Improving human health through service and therapy animals
 is the motto of
 The Delta Society.  
They have a great organization 
and a long history of compassion
 for humans and animals.

And from their site you can access
 these support links...

American Veterinary Medical Association (www.avma.org) 
Look under Care for Pets.

Argus Institute for Families and Veterinary Medicine (www.argusinstitute.colostate.edu)

Cornell University
Pet Loss Support Line (www.vet.cornell.edu/public/petloss/)

Grief Healing
 (www.griefhealing.com)

Pet Bereavement Counseling (www.petloss.org)

Pet Grief Support and
Candle Ceremony
 (www.petloss.com)

Pet Loss -
A Reference to References (www.superdog.com/Coping-.html)

Visit the
 International Association Of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories. 
There may be one located near you. 

Answer:    pet euthanasia...  about...  what is...
     As loving pet owners we face few more traumatic events in our lives than having to say our last Good-by to a beautiful pet, one that has truly shared its unique life with us.  No less is the grief and separation frustration felt by owners of all sorts of pets from reptiles to birds to bunnies.  Animals in our care innocently ask no more from us than loyalty, safety and companionship.  In return we experience a connection with our pet that is personal, unique and often critical to our own sense of wholeness.
     And then one day they are gone forever.

     There are times when we must intervene on their behalf so that they do not suffer from worldly pain, debility or cognitive confusion.  This intervention might entail medical or surgical care; it might involve sacrificing our finances and time; and in the end, it might dictate we gently and lovingly end their broken physical lives so that they do not suffer simply because we struggle with accepting their mortality.

     To help you envision the usual sequence of events of that final day the following information should prepare you as well as you can be for the euthanasia protocol.  The descriptions are general in that each veterinarian or clinic may not have exactly the same approach, but at least you'll have some comfort in understanding the process.

      INFORMATION ABOUT THE EUTHANASIA PROCEDURE

What to do before the appointment...
  Make provisions to have someone drive you to and from the clinic.

  If your dog or cat becomes nervous or agitated by a car ride or when at the clinic, ask the doctor about giving your pet a tranquilizer at home prior to the appointment time.

  If possible, set the appointment for a time when you have the remainder of the day off.  It will seem like a long day.

  Well ahead of the appointment discuss with the clinic whether or not you wish to be with your pet at the time of the euthanasia injection.  This is an entirely personal decision and no one should tell you what you should do. 
     Be aware, though, that after a number of months go by some people regret they didn't stand by their pet in those last moments and are haunted by guilt by their choice.  Others simply do not want to experience the pet leaving this life.  It is your decision and should be respected by everyone.

  Make the decision about what will be the final disposition of your pet after the euthanasia. You may wish to take the pet home for burial or have cremation or burial done at a pet cemetery.  Some pet cremation services will pick up the pet, take it to the veterinarian's office for euthanasia, and bring it back to you or bring it to the pet cemetery facility.

  Schedule the appointment at a time when the veterinarian's office will not be busy.  It is not comfortable having to spend time in a waiting room full of activity when you have such an important matter awaiting.

  If your pet predictably becomes anxious or fearful while at the veterinarian's office, ask about getting a tranquilizer for your pet.  A small tablet given in your home in a treat a few hours prior to the appointment help make the event easier for everyone.

  Pay your bill, get your receipt and sign any papers even before the day of your appointment.  At least take care of the office work before the euthanasia procedure because you may not care to linger for long once your pet has passed from this life.

The euthanasia procedure...

  Your pet should be calm and comfortable.  If the pet is anxious or afraid and does not want to be gently held, be sure to ask the doctor to administer a tranquilizer. 

  The pet is gently held by the veterinary assistant, and you can be right there, too.  The doctor needs to place the needle into a vein to properly administer the euthanasia solution. 

  In most cases as the solution is administered it takes about five to ten seconds for the pet to appear to fall asleep.  The breathing stops because the euthanasia solution inhibits nerve transmission thereby ending sensation, thought, and voluntary muscle contractions. 

  Many people want to spend some private time alone in the room after the procedure.  Take this time if you need to.  Be aware, though, that sometimes even after the pet has passed away there may be involuntary or independent muscle contractions.  If you see this kind of movement it can be unsettling if you aren't prepared for it.

  Many people want to keep the pet's collar or harness and even a lock of fur.  Be sure to do that now if you haven't done so already.

Perhaps we love them too much   Pets and children...  like peas in a pod     Just being themselves  gives us such joy!   When is the right time  to consider euthanasia?   That answer is below

Here is a  good example of a full service Pet Funeral Home in Naples, Florida. 

There are numerous facilities
 offering various services to help
 you and your pet get through this
 very difficult time.

Center For The Human-Animal Bond at Purdue University has an excellent resource regarding how we humans and animals interact in a sense of caring and companionship.