Few moments are as hard as the end of life of a beloved dog or cat. Knowing when the time has
come, preparing the goodbye and choosing how to care for your pet afterwards can all feel
overwhelming. Veterinarian Céline Leheurteux, founder of Euthabag, shares practical guidance to
help you through each step, calmly and with dignity.
Knowing when the time has come
Dogs and cats rarely show pain. In nature, weakness is a risk, so they tend to suffer quietly and
changes appear gradually. A few signs are worth watching closely:
- Bad days outnumber good ones. Note a + or a – on a calendar each day. After a few weeks,
the trend becomes clear. - Your pet no longer does what he enjoys. He stops jumping onto the sofa, avoids the stairs or
no longer comes to greet you at the door. - He sleeps most of the day and only gets up for his basic needs.
If you recognise these signs, talk to your veterinary team. They can assess your pet’s comfort and
walk you through the options, without judgement. Two free tools from EUTHABAG can also help you
and your family start the conversation: the quality of life calculator and the questionnaire “How do you
know when it is time?”.
Preparing the goodbye
When the decision is made, a little preparation can make this moment gentler for everyone. With your
veterinary team, you can think about:
- The place: at the clinic or at home, if your vet offers home visits
- Who will be present, including children or other pets if you wish
- A favourite blanket, a toy or a small ritual that feels right for you
- Whether your pet will be cremated or buried, so you do not have to decide on the day
Many families find that these details, decided calmly in advance, soften the memory of the farewell.
After euthanasia: cremation or burial with dignity
After euthanasia, most pets are cremated or buried at home. For a long time, the only option
available was an ordinary plastic bag, an image that stays with many families. A dedicated farewell
bag lets you entrust your companion to the next step with the same care you gave him throughout his
life.
The Euthabag Tribute Set: a farewell bag for your dog or cat
Designed by a veterinarian and used by more than 5,000 veterinary clinics in over 35 countries, the
Euthabag bag offers a respectful alternative to the plastic bag.
- Dignified and personal: write your pet’s name or a final message directly on the bag.
- Practical: sturdy built-in handles let you carry your pet gently and safely.
- Suitable for cremation, aquamation and burial.
- Responsible: made from 100% recycled fabric and printed with water-based ink. Euthabag
also donates 1% of its sales to reforestation and biodiversity projects. - Presented in its own box, so you can keep it ready discreetly, until the day it is needed.
Practical tips
- Check the size guide on the product page. If in doubt, ask your veterinary team.
- The closure is not watertight: keep the bag lying flat once your pet is inside.
- For a home burial, check the local rules where you live.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know when the time has come for my dog or cat?
When bad days outnumber good ones, or when your pet can no longer do what he enjoys, it is time
to talk to your vet. The quality-of-life calculator can help you see more clearly.
Can the Euthabag Tribute Set be used for cremation and burial?
Yes. It is suitable for cremation, aquamation and burial.
Is the Euthabag biodegradable?
No, and this is deliberate. The medication used for euthanasia can contaminate soil and water, so the
bag is designed to stay intact. It is made from 100% recycled fabric to limit its environmental footprint.
Can I personalise the bag?
Yes. You can write your pet’s name, a date or a few words of farewell on it.
Who designed Euthabag?
Euthabag was created in 2016 by Céline Leheurteux, a veterinarian with more than twenty years
of clinical practice, to bring more dignity to the end of life of companion animals.