Veterinary Euthanasia Consent
Compassionate and legally compliant veterinary euthanasia consent form for Swiss practices. Covers pet identity, diagnosis, owner confirmation of informed decision, aftercare options (burial/cremation), and signature. Compliant with Swiss TSchG and ethical standards.
About this template
This Veterinary Euthanasia Consent form is designed to support Swiss veterinary practices through one of the most sensitive interactions in veterinary medicine: the compassionate end-of-life procedure for a beloved animal companion. The form captures the pet's identity and current diagnosis or condition, confirms that the owner has made an informed decision in consultation with the veterinarian, records the owner's aftercare preferences (home burial, individual cremation, communal cremation), and collects a signed consent. The form is structured with both legal compliance (TSchG) and emotional sensitivity in mind.
What this form collects
- Pet identification: name, species, breed and microchip number
- Owner identity and contact details
- Diagnosis or condition leading to the euthanasia decision
- Owner confirmation that the decision is informed and voluntary
- Whether the owner wishes to be present during the procedure
- Aftercare preference: home burial, individual cremation, communal cremation, or donation to veterinary science
- Consent for a paw print or memorial keepsake if available
- Owner signature and date
Compassionate care and TSchG compliance
Under Swiss Animal Welfare Act (TSchG Art. 3), animals must be killed in a way that spares them pain, suffering and harm. Only veterinarians and other specifically authorised persons may perform euthanasia. The owner's written consent is required before proceeding. This form is designed to support that process with both legal rigour and compassion.
How to use this template
Use this template
Click 'Use template' to create a copy in your dashboard.
Customise for your practice
Add your practice name, logo and any aftercare partners or local cremation services you work with.
Complete together with the owner
This form is best completed during a quiet consultation with the owner, not sent in advance. Give the owner time to read and ask questions.
Verify identity and document the decision
Confirm the owner's identity and that they are the sole or authorised co-owner of the animal before proceeding.
Archive with care
Store the signed consent form in the patient's clinical record. Handle these records with particular sensitivity given the emotional nature of the document.
Veterinary euthanasia in Switzerland: ethical framework and best practices
Veterinary euthanasia in Switzerland is governed by the Animal Welfare Act (TSchG) and its implementing ordinance (TSchV). The decision to euthanise an animal is one of the most consequential in veterinary medicine, and Swiss law imposes clear obligations on veterinarians to ensure the procedure is carried out humanely and with documented owner consent.
Legal basis for euthanasia under Swiss TSchG
Under TSchG Art. 22, animals that are seriously ill, severely injured or in incurable pain may be euthanised by a veterinarian to prevent prolonged suffering. The veterinarian must obtain the owner's consent before proceeding except in genuine emergencies where the owner cannot be reached and the animal is suffering severely. In such cases, the veterinarian may act on the basis of implied consent under their duty of care, but must document the circumstances.
Who may authorise euthanasia?
Only the legal owner — or a person with documented authority to act on behalf of the owner — may consent to euthanasia. For jointly owned animals (e.g. in the context of a divorce or shared ownership), the veterinarian should require consent from all co-owners where possible, or obtain documentation confirming sole decision-making authority. Practices should note that tenants may not authorise euthanasia of an animal owned by their landlord, and employees may not authorise euthanasia of animals owned by their employer without specific written authority.
Aftercare options in Switzerland
After euthanasia, owners in Switzerland have several options for the disposal of their pet's remains. Home burial is permitted in Switzerland on private land under cantonal rules — owners should check with their municipality for specific regulations regarding minimum burial depth and distance from water sources. Individual cremation (the ashes are returned to the owner) and communal cremation (the ashes are not returned) are offered by numerous Swiss pet cremation services. Some veterinary schools (e.g. Vetsuisse at Bern and Zurich) accept body donations for educational purposes.
Supporting grieving pet owners
The loss of a pet can be a profound grief experience. Swiss veterinary practices are increasingly offering or signposting pet bereavement support resources. Several organisations in Switzerland offer pet loss helplines and support groups, including Tierschutzorganisationen and independent grief counsellors who specialise in human-animal bond loss. The veterinary team's compassionate handling of the euthanasia process — including a calm environment, unhurried time with the pet, and sensitive communication — is itself a form of bereavement support.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be present during my pet's euthanasia in Switzerland?
Yes. Most Swiss veterinary practices actively encourage owners to be present if they wish. Being present can be a meaningful part of the grieving process and allows the owner to provide comfort to their pet in the final moments. However, owners should not feel obligated to be present — this is a deeply personal decision and practices should support whatever choice the owner makes without judgment.
Can a pet be euthanised at home in Switzerland?
Yes. Home euthanasia is offered by a growing number of Swiss veterinarians and specialist mobile veterinary services. It allows the animal to spend their final moments in a familiar, peaceful environment. The owner's consent form requirements are identical whether the procedure is performed at the clinic or at home.
What if I cannot afford veterinary euthanasia?
Some Swiss animal welfare organisations and municipal veterinary services offer subsidised or low-cost euthanasia services for owners who are unable to afford private veterinary fees. In cases of genuine financial hardship, the practice may also wish to contact the local SPCA (Tierschutzverein) for referral options. No animal in Switzerland should be denied a humane death due to the owner's financial circumstances.