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As anyone who has ever had a pet, companion animal or even a favourite farm animal will know, the hardest issue to deal with is when their lives draw to a close.
While we hope our old friends will just slip quietly away in their sleep one day, the reality is that many will become ill and infirm to the point where pain, mobility and general discomfort gets beyond help, and it’s kinder to help them on their way.
Vets understand that the decision to euthanise a pet is far from easy and that even discussing the subject is difficult for many. However, they emphasise that, as with so many other important issues in life, communication is key, together with as much preparation as possible, whether mental, physical or even financial.
Warkworth Vets’ Jon Makin says vets will do all they can to ease owners through the process.
“Often it’s the decison-making that’s the difficult thing for owners – when is the time right?” he says.
“Generally, it’s largely down to the owner’s perception of the animal’s quality of life, but sometimes we have to advise.”
Stephen McAulay at Wellsford Vets agrees, saying while vets are not encouraged to tell owners that it’s time for the animal to be euthanised, every situation is different
“Sometimes clients do benefit from being told,” he says. “When end of days is approaching, we always talk with clients about that. Discussion about what’s going to happen is good – it’s better to talk and to plan in advance.”
Both vets stress that with sedation and modern anaesthetics, animal euthanasia is pain-free and swift.
“The animal is very calm – in fact, it’s quite pleasant for it to just fall asleep,” Makin says.
And while both vets actively encourage owners to be with their animals at the end, for both the animal’s and owner’s benefit, it varies from case to case.
“Sometimes owners get so upset, you do wonder whether they are doing the right thing,” Makin says.
“The best thing can be for them to have a hug and a kiss with their pet and then leave them with us, but others prefer to be there.”
“In the middle of that emotional dynamic, it can be difficult and some animals are difficult to euthanise – I’m mindful of what people are comfortable with,” McAulay adds.
“It’s a significant emotional experience and it needs careful management before, during and after.”
And not only for animals’ owners – the vets themselves are also affected.
“For new vets, it’s one of the hardest things to manage – their own emotions and clients’ emotions,” he says.
Makin agrees.
“Every animal is going to reach its end of life, so it’s an unpleasant but necessary job,” he says.
“We always try to remain professional when we do it – you’re dealing with raw emotions, so you just try to get it done quietly, but it does affect you, especially the younger vets and as you get older, too.”
As for the cost, that also varies, according to circumstance and the size of the animal, but you’re looking at least $100 as a bare minimum. McAulay says euthanasia is billed on medicine costs based on body weight, “so a 60kg rottweiler is going to be a lot more than a 2kg cat”. Cost also depends on whether the vet is performing simple euthanasia or there are added fees, such as cremation.
He advises owners to build a good relationship with their vet and try to avoid after-hours callouts to keep costs to a minimum.
“Most clinics will have different arrangements for different people – if you have a significant relationship with your vet, they can be part of the process. It’s all about communication.”
