Decisions about companion animal end of life are among the most challenging and important welfare choices owners face. Evidence-based frameworks help ensure decisions prioritize animal welfare.
Companion animal end of life decision making is a welfare issue because delay of euthanasia allows prolonged suffering while premature euthanasia denies remaining quality time. The welfare principle is clear: preventing prolonged suffering is the priority, and euthanasia should not be delayed beyond the point where quality of life is consistently poor. Quality of life assessment tools provide objective frameworks that help distance the decision from emotion and guilt. Veterinarians provide essential guidance but the decision ultimately rests with owners who often need support to act in their pet's best interest despite personal grief. Palliative and hospice care for animals can support quality of life and help owners identify when the end-of-life threshold has been reached.