A compassionate journey part 2: the pet's passing

While euthanasia is a procedure that veterinary staff encounter and carry out on a regular basis, in the human world it is rare indeed, with just a handful of countries permitting it in law (NHS Choices, 2014). Over 80% of pets in the UK are euthanased at the end of life (O'Neill et al, 2013). This procedure is carried out against a backdrop of emotions. The nature of the human–companion animal bond has evolved to the point where many pets occupy a central role in their owners' lives, often seen as a family member (American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 2012). The term ‘companion animal’ itself implies a mutually beneficial relationship akin to friendship (Lagoni et al, 1994).

At the same time as the status of pets has risen, so too have owner expectations. The veterinarian is expected to provide a high standard of clinical care and make every effort to keep the animal healthy, yet is also responsible for identifying when the quality of that animal's life is unacceptable. A switch of focus is then necessary to help navigate the animal's owner through a decision-making process that may end in euthanasia.