ABSTRACT
One of the most difficult decisions a pet parent must face is whether to euthanize a pet. It is important to remember that this may be the first time a guardian has ever faced making a decision regarding the cessation of life. Euthanasia is not readily offered in human medicine. It has, however, been offered for many years in veterinary medicine as an option for terminating an animal's life. Pet parents who are placed in the position of making a life-or-death choice often refer to their plight as having to “play God.” They are faced with a moral and ethical dilemma at a time when they are wrought with emotion. This choice may be as difficult as if the decision were being made for a human family member. In addition, this may be the first time a therapist has been faced with helping a client make a life-or-death decision. Therapists will need to help clients work through their feelings not only regarding the inevitable loss of their pets, but also about the practice of euthanasia. Providing the pet parent with information about euthanasia, what it is, how it is performed, and why it is an option, will help the client.
