Should Children or Other Pets Be Present for Euthanasia?

Doing this at home means your whole family can be part of the goodbye — which raises the question of who should actually be in the room. This covers children and other pets separately, because the considerations are different.

Children

There is no age at which a child should or should not be present. It depends on the individual child — their maturity, their bond with the pet, how they handle strong emotion — and on whether you feel able to support them through it while managing your own grief.

Reasons families include children

Reasons families choose not to

Preparing a child who will be there

Use plain, honest words. Explain that the veterinarian will give the pet a shot that makes them very sleepy, then another that stops their heart while they sleep, and that it does not hurt. Avoid "put to sleep" and "go away" — those phrases can make children afraid of ordinary sleep or of people leaving. Tell them what they might see, and make it clear they can leave the room at any point. Be ready for questions, then and for weeks afterward.

Involving a child without them being in the room

Other pets

Surviving pets in the household usually do well being present, and there is a practical reason to allow it. Animals who see and smell that their companion has died tend to settle more quickly than those who simply find their friend gone one day and spend days searching the house.

Most pets stay quiet during the visit. Some sniff their companion afterward and then wander off; some show little obvious reaction. If you are worried yours might be disruptive, they can wait in another room and be brought in afterward. It is common for a surviving pet to be subdued for a day or two — off their food a little, sleeping more, wanting closeness — before returning to normal.

We have a fuller article on supporting the pets left behind if that is on your mind.

It is your call

A good veterinarian will make room for whatever you decide and will not pressure you either way. If you want to talk it through before the day, you are welcome to call us, and you can also see what to expect during the visit so you know what your family would be present for.