End-of-life decisions for companion animals raise profound welfare and ethical questions. Well-managed euthanasia is one of the most welfare-positive interventions available to pet owners.
Veterinary euthanasia, when performed well and at the right time, is one of the greatest welfare gifts available to companion animals. The ethical challenge is timing — delayed euthanasia driven by owner grief causes prolonged suffering in animals who cannot advocate for themselves. Quality of life scales that assess pain, hunger, mobility, and joy help owners and vets make the decision at the right moment rather than too late. Compassionate support for owners in this process is also an animal welfare intervention.