One of the most difficult things a pet owner can do is make the decision to have them put down. The decision is made with love, as it is only to make sure that the sick pet will not have to suffer anymore.

Though most pet owners want to be at their animal’s side when they are euthanized, some prefer not to be. While it’s definitely difficult, it’s best to be there for your pet while they take their last breaths so that they know how much you love them right until the very end.

The Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital recently shared a post from a veterinarian about what a pet’s last moments are like. While the post is heartbreaking, it’s an important read for any pet owner.

“Do not make them transition from life to death in a room full of strangers, in a place they don’t like,” the post said. “The thing people need to know that most of you don’t is that they search for you when you leave them behind.”

Dr. Erin Shaw agreed, saying that pets seem to handle the process better when their owner is there.

“I have a lot of return clients and I have found that people who aren’t there at the end of their pet’s life find it to be one of their biggest regrets at a later point,” he said. “I totally understand how hard it would be, but death is ultimately a part of life and needs to be experienced to help the grieving process.”

“He said when he has to put an animal down 90 percent of owners don’t actually want to be in the room when he injects them, so the animal’s last moments are usually them frantically looking around for their owners and to be honest, that broke me,” said another veterinarian.

This is something every pet owner needs to see! Read the Hillcrest vet’s full statement below!