Instructions
Remind yourself you did the right thing in choosing to euthanize your pet. This is especially true if your pet was sick and suffering. Remembering that your pet is now pain-free can help you feel somewhat better in your decision.
Allow yourself as much time as you need to grieve, cry or be angry at your pet's death. Pets are like family members for many people, and their death is no different than losing a human loved one. Giving yourself permission to cry and grieve over your pet will help you to deal with the emotions of sadness and loss you are feeling.
Periodically remove any reminders of your pet from your home until you feel ready to look at them again. This includes pictures, dishes, leashes and toys. Place them in a box to be gone through when you have finished mourning and can look back on them with happiness and good memories.
Read books or join an online or community support group for people who have lost a pet. Pet Education has a list of books for people who have needed to say goodbye to a pet.
Create a memorial to remember you pet by. You can choose to bury your pet at home or at a pet cemetery or have your pet cremated. Plant a tree or flower in your yard and sprinkle some of the ashes around it as a way to remember your beloved pet. Place the ashes in a memorial box with a picture if you choose to display it in your home.
How to Get Over Euthanizing a Pet
The difficult decision to euthanize your pet is met with a variety of emotions and can be rather difficult to get over. You may need to euthanize your pet due to behavior problems or illness. However, it is never easy to say goodbye to your pet, who is probably like a member of your family. There are several things you can do to help you get over euthanizing your beloved pet.