How to Know When It’s Time to Say Goodbye to Your Pet
Saying goodbye to your pet is one of the hardest decisions you will ever have to make. They are family, loyal companions, and a constant source of unconditional love (often they know best we we need love the most!).
So when the time comes to consider euthanasia, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed with emotions and uncertainty. Our role is to support you through this process with care, understanding, and kindness, helping you find comfort in knowing that you are making the most loving choice for them.
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Knowing When It’s Time to Say Goodbye
One of the hardest decisions a pet owner will ever face is knowing when it’s time to say goodbye. It’s natural to second-guess, to hope for a good day after a few bad ones, or to wonder if there’s more that can be done. But sometimes, the most loving choice is also the most difficult.
Pets have an incredible way of masking pain. They may still wag their tail, greet you at the door, or have moments of happiness, even when they’re unwell. But as illness progresses or aging takes its toll, the signs of discomfort often become clearer.
If you’re wondering whether your pet’s quality of life is declining, here are some signs that may help guide your decision:
- Chronic Pain – Pain that no longer responds to medication or treatment.
- Severe Mobility Issues – Difficulty standing, walking, or rising without distress.
- Loss of Appetite – Refusing food and water, leading to noticeable weight loss.
- Incontinence – Loss of bladder or bowel control, which can cause discomfort and distress.
- Disinterest – No longer engaging in favorite activities or interacting with family.
- Respiratory Distress – Labored breathing, persistent coughing, or struggling to catch their breath.
Veterinarians often use the HHHHHMM Scale (Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility, and More Good Days than Bad) to assess a pet’s overall well-being. If they are experiencing more bad days than good, it may be time to have an open discussion with your veterinary team.
Every pet’s journey is unique, and so is the grieving process that comes with making this decision. If you’re feeling uncertain, know that these emotions are completely normal. Our team is here to support you, helping you understand what’s best for your pet while ensuring their comfort and dignity every step of the way.
Sometimes, our pets find their own way of telling us they are ready. A once-vibrant dog may quietly retreat to a favorite spot, seeking peace. A cat may stop responding, becoming still and distant. Some pets will lay beside their owner one last time, as if to say goodbye. While these moments can be heartbreaking, they are also a reminder that our pets trust us to make the right decision when they can no longer do it for themselves
"Many families tell us they just knew when the time was right—there was a look in their pet’s eyes, a moment of stillness, or a quiet sigh of acceptance. It’s not an easy decision, but it’s one made with deep love."
What to Expect During the Euthanasia Process
Making the decision to say goodbye is heartbreaking, but knowing what to expect can help bring comfort and reassurance. Euthanasia is a peaceful process, one guided by love, kindness, and a commitment to ensuring your pet’s final moments are free from pain or fear.
Before the Appointment
Each family approaches this moment differently, and there is no right or wrong way to prepare. Some choose to spend a quiet day at home, giving extra cuddles and sharing a favourite meal. Others prefer a gentle walk or a final visit to a cherished spot. However you choose to spend this time, what matters most is being present with them in a way that feels right for you.
There are also some practical decisions to consider:
- Choosing the Location – Some families prefer the comfort of home, where their pet can rest in a familiar place. Others find peace in a veterinary clinic, where a compassionate team can provide support. At MustCare Vets, we have dedicated rooms designed to give you privacy, comfort, and the time you need to say goodbye.
- Deciding Who Will Be There – Some owners want to stay by their pet’s side, offering comfort until the very end. Others find it too overwhelming and choose to say their goodbyes beforehand. Both choices are deeply personal, and there is no wrong decision.
- Bringing a Comfort Item – A favourite blanket, a well-loved toy, or even a piece of clothing with your scent can provide reassurance in their final moments.
During the Procedure
Euthanasia is a gentle and painless process. Our team prioritizes your pet’s comfort at every step:
- A calming sedative is given first, allowing them to relax fully. This ensures they are peaceful, free from anxiety, and feeling safe.
- The final injection is administered once they are asleep. It works quickly, allowing them to pass away without discomfort. Their breathing slows, and within moments, they are at rest.
We often hear owners worry about whether their pet will feel afraid. The truth is, most pets slip away in the presence of love—with a familiar voice, a gentle hand, and the warmth of those who have cared for them all their lives.
After the Procedure
It’s okay to take your time. At MustCare Vets, we understand how important these last moments are, which is why we provide a quiet space for you to stay with your pet for as long as you need. Some owners choose to sit with them for a little while, stroking their fur or whispering a final goodbye. Others may prefer to step away sooner. However you process this moment, we are here to support you.
Your next steps will depend on your wishes for aftercare. Whether you choose cremation or burial, there are ways to honour their memory and keep them close in spirit.
"Some pets rest their head in their owner’s lap, while others take one last deep breath as if to say, ‘I’m ready now.’ Every goodbye is different, but what never changes is the love that surrounds them in their final moments."
Aftercare Options For Your Pet
One of the questions many families have is, what happens to my pet after euthanasia? While this is a deeply emotional time, knowing your pet will be treated with care and dignity can provide reassurance. At MustCare Vets, we work closely with Pets in Peace and Pet Angel, two of our most trusted aftercare providers, to ensure your pet is respectfully cared for after they pass. Our team will guide you through the choices you will need to make for your pet’s aftercare with compassion and respect.
