Ensuring a good death is one of the most important welfare decisions companion animal owners make.
End-of-life welfare for companion animals centres on the timing and quality of death. Too early euthanasia denies animals potential remaining good-quality time. Too late prolongs suffering unnecessarily. The decision requires honest quality of life assessment, willingness to prioritise the animals welfare over owner attachment, and access to veterinary support. Good veterinary euthanasia is peaceful and dignified. Veterinarians who provide home euthanasia services often provide the least stressful end-of-life experience.