# I've got to euthanize a pet -- do we go or just drop him off? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 8, 2013, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-euthanize-a-pet-do-we-go-or-just-drop-him-off/646446 "2013-01-08T04:09:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-euthanize-a-pet-do-we-go-or-just-drop-him-off/646446/41 "2013-01-08T18:25:59Z")
I’ve stayed a few times but once I didn’t. To be honest, I didn’t think I could cope, Kim being _my_ dog - we grew up together. I was only just turned 17, though that’s no excuse. I still feel like I let her down at her life’s end. So, yeah, stay, if you can (although I understand why it’s not for everyone). It’s like “You’ve always been there for me, my friend, and I will be with you at the end”. ---
**Author:** ![PapSett](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ecc23a/32.png) [@PapSett](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PapSett)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-euthanize-a-pet-do-we-go-or-just-drop-him-off/646446/42 "2013-01-08T18:31:55Z")
> [@harmonicamoon](#): > > My vet had two prices for euthanasia. One for if you watched and one if you didn’t watch. When I asked why it was more expensive if I watched, the office girl replied, “because then we have to deal with you afterwards”. She made a good point, because it was a very emotional event. I am in full agreement with others above- find a new vet. And the office girl should be FIRED. That is one of the most cold, callus thing I havbe ever heard. EVER. My vet is wonderful. He always sits on the floor with us and cries with me. ---
**Author:** ![Rhiannon8404](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhiannon8404/32/17929_2.png) [@Rhiannon8404](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhiannon8404)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-euthanize-a-pet-do-we-go-or-just-drop-him-off/646446/43 "2013-01-08T18:36:53Z")
> [@harmonicamoon](#): > > My vet had two prices for euthanasia. One for if you watched and one if you didn’t watch. When I asked why it was more expensive if I watched, the office girl replied, “because then we have to deal with you afterwards”. She made a good point, because it was a very emotional event. This is cold, but I’ve heard of it before. I’ve had to put down a cat, a dog and a horse. Yes, all three were terribly emotional events, but in no way did my emotions cause the vet any extra expenses that he should need to charge for. Thankfully none of the vets I used charged extra for me to be there. My horse vet didn’t even charge me a house call when he came out to put down my mare. **Drum God** , you will not regret being there for your pup one last time. He will know you were with him to the end. I’m am so sorry you are having to go through this. ---
**Author:** ![alphaboi867](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alphaboi867/32/3898_2.png) [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-euthanize-a-pet-do-we-go-or-just-drop-him-off/646446/44 "2013-01-08T19:48:27Z")
Of course you should go in with him. What kind of monster just drops their dog off to be put to sleep & leaves? ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-euthanize-a-pet-do-we-go-or-just-drop-him-off/646446/45 "2013-01-08T20:25:11Z")
> [@cochrane](#): > > I agree, I’d find another vet. When I last had to have a dog put down, the vet was very kind. I was present while they gave Daisy the tranquilizing shot. I was allowed to pet her and tell her that I loved her for the last time. She went to sleep feeling my touch and hearing my voice. After it was finished, I was allowed to remain in the room with her for my final goodbyes. It was emotionally draining, but yet I felt good for having stood by her at the end. A good vet takes care of the owner’s needs as well as the pet’s needs. They realize that both are often in need of healing. I thought that was an unusual thing for someone in a vet’s office to say, too. When we had to euthanize our old cat last month, the vet’s office was great about it - like I said, they had to take care of the business end still, since they aren’t a charity, but they couldn’t have been nicer and more understanding about everything. They even had a private exit we could use so we wouldn’t have to walk our blubbery faces through the waiting room again. ---
**Author:** ![Infovore](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/infovore/32/420_2.png) [@Infovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Infovore)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-euthanize-a-pet-do-we-go-or-just-drop-him-off/646446/46 "2013-01-08T20:27:36Z")
I couldn’t imagine not going. When we had to have our 5-year-old Russian Blue, Meep (who was my baby) put to sleep, I held her until it was over. I was a mess afterward, but I loved her too much to let her go alone. I’m sorry for your loss, **Drum God**. Losing a pet sucks no matter how old they are. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Honey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honey/32/5074_2.png) [@Honey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Honey)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-euthanize-a-pet-do-we-go-or-just-drop-him-off/646446/47 "2013-01-08T21:19:22Z")
My Golden Retriever, Friday, and my Weimaraner, Chance, both went to sleep peacefully with me sitting on the floor with them and their heads on my lap. Both times the vet left the room after so I could spend some time with them. Go, you won’t regret it. ---
