At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital, we understand that deciding to say goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the most difficult and deeply personal choices you’ll ever make. Pets are our companions, our daily constants, and members of the family. When their comfort and dignity begin to slip away, choosing humane euthanasia can be a final, selfless act of love — but it’s natural to feel uncertain, guilty, or overwhelmed.
As January brings increased awareness to mental health through initiatives like Bell Let’s Talk, it’s an important reminder that grief — including the loss of a pet — can have a profound impact on emotional wellbeing. You don’t have to navigate these feelings alone.
Alongside your medical team, our in-hospital social worker is available to support you and your family with both emotional and practical guidance — from talking through quality-of-life questions and logistics to being present on the day and offering follow-up grief support. We’re here to help you find your way through this difficult time with compassion, clarity, and care.
Understanding the Decision About When to Say Goodbye
The right time to say goodbye often isn’t marked by a single moment, but by a series of small changes that accumulate over time. It can help to step back and ask:
- Is my pet still finding joy in their usual activities?
- Are their good days still outnumbering the bad?
- Can their pain or discomfort be managed in a way that keeps them content?
You don’t have to answer these questions alone. Talk with your veterinary team about your pet’s quality of life, what medical or comfort options are available, and what to expect if you decide to proceed. Using structured tools — such as a Quality of Life checklist or calendar — can make these discussions clearer and help you feel more confident in your decision.
For a deeper look at how to assess comfort, joy, and daily wellbeing, see our blog, Quality of Life: A Helpful Framework for Pet-Centered Decisions, which includes tools and resources you can use at home.
Taking time to reflect on your pet’s personality and values also matters. For example, an energetic retriever who lived for long walks might find loss of mobility harder than a senior cat who enjoys quiet time by your side. There is no universal definition of “ready” — there is only what feels right for you and your companion.
Preparing for Euthanasia
Once you’ve made the decision, your veterinary team will walk you through what to expect and what options are available. You can choose whether to say goodbye in-hospital or, if you prefer a home setting, we can connect you with trusted providers who offer in-home euthanasia services.
Our team will guide you through what to expect, explain your options, and help you plan the details that will make the experience peaceful for both you and your pet.
Think about what would make that time meaningful and calm:
- Setting: A quiet room at the hospital, or if you prefer a home setting, we can connect you with trusted providers who offer in-home euthanasia services.
- Comfort items: A favorite blanket, toy, or bed.
- Company: Decide who should be present.
- Memories: Consider a paw print, a fur clipping, or a few photos as keepsakes.
Your veterinary team will explain each step, from the sedation that helps your pet relax to the final injection that brings peaceful rest. Many people find it reassuring to know that their pet feels no pain — only calm and comfort, surrounded by love.
It’s also okay if you’re not sure how you’ll feel in the moment. Some people want to be present throughout; others choose to say goodbye beforehand. Both are valid, and both come from love.
Additional reading:
Navigating Grief After Saying Goodbye to Your Pet
The days and weeks after saying goodbye can feel hollow. You might replay decisions in your mind or question whether you did enough. These feelings are part of grief — not a sign that you made the wrong choice.
Grief after pet loss is real, and it deserves understanding and space. Some people may not fully grasp how deeply we love our pets — but your feelings are valid, and you’re not alone.
You may notice moments of sadness, anger, guilt, or even relief if your pet had been struggling. All of these are normal. There’s no set timeline for healing, and it’s okay if your emotions change from day to day.
Ways to care for yourself:
- Acknowledge your grief. Allow yourself to cry, talk, or be quiet — whatever feels right.
- Remember your pet meaningfully. A memory box, planting a tree, or writing a letter can help.
- Stay connected. Talk with friends, family, or others who understand.
- Be gentle with yourself. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting — it means learning to carry the love in a new way.
Some people find comfort in a small daily ritual, such as lighting a candle or sharing a story about their pet. Over time, the sharpness of loss can soften, making more space for gratitude for the years you shared.
For a short reflection that validates why pet loss can feel so profound, see our companion piece, “Its Just a Dog” .
