Children present
Many people wonder whether it is appropriate for children to be present during the visit and the euthanasia.
I adapt to your wishes. So far I have only had good experiences of children being present, provided they understand what is going to happen. I always go through how it will work at the start of the visit. Many children do, however, need to be prepared well in advance (unless it is an emergency). Children react differently, but they often handle the situation better than many adults.
It is important, though, to ask the child/children whether they want to be there. If they do, they should know what will happen and that they can leave whenever they want. It is also important to think through how you as adults want it. Do you want to focus on your animal, let your feelings out and grieve in peace without having to think about what the children are doing? Or are the children a positive distraction in your grief?
There are several books for children of different ages about death, for example “Alla döda små djur” by Ulf Nilsson and Eva Eriksson (2006; in English “All the Dear Little Animals”), and libraries should have a large selection. Everyone has different views on what happens after death and how they want to raise their children on the subject. In my view, it is easier for children if they can relate to other relatives who have died, if there are any.
You are welcome to read what behavioural scientist Sara Galli at Stockholm University found in her study and bachelor’s thesis “Att ha barn med vid avlivning av ett sällskapsdjur” (Having children present at the euthanasia of a pet; published in Sveriges Veterinärtidning no. 7, 2015). She has also written the book “Får hundar korvar i himlen?” (Do dogs get sausages in heaven?).
Animals present
Some owners want to grieve in peace without other animals taking the focus. Others find support and comfort in the remaining animals.
Provided the canine or feline companion is not too protective of its friend, other animals are welcome to be present at the euthanasia. They often understand the seriousness of the situation without becoming upset or frightened. They find it easier to understand that their companion is gone if they are allowed to be present or come in afterwards. Some animals really want to come forward, sniff and say goodbye in their own way; others prefer to leave. It is important not to force the animal, but to offer the choice.
Owners know their animals best, but if the animals have been close friends and/or are related, it is more important that they are present or allowed to say goodbye afterwards. Animals can sense the absence of life energy, and most owners who have had many animals over the years find that the animals miss their companion but do not search as much if they know it is no longer alive.
