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Can My Other Pets Be Present During an In-Home Euthanasia Visit?

Considering whether your other pets should be present? Learn how to best include your other pets during an in-home euthanasia appointment

Reviewed by Lap of Love veterinarians specializing in hospice, palliative care, and in-home euthanasia.

SHORT ANSWER

Yes, your other pets can be present during an in-home euthanasia visit if you feel it is appropriate. Many families choose to allow other pets to observe or briefly approach afterward. Familiar surroundings and natural exposure can help them understand the change. The most important consideration is safety, calmness, and what feels right for your family and your pets’ temperaments.

Pets experience loss differently than humans, but they are deeply attuned to changes within their social group. When euthanasia takes place at home, other pets may sense the shift even before the appointment begins. Allowing them to be present can provide familiarity and closure in a way that feels natural.
 
Some pets quietly lie nearby during sedation. Others prefer to stay in another room and approach afterward. It is common and healthy for pets to sniff or gently investigate the body after passing. This behavior can help them process the absence of their companion.
 
However, not every situation calls for inclusion. If another pet is highly anxious, reactive, or distressed by veterinary visits, it may be kinder to separate them during the procedure and allow a calm introduction afterward. There is no universal rule. What matters most is maintaining a peaceful environment.
Lap of Love’s Quality-of-Life (QOL) Scale, paired with the expertise of our end-of-life care veterinarians, helps support you through this process.

Learn How to Include Other Pets Calmly and Safely During the Visit

Category What You May Notice
On Arrival Plan introductions thoughtfully if other pets are excitable or protective around new people. If a pet is young, fearful, or easily startled, consider having the veterinarian meet them outside or away from the front door, as thresholds can sometimes trigger protective behavior. Even very friendly pets may feel more guarded in that space. If maintaining a calm environment feels challenging, higher-energy pets can be comfortably settled in another room during the visit and given the opportunity to say goodbye afterward.
During Sedation Other pets may lie nearby, observe quietly, or leave the room.
Emotional Sensitivity Some pets sense changes and stay close.
Curiosity After Passing Playful sniffing or brief investigation of the body.
Avoidance Behavior
 Some pets may choose to leave the room.
Anxiety Signals
 Pacing or vocalizing in more sensitive pets.
Post-Visit Adjustment Temporary searching or mild behavior changes.

 

Important
If another pet becomes highly agitated, aggressive, or overly distressed, and a close friend or family member’s help doesn’t calm them, it is best to remove them from the room to preserve a calm environment. Maybe the high energy pet(s) can go for a walk and return to say goodbye calmly after the pet has passed and the family has had undivided devoted time to spend with their pet. The primary focus should remain on creating a peaceful experience for your pet who is saying goodbye. Your veterinarian can help in a calm and loving way. (Note: deciding who will be at the appointment and how to ensure a calm appointment, prior to the appointment itself, is very helpful). 

Follow These Steps to Include Other Pets Calmly

Use this simple sequence, often recommended by hospice veterinarians, to understand whether you should include another pet or not.
  1. Assess Temperament First. Consider whether your other pet is calm or easily distressed. 
  2. Maintain a Peaceful Environment. Keep noise low and energy steady. 
  3. Allow Natural Curiosity. Let pets approach on their own terms. 
  4. Supervise Gently. Ensure interactions remain safe and calm. 
  5. Offer Reassurance Afterward. Maintain routines to provide stability in the days ahead.

One Family’s Story

When Suki, a senior cat, reached the final stage of kidney disease, her family wondered whether her bonded companion, Taro, should be present. During the in-home visit, Taro quietly rested across the room while Suki drifted into peaceful sleep. Afterward, he approached slowly, sniffed her gently, and then lay beside her for a few moments. In the days that followed, he searched briefly but settled more quickly than her family expected. With guidance from a Lap of Love veterinarian, the family felt reassured that including Taro had honored their bond in a calm and loving way.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Will my other pets understand what happened? 

    Most pets will. They can sense the sick pet is not well often before the family can. Dogs and cats’ strongest sense is smell. There can be olfactory (smelling) changes that occur around the time of death that are important for them to investigate why. This is why it is important that the blanket or bed the pet is on is kept out for a week or so as the smells dissipate. 

  • Could my other pet become upset during the visit? 

    Most pets remain calm if the environment is peaceful. If a pet is anxious or reactive, temporary separation may be the best choice. 

  • Should I force my other pet to say goodbye? 

    No. Allow natural behavior. Some pets show interest, others do not. Both responses are normal.

  • Can witnessing euthanasia traumatize my other pet? 

    It often provides closure for the other pet. When the process is calm and quiet, it is typically not traumatic. The sedation phase is peaceful and full of comfort. 

  • How does Lap of Love help families include other pets?

    Lap of Love Veterinary Care Coordinators can discuss your household dynamics in advance and guide you in creating a calm environment where other pets can be present safely and naturally. 

Lap of Love is here to support you when you need it

Our dedicated Support Center is available 24/7, every day of the year, including weekends and holidays. We are here to answer questions and schedule appointments.

Lap of Love Pet Loss and Grief