3358. Euthanasia of pets

July 18, 2019 



Euthanasia of companion animals is a very emotive situation for the veterinarian.


There are owners who have to abandon or give up their pets owing to changes in financial situation, statutory regulations about dog sizes or moving to a smaller residence. Dogs that are healthy should be re-homed rather than be euthanased. Dogs that are anti-social can be trained to behave if the owner puts in the efforts.

Chronic illnesses, dogs that are not toilet-trained, barking incessantly and biting people are the main reasons for euthanasia.  

Some owners want me to advise euthanasia of their sick pet on humane or financial grounds. For me, it will always be the decision of the owner.  This is because one of the family members or the owner himself or herself is against euthanasia. Advising euthanasia label me as "incompetent" in social media postings by the pet owner.  

When I was a young vet, I used to think in terms of the financial costs to owners, based on my background of a family that had to make ends meet.

An owner brought in a severely slashed and injured cross-bred for treatment. The medical costs would be high. I advised euthanasia. The owner took the dog back and nursed him to health. Recently, the younger sister, in the presence of the owner who invited me for dinner at her house said: "This dog is much alive but would have been killed by you some 16 years ago!"   

Over the years, I tell the owner the prognosis, estimate the medical expenses and let the owner know that he or she has to make the final decision for the lethal injection.