**Author:** ![saje](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saje/32/3631_2.png) [@saje](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saje)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-euthanize-a-pet-do-we-go-or-just-drop-him-off/646446/48 "2013-01-08T21:32:37Z")
I can’t NOT be there. It tears my heart out every time, but I need to be there, and I keep a tight rein on my emotions until I’m home again. That said, I’ve worked in a vet clinic and seen a client or two (well, three, actually) need to be coaxed to leave, because they were near hysterical and it was upsetting the animal. The vets & techs were very kind but firm, and all 3 of the animals were frequent flyers at the vets (long histories of illnesses) so they were comfortable with the staff. For my own animals, if they are the kind who hate the car and are scared of the vet, I’ll ask the vet for a dose of acepromazine tranq a few days ahead of time. That way I can administer the tranq at home, wait 'til they doze off and are groggy, then take them in. Much less stress for all concerned. ---
**Author:** ![Kaio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/c68b51/32.png) [@Kaio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kaio)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-euthanize-a-pet-do-we-go-or-just-drop-him-off/646446/49 "2013-01-08T21:39:14Z")
When Merlyn passed there was absolutely no question in my mind that I would be there with him. My mom thought it would be too hard on me, but I let her know that it really wasn’t about me. Other than briefly taking him to the back to insert the IV catheter, I was with him, with my arms around him, the entire time. I had a great vet. The euthanasia was unplanned – he’d been ill, but back and forth and for a couple days beforehand looked like he was improving. Then he went into crisis overnight and I called the minute they opened to tell them it was time. They had a private room waiting for me by the time I got there, and let me stay as long as I needed. They even have “euthanasia in progress” signs for the door leading to the labs so none of the staff would bother me. I still have the sympathy card they sent me. The cat illustrated on the front looks like Merlyn. I didn’t even know they made pet sympathy cards. I can’t imagine letting a family member’s last moments being alone among strangers if I have any other option. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-euthanize-a-pet-do-we-go-or-just-drop-him-off/646446/50 "2013-01-08T21:39:44Z")
> [@filmore](#): > > Your dog will prefer you to be there. I’m surprised the doc recommended you not be there. I’ve never had a vet suggest this. They’ve all been very understanding and accommodating in allowing us to be there when we’ve had to take this step with our pets. Ditto. There are threads here where it’s mentioned that some vets charge more for this method (they use a slightly different mix to avoid distressing the owners). I seem to recall they may have done this when I had a guinea pig euthanized a couple years back (I did _not_ stay with the pig then, as he wouldn’t have cared if I was in the room or in the next hemisphere!). Some vets will do it via house call, though I’d bet yours won’t. Our cat was put to sleep at home. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-euthanize-a-pet-do-we-go-or-just-drop-him-off/646446/51 "2013-01-08T21:48:56Z")
Oh - and to jump on the bandwagon: if you can at all handle it emotionally, be there for your friend. It will comfort him in his last moments, you’ll know you did right by him and that will comfort you. ---
**Author:** ![Kaio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/c68b51/32.png) [@Kaio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kaio)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-euthanize-a-pet-do-we-go-or-just-drop-him-off/646446/52 "2013-01-08T22:02:24Z")
> [@Drum\_God](#): > > How have you handled “breaking the news” to other dogs when one dog has to go on ahead? They know. I don’t know how they know, but they do. When Merlyn was ill, was was gone at a hospital for more than a week, and my other cat Púca was just happy he was finally allowed in the bedroom (Merlyn’s “sick room”) again. When I took him to the vet to let him go, I figured it would be at least a week before Púca began looking for him. The _next day,_ Púca walked into the pet carrier (Merlyn’s “den” while he was sick, and something Púca had never done before), lay down, and sighed. He stayed there for days, coming out only to eat and use the litter box. Plan to spend more time together with your pets. You’ll find comfort in each other, and you will all need it. Púca needed a LOT of reassurance that I wasn’t going to leave forever, too. BTW, there’s nothing saying you have to go through your vet’s preferred pet funeral home. I did some research ahead of time, and found a small funeral home that was just a short trip up the street from my apartment. I carried Merlyn in a towel from the vet to the funeral parlor (a friend drove), and frankly I wouldn’t trade that for the world, either. It was a last act of love to carry him myself to his final destination. ---
**Author:** ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-euthanize-a-pet-do-we-go-or-just-drop-him-off/646446/53 "2013-01-08T22:09:48Z")
If you can manage it, please go. My first cat, I couldn’t bear it and left, and have regretted it ever since. I’ve been there for all the rest of them, even a stray I fed that got injured and I took it to the vet. I don’t know where pets go when they pass, but I truly hope we get to see them again. And if we do I want them to still love me for staying. ---
