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 dropped off a Boston Terrier that was very ill in 1998. He basically couldn’t keep food down and had lost significant weight. It was getting to the point of starvation and wasn’t fair to go any further.
I said my goodbyes and handed him to the vet assistant. I couldn’t be there for the shot. Just saying goodbye and leaving my pet tore me up. It took four years before I was ready for another dog.
That’s a very good idea, and something we hadn’t discussed. When we put our old cat to sleep last month, the first time we talked about what to do with her remains was in the vet’s office, and we should have talked about it sooner (we ended up changing our minds and getting her cremated ashes after all). They will probably ask for payment, too, which is understandable but not what you want to be thinking of at that time. It was my husband’s cat, so I handled the practical stuff for him.
She did go very quickly and peacefully, and we were able to stroke her and keep her company right to the end. It was very emotional, but I’m glad we were there with her. She was family.
I’ve heard that dogs need to smell the body to know what has happened to their friend and packmate and to get closure with it. I don’t know how that will work for you - maybe this is something you can discuss with your vet. An at-home euthanasia would work best for that, I’d guess.
Over the years, I’ve had many cats euthanized. I have always been there . . . and if possible, held them. I can’t imagine just dropping them off.
I hold the animal while the shot is taking effect. I need to have that chance to say goodbye and make sure the animal goes out with plenty of love and comforting. (sniffle)
take your other dogs to the vet with you and everybody stay with him. animals are ok with death, it’s kinder to let the other dogs be there and they will accept that he is gone, better than them waiting for Charlie to come home. I took both my dogs and when Bentley was gone my other dog sniffed him and that was it. You will never regret staying with him nor regret bringing your other dogs, like others have said he is your family and you don’t want a family member to die alone. It was actually my vet who suggested I bring both dogs - and I brought both kids but they left before the final needle. Bentley actually went to each of us to say good bye, one by one - I swear he knew what was going on. so sorry for you - it’s heartbreaking.
We had to put our oldest (Flash, the Best Dog in the World) to sleep a few months ago. My wife and I were both there to hold him as he passed, and we were looking into his eyes as he fell asleep for the last time. It hurt, but I would never be able to forgive myself if I hadn’t been there for him.
I’d like to add my condolences on this – it’s never easy.
The one and only time I did this I was with my pet until the vet came in to do it. I started crying and felt conscious so I left. I regret not being there with him through the whole process.
I am so sorry for your loss.
I always stay with them. I want my voice telling them how much I love them to be the last thing they hear, my touch the last thing they feel. I feel I owe it to them.
I think I’d find another vet.
I’ve been with my pets for every one. Yes it is hard and emotional, but having you there is so much better for your little friend, then having a final image of a roomful of strangers as their eyes close for the last time.
My vet allows the owner(s) to stay during the procedure, and then gives us a few minutes afterwards to say goodbye. I couldn’t live with myself not being there for their last moments - even if it’s just a morale presence.
Please go. You are his friend, and having you there is important. Dying alone is an awful way to go.
It’s up to you. I’ve only ever stayed.
You should go. You can be there to hold your pup, give him a last set of ear-scratchies, and make him feel safe and comfy. The vet will give him the shot, and he’ll fall asleep knowing that you are there with him.
It will be one of the hardest things you’ll ever do, but it will be worth it.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I think it’s important for your family to be there, especially your son. Death of a loved one is so difficult, but it’s not something you can hide from. Show your son how to face this - with sadness, or even tears, but head on.
If possible, do have the vet come to your home or at least out to your car, and do get the paperwork out of the way first so you are free to go as soon as it’s over.
It sounds like Charlie had a wonderful and happy life, which is all any of us could hope for, so try to focus on the good times you shared, not just the fact that they are over.
When Harvey died, I was at home. I thought the vet would give him a shot, the crisis would be over, and Harvey would be fine. When she called to tell me that he had died, I was shocked and heartbroken.
I regret not having been there for him. 
That makes sense - I hadn’t thought of bringing the other dogs with you because we have a cat - they don’t go anywhere.
What a horrible thing to say. I have been there petting my dogs that were euthanized and we weren’t charged more; in fact they let us stay alone in the room with the animal as long as we wanted.
My condolences. I took our boxer to be put down last year. She was my wife’s dog from college, and my wife couldn’t bear to be there when it happened. My wife was an absolute mess before I took the dog to the vet, so I think it was for the best that only I went. It was heartbreaking to watch her slip away, but at least someone she knew and trusted was there to snuggle into while it happened.
I think that’s why it’s so important for someone the pet knows to be there-- the vet’s office and vet’s staff are strange and scary enough as it is for them, and even though the passing is peaceful and painless, I wouldn’t have wanted that experience to be overly scary for her.
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.