A new survey from the American Kennel Club (AKC) has shed light on the difficult decisions that dog owners face when it comes to end-of-life care for their pets. The survey, which was conducted online in January 2023, included responses from over 1,000 dog owners across the United States.
Key Findings:
* Most dog owners (82%) said that they had made the decision to euthanize a dog at some point in their lives.
* The most common reasons for euthanasia were: advanced age (39%), terminal illness (28%), and severe pain or suffering (25%).
* Over half of dog owners (54%) said that they made the decision to euthanize their dog within a week of the time that the decision was made.
* Nearly all dog owners (96%) said that they were present when their dog was euthanized.
* The majority of dog owners (84%) said that they felt at peace with their decision to euthanize their dog.
Additional Insights:
* Dog owners who had made the decision to euthanize a dog were more likely to say that they felt supported by their veterinarian (86%) and family and friends (80%) than those who had not made that decision.
* Dog owners who had made the decision to euthanize a dog were also more likely to say that they had access to resources that helped them make the decision (84%) and that they had time to say goodbye to their dog (87%) than those who had not made that decision.
The AKC's Take:
"The decision to euthanize a beloved pet is never easy," said Dr. Jerry Klein, AKC Chief Veterinary Officer. "However, this survey shows that the vast majority of dog owners feel at peace with their decision and that they are supported by their veterinarian and loved ones. It's important to remember that euthanasia is a humane and compassionate way to end a pet's suffering and that there is no right or wrong way to grieve the loss of a pet."
Resources for Dog Owners:
The AKC offers a variety of resources to help dog owners make informed decisions about end-of-life care for their pets, including:
* The AKC Canine Health Foundation's End-of-Life Care for Dogs brochure: This brochure provides information on common end-of-life issues, euthanasia, and grieving the loss of a pet.
* The AKC's Pet Loss Support Group: This online forum provides a safe and supportive space for dog owners to connect with others who are grieving the loss of a pet.
* The AKC's Pet Loss Hotline: This toll-free hotline provides dog owners with access to trained grief counselors who can offer support and guidance.
