This is question I like people to really take time to answer in their own hearts. The time is different for every pet, and every family too. We all know that euthanasia isn’t something to take lightly, so it’s best to think ahead a little bit to make the time and the decision easier.

We start with thinking about your pet’s quality of life. This can be made easier with a questionnaire, which has specially designed questions aimed at getting a general picture of what your pet’s health, social life, comfort level, interest in activities and appetite look like.

What you want to determine is, do the good days still outweigh the bad? Is life still pretty fun? Are we still enjoying time together? When your pet starts to withdraw, losing interest in things that used to be enjoyable- that’s a pretty good sign that either there is something we need to address (such as pain) or that it’s time to let go.

One of the most striking things I hear from owners is that sense of regret when they’ve waited too long. People tend to not forgive themselves easily when they feel they pushed too far, too long and in the end can only remember the pet suffering. It’s better to let go when the pet is still having some good days, and can still be his or herself, rather than waiting for the big crash.

Try this. If you aren’t sure, sit quietly with your pet and touch them softly. Look deep into your pets eyes and ask. Regardless of how that may sound, reserve judgement and just do it. Stay with your pet and get a feel for how they are, right then. People do tell me that they get a sense of what to do. A pet will tell you when they want to let go. You’ll get a sense of acceptance, peace, of stillness, knowing that it’s time to let go. When you get that sense, trust it. It’s real.