Choosing to have a beloved pet put to sleep at home is one of the kindest acts an owner can make. It allows the animal to pass peacefully in a familiar and comforting space, surrounded by the people and scents they know best. While this decision is centred on the pet whose life is ending, it is natural to think about how your other animals might be affected and how you can support them.
Should Other Pets Be Present?
One of the unique aspects of an at-home farewell is the opportunity to allow other pets to be nearby. For some animals, being present helps them understand that their companion has gone, and this awareness can make the period of adjustment easier. However, every household is different, and what brings comfort to one family may not suit another.
The priority during a euthanasia appointment is always the pet who is passing. If another animal is likely to become anxious, excitable, vocal, or disruptive, it may be kinder to keep that pet in another room. Their presence could make it harder for the family to say goodbye, or distract the vet, whose focus is on ensuring a calm and gentle passing.
Sometimes a quiet and calm companion can bring comfort to the pet who is dying. In those situations, it may be appropriate for the companion to remain nearby, as their presence can reassure everyone in the room and help them process the loss more easily afterwards.
It is not essential for any pet to witness the euthanasia. If they are not present during the moment itself, some animals may still benefit from being allowed to approach afterwards, once everything is peaceful, to sniff or simply observe. Other pets may show little interest, which is perfectly normal. Each animal will respond in their own way.
Supporting Them Afterwards
In the days and weeks following the loss of a companion, you may notice small changes in your pets’ behaviour. They may search for their friend, linger in favourite spots, become quieter, or become more vocal. Some pets may show temporary changes in appetite or energy. These reactions are usually short-lived and tend to fade as your pet adjusts to the new routine.
You can help by offering reassurance and keeping daily life as steady as possible. Familiar routines such as mealtimes, walks, and bedtime rituals provide comfort and predictability. Spending a little extra time playing, grooming, or simply sitting together helps your pet feel safe and connected. It is also helpful to make sure they have a quiet space to retreat to if they prefer solitude.
Your pets will be aware of changes in the household. They will notice your emotions, altered routines, and even different scents. Maintaining calmness and consistency helps them feel secure and grounded, even when things feel very different for you both.
When to Seek Help
Most pets begin to settle within a few weeks. Occasionally a surviving animal may continue to show signs of distress. If your pet’s appetite, energy, or behaviour does not begin to return to normal, or if you notice signs such as withdrawal, lethargy, or ongoing agitation, it is best to speak to your vet. Sometimes what appears to be grief can mask an underlying health issue, so a check-up is always worthwhile.
Moving Forward
Every animal and every family responds differently to loss. Some pets appear unaffected, while others clearly grieve the absence of their companion. There is no right or wrong reaction, and no set timetable for healing. When the time feels right, you may choose to welcome another pet into your home, but there is no need to rush. What matters most in the meantime is stability, love, and your calm, reassuring presence.
A Final Thought
Saying goodbye at home offers a peaceful and dignified farewell to a beloved friend. Whether or not your other pets are involved in that moment, your patience, consistency, and gentle reassurance in the days that follow will help them adapt to the change and feel secure in their new normal. In time, both you and your remaining pets will find comfort in the memories of the bond you shared.
