‘Catholic’ vet’s honest take on euthanizing pets finally answers the question that’s haunted every pet owner for years

A "Catholic" veterinarian has addressed an “important” question she has been hearing about pet euthanasia. Some pet owners feel it may be against their religious beliefs to intentionally end an animal’s life. But Dr. Emily King (@dr.emily.king) has shared a clarification on that belief and the right way to approach it based on their faith in a viral TikTok in November 2025. The vet explained the clear distinction between animal and human life, as deemed by the Catholic church, which leans toward pet euthanasia. 

Dr. King began with biblical lessons about the sacred human life that cannot be “intentionally ended” through euthanasia. However, the same did not apply to animals. “When it comes to animals, the church teaches something a little bit different,” she continued. “While pets are God’s creatures and deserve kindness and care and respect, they do not share the same eternal dignity as people.” Therefore, to end a pet’s suffering through euthanasia is not forbidden or “sinful” as many believers may feel. The vet said many Catholic theologians and ethicists would rather call it an “act of mercy” toward suffering animals.  

The entrance of a church. (Representative Image Source: Pexels | Em Hopper)

The fact that euthanasia can end the pain and suffering of animals can be considered “an expression of love and stewardship”, the vet claimed. “You’re honoring the responsibility that God entrusted to us as caretakers of his creations.” In all, Dr. King wanted to encourage pet owners to consider euthanasia for their ailing or dying pets rather than refrain from it as an option. She addressed that “the church does not forbid euthanasia for pets,” in case the misconception might be holding back a distressed pet owner. Dr. King concluded that, if anything, euthanasia reflects compassion for animals, and it does not raise moral doubts about their decision to end an ailing pet’s life.  

The post amassed 34,600 views and was liked by 3,019 people. Several others took to the comments to reflect on the vet’s honest take on euthanasia. @annabudinick said, “I am Catholic and have a theology degree. Great explanation!” and @christie_garzaa expressed, “I struggled so hard with this last November.” A fellow commenter (@mawrty03) spoke about their Catholic dad choosing against euthanasia. “He refused to euthanize our dog when she was suffering from pancreatitis because he said, ‘It goes against my religious beliefs.’ It was after her painful death at home that he realized euthanasia would’ve been a better option.” 

Similarly, another vet (@kristinl227) agreed, “As a vet tech, this is helpful. I am not Catholic (or religious) but have watched some people struggle with euthanasia because of their religious beliefs.” While euthanasia is the best decision for a dying pet, it is also one of the most difficult ones to make for the pet owners. Putting your pet to sleep forever intentionally can be a devastating choice, but it is often the only way to end their pain and offer them a peaceful end, according to a Blue Cross report.

You can follow @dr.emily.king on TikTok for more videos.