Pet Euthanasia
Image courtesy of Josh Wilms
Saying goodbye is never easy when it comes to pet euthanasia
Nobody ever wants to think about pet euthanasia, and yet everyone believes their pet deserves a Fear Free, peaceful journey over the rainbow bridge in the comfort of their own home. Clinics are bustling, loud, busy places that can lack that personalised comfort & quiet needed when the time has come to say goodbye.
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Having personally taken this journey before, Dr Channy understands the overwhelming sense of loss and uncertainty you face when starting to make end of life plans for your pet. Dog & cat euthanasia is the ultimate act of kindness we can offer when our pet is suffering, but knowing when to put your pet to sleep can be really hard. Dr Channy offers end of life counselling to help support you to determine when the right time is to let your pet pass peacefully.
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We can make all the arrangements on your behalf for the aftercare, so all you need to focus on is cherishing those moments and honoring your pet's memory.
Our process for pet euthanasia
Pet euthanasia is a hard time for you and your pet. We take the time to listen to what you want and to what your fur friend might find most comfortable and Fear Free. Careful planning and preparation by your veterinary team is key to making things as smooth as possible.
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Calming the anxiety - If your pet is excessively anxious around vets or strangers, we will likely recommend you administer some anxiety medication we will provide some hours before our appointment
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Creating space - Before your vet arrives, set up the area you would like us to use with your pet’s most comfortable/favourite bed, some comfort toys, treats and spare towels
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The Fear Free vet team will arrive and quietly set up in this area – we will normally select some species-appropriate calming music to help with the atmosphere
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Treats and pats alongside you - Without overcrowding your pet, the Fear Free vet team will offer them some treats and pats to get to know them & allow your pet to acclimate to our arrival
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During this time, the vet will give a light sedative (usually by injection) & other medication; this helps keep them calm and pain-free for when we must move them to gain IV access and administer the pet euthanasia medication etc
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You are given as much time as you need – and when you are ready, we will administer the medication needed – an anaesthetic effect which means your pet falls asleep before they pass away, feeling nothing but comfort and your presence as they move on from this world.
We can make the process of pet euthanasia as calm and stress-free as possible.
Although things can change, having an end of life plan for your pet can alleviate stress in a challenging time
No place like home
Say goodbye in privacy & comfort with a home visit vet
Simply let us know your wishes for After Care & we make it happen
Image courtesy of Josh Wilms
Pet Euthanasia FAQs
We are always here to talk with you about dog & cat euthanasia and how you can prepare for your best friend's assisted passing in the mobile vet setting.
Does my pet feel pain?
No - apart from a small sting of needle, pet euthanasia is a painless process. The euthanasia drug is actually an anaesthetic, so your pet falls asleep before their heart stops and they pass away.
How long does it take for my pet to pass away?
The effects of the pet euthanasia drug when given into the vein are almost immediate; it stops the heart (anaesthetises the heart) as soon as it reaches the cardiac chambers.
Can my pet move after they have passed away?
Occasionally there may be irregular, brief nerve activity persisting after your pet has passed. This might look like one big breath, mouth movement or a small leg twitch. However, your vet will have confirmed cardiac arrest (heart stopped) and there is no brain activity. As your pet is no longer with us, there is no welfare concern for this activity.
What happens to my pet afterwards?
There are generally 3 options for what happens after your pet has passed away; we use Eden Hills Pet Cremation for our services.
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Private burial - please note, many metropolitan councils prohibit this practice. Please check with your local council about burying deceased animals on your property
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Cremation (group) - your pet is cremated with dignity and compassion, with their ashes scattered in a picturesque location
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Cremation (private) - your pet's ashes are returned to you in a vessel of your choice. You can request to view the cremation ceremony or opt for next day delivery for an additional fee.
Euthanasia & Cremation prices on request​
When is the 'right' time?
There is no straight answer for when it is time for pet euthanasia, as every individual pet has had their own life's journey and quality of life factors. If there is
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Unmanageable pain
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End-stage terminal illness
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They've lost their 'spark'
or you're just not quite sure, please reach out and we can schedule a consultation and examination to discuss your pet's individual circumstances.