Veterinary Euthanasia Consent

Almost every other form in a veterinary practice is better completed at home, in advance, without a clinician waiting. This one is the exception. It is filled in during the consultation, at the owner's pace, because the decisions it records — presence, aftercare, a keepsake — are ones people cannot make well from an inbox, and because the conversation that surrounds it is part of the care.

Who may authorise it

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.

What the form records

• 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

The legal basis under the 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.

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.

Aftercare — a decision better made before the day

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 a grieving owner

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.

In the consultation, not in advance

Questions owners ask

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.