**Author:** ![Ghost\_of\_6\_80](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/94ad74/32.png) [@Ghost\_of\_6\_80](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ghost_of_6_80)\ **Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-euthanize-a-pet-do-we-go-or-just-drop-him-off/646446/54 "2013-01-08T22:22:21Z")
> [@Drum\_God](#): > > Our dachshund, Charlie, has congestive heart failure. After trying several treatments and nursing him along, we and the veterinarian agree that it is time to stop and let Charlie take the journey into the next realm. Charlie has been an important part of our household for the last nine years and seeing him suffer has been heartbreaking. > > My question for debate is this: The euthanasia will take place via IV anesthetic at the doctor’s office. Should we (my wife, 17 year old son, and I) be present for the procedure? We have never had to do this before. The doctor has suggested not going. However, we really hate the thought of his taking this final journey without us there to hold his paw. When euthanizing a pet, have y’all gone in with him/her, or said your goodbyes in the waiting room? After the fact, how do you look back on your decision? Would you do it differently? One of our cats was going to be put to sleep and we did say good bye to him for a few minutes but we weren’t going to stay for the procedure. And he died on his own right before being put to sleep anyway. ---
**Author:** ![PandaBear77](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/edb3f5/32.png) [@PandaBear77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PandaBear77)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2013, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-euthanize-a-pet-do-we-go-or-just-drop-him-off/646446/55 "2013-01-09T01:43:49Z")
You absolutely should be with him and you’ll regret it if you aren’t. ---
**Author:** ![River\_Hippie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/river_hippie/32/26_2.png) [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2013, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-euthanize-a-pet-do-we-go-or-just-drop-him-off/646446/56 "2013-01-09T02:13:11Z")
Been through it a couple times and I recommend being there, holding or at least having physical contact in some way as it happens. Above, someone mentioned having the paperwork and payment taken care of ahead of time and I heartily second that. Be there. ---
**Author:** ![Dignan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f07891/32.png) [@Dignan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dignan)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2013, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-euthanize-a-pet-do-we-go-or-just-drop-him-off/646446/57 "2013-01-09T02:44:08Z")
I agree that someone in the family should be there with Charlie when it happens. There was a postcard on Postsecret that was from a vet tech, and said to stay with your animals when they’re euthanized, because they look for you when you leave. It is not easy. ---
**Author:** ![mage-girl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cc9497/32.png) [@mage-girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mage-girl)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2013, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-euthanize-a-pet-do-we-go-or-just-drop-him-off/646446/58 "2013-01-09T04:00:01Z")
> [@Dignan](#): > > I agree that someone in the family should be there with Charlie when it happens. There was a postcard on Postsecret that was from a vet tech, and said to stay with your animals when they’re euthanized, because they look for you when you leave. > > It is not easy. That has got to be one of the saddest things I’ve ever heard. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Hockey\_Monkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a183cd/32.png) [@Hockey\_Monkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hockey_Monkey)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2013, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-euthanize-a-pet-do-we-go-or-just-drop-him-off/646446/59 "2013-01-09T04:21:24Z")
I’m so sorry you have to do this. I have a weenie too and it won’t be long before it’s her time to go. I can’t imaging NOT being in the room and holding her in my arms and telling her how much I love her as she passes. It will be the hardest thing I’ve had to do since I did it for her brother. It’s hard. It’s gut wrenching. You will cry. But you will probably regret forever not being there for him and giving him comfort. ---
**Author:** ![pudytat72](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@pudytat72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pudytat72)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2013, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-euthanize-a-pet-do-we-go-or-just-drop-him-off/646446/60 "2013-01-09T04:28:48Z")
4 family members-4 different reactions when it was that time for our dear Plano-a 13 year old black lab who had a melanoma in his mouth. I was willing to drive him to the vet, but did not want to be in the room. Husband did not want to go. (later said he never would have been able to even take Plano to the vet). Youngest son (15) wanted to say his goodbye’s at home. Oldest son (18) wanted to go and be in the room. The vet questioned this, but I said it was my son’s decision and I respected his decision. My son came out of the room with tears in his eyes, and we hugged and cried in the waiting room. I never regretted my decision. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-euthanize-a-pet-do-we-go-or-just-drop-him-off/646446.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-to-euthanize-a-pet-do-we-go-or-just-drop-him-off/646446.md?page=4)