Support From Our In-Hospital Social Worker
Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital is proud to have an in-hospital social worker dedicated to supporting clients and staff during times of stress, grief, or crisis. Their role is to provide emotional and practical guidance — whether you’re navigating a difficult diagnosis, preparing for euthanasia, or coping with loss afterward.
How our social worker can support you:
- Emotional support during euthanasia, grief, or end-of-life discussions.
- Assistance when clients are overwhelmed or having difficulty processing information.
- Facilitating conversations about quality-of-life decisions or financial considerations.
- Short-term or ongoing counselling for grief and loss, including virtual follow-up.
- Connecting you with community-based support or mental health resources.
If you would like to connect with our social worker, please speak with any member of your care team.
You Are Not Alone
Saying goodbye is an act of love, but it can also leave an ache that takes time to heal. At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital, we’re here to help you prepare, make informed choices, and find support afterward — because every pet’s story, and every bond, deserves care even in goodbye.
Love and loss are intertwined — and every moment you gave your pet a good life was, in itself, the greatest gift.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preparing to Say Goodbye to a Pet
How do I know when it’s the right time to say goodbye to my pet?
The right time is usually determined by a series of gradual changes rather than one single moment. Signs to consider include whether your pet still finds joy in their usual activities, whether good days outnumber bad, and whether their pain or discomfort can be managed in a way that keeps them content. Using tools like a Quality of Life checklist or calendar, along with guidance from your veterinary team, can help bring clarity to the decision.
What is a Quality of Life framework, and how does it help?
A Quality of Life framework helps you assess your pet’s comfort, joy, and daily wellbeing. It provides structure when noticing changes, discussing options with your veterinary team, and making informed decisions about end-of-life care. It also helps prevent uncertainty by tracking your pet’s good and bad days over time.
Can my veterinary team help me decide when euthanasia may be appropriate?
Yes. Your veterinary team can help assess your pet’s quality of life, explain medical and comfort options, and walk you through what to expect if you decide to proceed. You do not have to make this decision alone.
What emotional support is available during the decision-making process?
Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital offers support from an in-hospital social worker who can help you navigate emotional stress, grief, and decision-making. They can assist with difficult conversations, offer guidance before and during euthanasia, and provide follow-up grief support.
How can I prepare for my pet’s euthanasia appointment?
Preparation may include choosing a quiet setting — in-hospital or at home — and gathering comfort items like your pet’s favorite blanket or bed. Deciding who should be present and considering keepsakes such as paw prints or fur clippings can also help create a peaceful experience. Your veterinary team will explain each step so you know what to expect.
Is it normal to feel unsure or conflicted about euthanasia?
Yes. Feelings of uncertainty, guilt, or worry are very common. Many people struggle with how they will feel during the appointment or whether they should be present the entire time. Every reaction is valid, and both staying with your pet or saying goodbye beforehand are compassionate choices.
What actually happens during the euthanasia process?
Your veterinary team will walk you through the process. Typically, a gentle sedation helps your pet relax before the final injection, ensuring they feel calm and peaceful. Pets do not experience pain during euthanasia, and many owners find comfort in knowing their companion is surrounded by love.
What kinds of feelings are normal after my pet has passed?
Grief may include sadness, guilt, anger, relief, or emotional numbness — all of which are normal. The early days may feel hollow or uncertain, and emotions can shift from day to day. Grief after pet loss is real and deserves space and understanding.
How can I take care of myself while grieving my pet?
Helpful approaches include acknowledging your feelings, connecting with people who understand, creating meaningful remembrances, and being gentle with yourself as you adjust. Healing does not mean forgetting — it means carrying the love in a new way.
Does Boundary Bay have resources to help with grief after pet loss?
Yes. Our in-hospital social worker provides short-term or ongoing grief counselling, emotional support during and after euthanasia, and connections to community mental health resources. You can request support at any time through your care team.
Why does pet loss feel so emotionally overwhelming?
Pets are daily companions and family members, and their absence touches every part of our routines and relationships. The grief that follows is a reflection of your bond and the care you provided. Your feelings are valid, and you are not alone in them.
