A veterinary technician has told Newsweek what happens behind the scenes during a pet’s last moments, especially where the owners aren’t able to be there.
Isabella, who didn’t give a surname, is a 29-year-old vet technician working in an emergency and specialty animal hospital in South Carolina.
She shared a viral video capturing how she stays with animals in their final moments, and it has received more than 4.6 million views. The caption read: “Just to ease your mind if you can’t stay with them during the process, they’re never alone I promise.” The text overlay said: “We kiss your dogs for you as their last goodbye, btw [by the way]. Sincerely, a vet tech.”
Euthanasia is the most-common end-of-life outcome for pet dogs in the U.S. A large-scale survey, The Dog Aging Project End of Life Survey, found that, among owned pet dogs, 85.4 percent were euthanized, while only 14.6 percent died naturally or without intervention.
Isabella’s clip resonated deeply with pet owners, many of whom said they have struggled with the painful decision of being present for their beloved companions’ last moments.
“Animals deserve love and dignity at every stage of life—even at the hardest moments,” Isabella told Newsweek. “It’s not just about medical care. It’s about being their voice and comfort.”
TikTok viewer I’mAMama said: “Thank you … I didn’t have enough money to be with my baby when they put her down. I regret it so much, she was 18 and I just hope she got a bunch of kisses …”
Some questioned the idea of pets being without their owners during euthanasia. Viewer Jess said: “What kind of person leaves their fur baby alone during their last moments?” Another user, ix, shared: “Every time I’ve done this, they’ve all looked right at me as I was bawling like a baby.”
TikTok user Mariela said: “When we had to put my furbaby down, i could see the sadness in both the vet and vet tech’s eyes, and i just couldn’t imagine that they’re used to this. sending love.”
While she never anticipated the overwhelming response, Isabella was moved by the outpouring of emotions from viewers. “I honestly didn’t expect it to blow up. I just wanted to show people the heart behind our work,” she said. “It means so much that people are seeing what we do.”
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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