Hi! My boyfriends rats are nearly 3 years old now and one has developed a tumor, and it’s starting to impact his ability to walk. So he has made the decision to put him down.

He has called lots of vets in our area and most of the vets will not let him be in the room when his rat is being euthanized. I called one of the vets he found and I asked them why he cannot be in the room and if the procedure is humane and what the procedure is. The woman on the phone was very vague and said she doesn’t personally know what the procedure is (that’s ok, i assume she is the receptionist and maybe isn’t familiar with the procedure), she also said that their vet just doesn’t allow people in the room when “exotic” pets are being put down.

I am feeling very skeptical about this vet, my boyfriend said most vets told him upfront he would not be allowed in the room while his rat is being euthanized. So it doesn’t leave him with very many options.

Has anyone else experienced this and what do you recommend he do if no vet in the area will let him in the room? Is this typical?