Children and putting pets to sleep

A common dilemma we often find families facing before the visit to let their pet cross the rainbow bridge, is if their children should be there when it happens This is a very personal decision, with no right or wrong answer. Losing a pet is often a child's first experience of death so here are some things to consider before making the final decision...

How old are you children and if they are emotionally mature enough to fully understand not only what is happening, but why it is happening.

Would your child deal with the situation well afterwards? Or is it best you are able to mange what details you pass on to your child about the event? Rarely pets can have reflex actions after passing such as gasping for air, stretching out, twitching or fluid can leak from them, would your child cope should this happen?

Has your child been with you and your pet to the vets for appointments before? How did they behave/cope with the situation?

Do they actually want to be present or do they feel pressured to be there from family members? Or do they feel scared about euthanasia from misconceptions they may have seen on TV or heard in school?

During our visits Carlos is more than happy to allow children there should you wish and will gladly spend some extra time before the visit explaining to them what will happen to their pets in a child friendly way