Planning for end of life is one of the most important welfare responsibilities of companion animal ownership. Advance planning ensures quality of life is maintained and suffering is not prolonged unnecessarily.
A good death is as important as a good life for companion animals. The ability to prevent prolonged suffering through timely euthanasia is a profound welfare benefit of pet ownership. Advance planning, open discussion with veterinarians, and use of quality of life assessment tools help ensure animals do not suffer unnecessarily at the end of life.