What Should I Do Before the Vet Arrives for At-Home Euthanasia?

Before the vet arrives for at-home euthanasia, choose a quiet space, prepare a soft blanket or bed, decide on aftercare (cremation/burial), and gather comfort items—then focus on calm, unrushed time with your pet.

What to Pack for Your Pet’s Fin…

Why preparing ahead helps (more than people realize)

Families don’t usually regret euthanasia. They regret stress, rushing, or uncertainty during the final day.

A little preparation can protect what matters most:
• your pet’s comfort
• your family’s calm
• a peaceful goodbye in a familiar place

What to Pack for Your Pet’s Fin…

Quick Checklist (Fast Prep)

If you only read one section, read this.

10 things to do before the vet arrives

• Choose the location (quiet + comfortable)
  • Put down a soft blanket/bed/towel
  • Dim lights / reduce noise
  • Keep other pets separated (optional)
  • Decide who will be present
  • Decide what you want your pet to wear/rest on
  • Have tissues and water ready for people
  • Avoid stressful activity (baths, grooming, visitors)
  • Decide on aftercare (cremation vs burial)
  • Turn phones to silent and give yourselves time

What to Pack for Your Pet’s Fin…

Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Your Home

1) Choose the best room (or outdoor space)

Pick a place your pet already loves:
• living room
• bedroom
• favorite sunny spot
• backyard patio (weather permitting)

Best characteristics:
• quiet
• temperature controlled
• low foot traffic
• enough space for your family and the veterinarian

What to Pack for Your Pet’s Fin…

2) Prepare the “comfort spot”

Create a simple area that feels safe and soft:
• pet bed or couch cushion
• a blanket that smells like home
• a towel under the blanket (helps keep area clean)

This isn’t about looking perfect.
It’s about helping your pet feel secure.

What to Pack for Your Pet’s Fin…

3) Decide what you want the moment to feel like

This is surprisingly important.

Some families want:
• quiet and private
• spiritual or prayerful moment
• music
• candles (safe distance)
• close family only

There’s no wrong approach — but deciding beforehand prevents awkwardness when emotions are high.

What to Pack for Your Pet’s Fin…

4) Decide who will be present (and who shouldn’t be)

This is a “protect the peace” decision.

Consider:
• one or two key people only
• limit children if it may be too overwhelming
• avoid inviting people who may create stress, noise, or conflict

The goal is simple: calm energy for your pet.

What to Pack for Your Pet’s Fin…

5) Plan what to do with other pets

This is one of the most searched questions — and it matters.

Options:
• keep other pets in a separate room
• allow them to be nearby but not involved
• allow them to be present if they’re calm

There is no one “correct” choice. The best choice is what keeps your home peaceful and your pets safe.

6) Decide aftercare ahead of time (so you aren’t forced to decide through tears)

This is huge.

Most families choose between:
• private cremation (ashes returned)
• communal cremation (no ashes returned)
• home burial (check local rules)

Deciding this before the appointment protects you from last-minute stress.

7) If you want keepsakes, prep them now

If you want any keepsakes, do it ahead of time.

Common keepsakes:
• paw print kit
• fur clipping (small amount)
• collar tag / bandana
• photos (even simple ones)

What to Pack for Your Pet’s Fin…

8) Plan the “before” moments (this is the real gift)

This is the part families remember.

Ideas:
• sit with your pet on their favorite blanket
• give a favorite treat (if they still want it)
• take them outside for fresh air
• talk to them normally
• keep your energy calm and loving

Your pet doesn’t need a perfect day.
They need a safe day.

What to Pack for Your Pet’s Fin…

9) Avoid anything that creates stress

Skip:
• unnecessary visitors
• car rides
• loud kids running through the house
• baths or grooming
• big emotional “goodbye parade”

Quiet > spectacle. Every time.

What to Pack for Your Pet’s Fin…

10) Final home setup (15 minutes before arrival)

Right before the appointment:
• silence phones
• lock up other pets if needed
• set out tissues + water
• keep the room calm
• turn off TV
• place your pet in the chosen spot if possible

What to Pack for Your Pet’s Fin…

FAQ: Preparing for At-Home Pet Euthanasia

What do I need to have ready for at-home euthanasia?

A quiet space, a blanket/bed, a plan for other pets, tissues/water for family, and an aftercare decision (cremation/burial).

What to Pack for Your Pet’s Fin…

Should I feed my pet before euthanasia?

If your pet wants food, small comfort treats are okay—but don’t force eating if they’re nauseated or refusing.

What to Pack for Your Pet’s Fin…

Should children be present?

It depends on the child’s age and readiness. Families should plan ahead and use age-appropriate language.

Should other pets be present?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. The best choice is whichever option keeps the environment calm and safe.