Making end-of-life decisions for a beloved pet is never easy.
As a pet aftercare provider, we’re not here to tell you what you should or shouldn’t do.
We’re not the ones who’ve shared a life with your companion.
We’re not the ones who will carry the weight of the grief after.
And that’s exactly why we don’t take sides.
Our role is simply to walk with you — to help you think clearly,
to gently offer the perspectives you may need when emotions take over.
So that no matter what decision you make, it will be one made with love, clarity, and as little regret as possible.
💭 A Painful Crossroads
Let’s be honest — no loving pet parent truly wants to put their pet down.
Yet we’ve seen many who chose euthanasia in a moment of desperation,
only to later struggle with guilt and self-blame for months or even years.
It’s heartbreaking to watch your pet suffer.
And when there’s nothing left to be done, we start to ask ourselves:
“Am I doing this for them… or because I can’t bear to see them like this?”
Our hope is to provide a gentle guide — not to influence you one way or another,
but to make sure the decision, if it needs to be made, is one you can live with peacefully.
👩⚕️ About the Vet’s Recommendation
Many pet parents come to us saying,
“The vet suggested euthanasia.”
That’s a common and valid part of this journey.
But it’s important to remember:
🐾 Vets offer medical recommendations — not commands.
Just as doctors provide treatment options for human patients,
vets help assess quality of life and outline what’s possible.
The decision, however, remains in your hands.
Please don’t blame your vet for doing their job.
And please don’t rush a decision just because it was suggested.
At My Pet Funeral, we also look at things differently.
We consider not only your pet’s condition, but also your emotional state.
Because in the end, it’s not just about what’s happening to your pet —
it’s about what you’ll carry in your heart afterwards.
🧠 7 Important Questions to Ask Before Choosing Euthanasia:
1. Is my pet’s quality of life beyond recovery?
Are they no longer eating, drinking, moving, or engaging with you at all?
⚠️ Keep in mind: poor quality of life doesn’t always mean euthanasia is the only choice. Comfort care may still be possible.
2. Have I consulted at least two veterinary professionals?
Every vet has a slightly different approach. Hearing multiple opinions can help you feel more confident in your next steps.
3. Am I choosing this because I’ve exhausted all options — not because I’m emotionally or financially drained?
If you’re tired, overwhelmed, or afraid, please pause.
Ask yourself: is this truly for your pet’s well-being, or because I feel like I can’t cope?
4. Am I emotionally prepared to handle the aftermath of this decision?
Many pet parents think they’re making the right choice — only to be hit by waves of guilt or self-doubt later.
Think ahead: how will I feel afterward?
5. Do I fully understand the process of euthanasia?
It’s important to know what to expect: there may be muscle twitching, open eyes, or final breaths.
These are natural reflexes — but emotionally difficult if you’re unprepared.
6. Is continued medication helping, or just prolonging discomfort?
Sometimes, stopping treatment (except for pain relief) is the kindest thing you can do.
Focus on comfort, not control.
7. Can I let my pet pass at home, in peace?
If possible, consider bringing your pet home —
to a familiar space, surrounded by love, smells, and voices they know.
Home passing may offer more comfort and time for final goodbyes.
📊 The Quality of Life Assessment (HHHHHMM Scale)
Veterinarian Alice Villalobos created this tool to help assess an animal’s comfort level in their final days.
Score each item from 1–10:
- Hurt – Is their pain controlled? Can they breathe comfortably?
- Hunger – Are they eating on their own, or needing forced feeding?
- Hydration – Are they drinking enough, or showing signs of dehydration?
- Hygiene – Are they clean and dry, or developing sores from immobility?
- Happiness – Do they still respond to affection or familiar things?
- Mobility – Can they stand, move, or are they mostly immobile?
- More good days than bad – Are there still meaningful moments?
✅ A score over 35 usually means quality of life is still acceptable.
❗ A lower score doesn’t mean euthanasia is necessary — but it does mean it’s time for deeper discussion and support.
🌿 If You Choose to Stay Until the End
If you decide not to euthanize — or if your pet is slowly declining —
here are a few suggestions to help them feel safe and loved:
✔️ Stop forcing food — just offer what brings comfort
✔️ Keep them clean and gently groomed
✔️ Let them rest in a quiet, familiar place
✔️ Speak to them softly, hold them, just be near
✔️ Use pain medication when needed, and let go of all other medical interventions
💡 If your pet is still in the hospital, ask your vet whether it’s safe to bring them home.
Many animals pass more peacefully in familiar surroundings.
🔍 What About Animal Communicators?
Some pet parents may turn to animal communicators when struggling with end-of-life decisions.
We respect that — but we also offer these two gentle reminders:
1. Be clear about what you want to ask
Before reaching out, take some time to reflect.
What do you truly need to know? What do you want your pet to hear?
2. Choose someone with medical understanding
If you decide to consult a communicator, we suggest choosing someone with basic veterinary knowledge.
This ensures they can interpret physical symptoms more responsibly and give grounded insight.
No matter what guidance you seek, your final decision should be shaped by both love and logic.
❤️ One Final Thought
We will never tell you what to do.
But we’re here to walk beside you,
to help you slow down and breathe when everything feels overwhelming.
Whether you choose to let your pet pass naturally,
or decide on a peaceful euthanasia,
as long as it comes from deep thought and deep love —
you have already made the most compassionate choice.