It's tough see your dog or cat grow old or get sick, but it's even harder to think about putting them to sleep. Something just doesn't feel right when you know your pet's "death" is scheduled via an appointment with their veterinarian — and you had to make that call.

While the intensely personal process for making an end-of-life decision for your pet is rife with the complexities surrounding death and grief, it's a decision that you simply can't ignore. But how do you know when the time is right?

It's Not a Black and White Answer

Knowing when to euthanize a pet is "rarely black-and-white," Sarah Nold, a staff veterinarian at Trupanion , says in an email. "It may be different from person to person and even from pet to pet."

Your veterinarian can help guide you in the process, but

See Full Page