Cremation – Your pet will be gently transported to Pets in Peace or Pet Angel, where you can choose from Individual Cremation – where our pet is cremated separately, and their ashes are returned to you in an urn or keepsake of your choice. Or, Communal Cremation – Your pet is cremated alongside others, and their ashes are respectfully scattered in a designated memorial area.
Both Pets in Peace and Pet Angel offer a range of memorial options, including personalized urns, keepsake jewelry, and engraved plaques, allowing you to honor your pet in a way that feels meaningful to you.
Can I Bury My Pet At Home?
Some families find comfort in laying their pet to rest at home, in a familiar place surrounded by love. In Logan, pet burials on private property are permitted, provided they follow certain guidelines to ensure safety and environmental care. However, in Brisbane, regulations are less clear, and it’s recommended that owners check with the Brisbane City Council to confirm local policies before proceeding.
When considering home burial, factors such as soil type, water table levels, and environmental impact should be taken into account. If a home burial is not an option or if you prefer an alternative, services like Pets in Peace and Pet Angel offer professional pet cremation and burial services, ensuring your pet is cared for with dignity and respect. Our team is always available to guide you through the options and help you choose what feels right for your family.
"One family shared with us that they were unsure about cremation until they saw the beautiful urn that now sits on their mantel, a daily reminder of the good times they shared with their pet. Another family found peace in visiting their cat’s resting place in the garden, a quiet spot she loved where their memories with her live on."
Ways To Honour Your Pet’s Memory
Many families find solace in creating a special place to remember their pet. This could be a quiet corner in the home with their collar and a framed photo, or a garden memorial where their favourite flowers bloom. Some meaningful ideas to keep their memory alive include:
- Framing a Favourite Photo – A simple yet powerful way to keep them close.
- Planting a Tree or Flowers – A living tribute that grows in their honour.
- Keeping a Paw Print or Lock of Fur – Some families choose to preserve a small keepsake as a tangible memory.
- Custom Urns or Jewellery – Cremation ashes can be kept in a personalised urn, or a small portion can be placed inside a pendant or bracelet.
- Memorial Stones or Plaques – Engraved stones can be placed in a garden or a special location.
- Donation in Their Name – Supporting an animal shelter or rescue group in honour of your pet can be a heartfelt way to give back.
Some families choose to keep a small reminder of their pet with them, while others prefer a quiet, natural tribute. There is no right or wrong way to remember them—only what brings you peace.
Honouring Their Memory Through Action
For some, the best way to honour a beloved pet is to share their love with others. This might mean:
- Volunteering at an animal shelter to help pets in need.
- Fostering a rescue pet when the time feels right.
- Writing a letter or journal entry about their favorite moments, so their story lives on.
Every pet is unique, and so is the way we choose to honour them. However you choose to keep their memory alive, know that their love will always be a part of you.
"One family told us they still fill their late dog’s bowl with fresh water each morning, just as they always did. Another keeps their cat’s blanket on the couch, right where she used to sleep. These small acts aren’t about holding on to grief—they’re about remembering the love that never fades. We’ve had owners tell us they still talk to their pet when they walk past their framed photo or touch their collar. For many, it’s not about moving on—it’s about keeping that connection alive in a way that feels right for you."
How To Find Support & Healing After Saying Goodbye
Grief after losing a pet is deep and real. They were part of your everyday life—waiting by the door, curling up beside you, greeting you with unconditional love. When they’re gone, the silence can feel overwhelming. It’s important to remember that there’s no right or wrong way to grieve, and healing looks different for everyone.
Acknowledging Your Grief
Losing a pet can bring a flood of emotions—sadness, guilt, even relief if they were suffering. These feelings are all normal. Some people find comfort in talking about their pet, while others need time to process privately. However grief comes to you, allow yourself to feel it without judgment.
Finding Support
If you need someone to talk to, there are people who understand. Grief support services can help you navigate this difficult time:
- Griefline: Offers support, including tips on how to cope with the loss of a pet. Visit Griefline online or phone 1300 845 745.
- Forever In My Heart Pet Loss Support Group: An online support group providing a safe, non-judgmental space to share feelings and memories, managed by a professional pet loss counsellor.
- Pets in Peace: Offers guidance on dealing with grief, understanding feelings of loss, and supporting seniors and children through pet loss.
- Pet Angel: Provides information on pet loss and grief, including guidance on when it might be time to say goodbye and how to cope with the associated emotions. You can also phone them on 1800 738 264.
For children struggling to understand the loss, books like The Invisible Leash or I Can’t Believe They’re Gone can help explain death in a gentle, meaningful way. Encouraging them to write a letter to their pet or create a tribute can also help them process their feelings.
Losing a pet is one of the hardest things a family can go through. But in time, the pain softens, making way for gratitude—for the years of companionship, the laughter, the quiet moments of comfort. However long or short their time with us, their love remains. Always.
"We often hear owners say they weren’t prepared for how much it would hurt. But grief is love with nowhere to go—and that love deserves to be honored."
If you need help deciding when the time is right for your pet, please call us and our compassionate team of vets and nurses can help to guide you through the next steps. We are always here for you.
