clinic they may associate with stress.