When the time comes to say goodbye to a pet you love, the choices and emotions can feel overwhelming. This guide is here to help you think things through ahead of the visit, so when we’re with you, you can focus on being with your pet.
You don’t need to read this end-to-end. Skip to whatever feels most useful, leave the rest, and bring any questions you have to the consult. There’s no right or wrong way to do this.
What is euthanasia?
Euthanasia is the act of humanely ending an animal’s life. The procedure works by giving an overdose of anaesthetic, which gently shuts down all body functions, most often in under two minutes. Done well, your pet passes peacefully, with little to no pain or anxiety.
In nearly every case, we’ll give a sedative first so your pet drifts into a deep sleep before the final injection. You can hold them and stay close throughout. Please ask whatever questions you need as we go, we want you to feel certain about every step.
Knowing when it might be time
There’s rarely a single, obvious moment. Most families know the day is approaching when one of three things has shifted:
Pain or distress that medication can no longer manage well.
Loss of the things that brought your pet joy, eating, moving, your company, a favourite spot.
More bad days than good, week by week.
Planning the visit
Who. There’s no rule about who should be there. Children and other pets are welcome, what helps children most is plain, honest language (“she’s going to die,” not “going to sleep”). No one has to stay through the whole visit; you can step in and out as you need to.
When. Pick a time that works for everyone you want present. We typically allow 60 minutes, but can take longer if you’d like more time before or after.
Where. Wherever your pet is most comfortable , their bed, the lounge, the garden under a favourite tree. We come to you, so we work around the spot they love.
If others want to be there
Children. Most children handle this better with the truth than without it. Use the words die and death, euphemisms can confuse younger ones. They might want to be there for the whole visit, only the goodbye, or not at all. Some find it healing to say a final word, draw a picture, or pick out a special blanket.
Other pets. Pets grieve too. Many families find it helps to let them be nearby, or to see and smell their companion afterwards. We’ll work around what feels right for each one.
Memorialisation
None of these are required. Knowing what’s possible helps you decide ahead of time:
A favourite blanket, toy, or treat for the visit
Lighting a candle
Playing music your pet loved
A short reading or family memory shared aloud
A clay or ink paw print impression, we can prepare these during the visit
A clipping of fur as a keepsake
Aftercare
You’ll have a few options for what happens to your pet’s body afterwards. We coordinate everything on your behalf:
Private cremation. Your pet is cremated individually, ashes returned to you in a vessel of your choice, usually within 5–7 days.
Communal cremation. A respectful shared cremation; ashes are not returned.
Home burial. Where local council rules allow, you can bury at home. We’re happy to talk through what to consider.
Keepsakes. Paw prints (ink or clay), fur clippings, memorial urns, these can be arranged at the visit or with the cremation.
You don’t need to decide everything in advance, but having a preference in mind helps us prepare. We’ll talk through it at the visit if anything is still open.
Grief support
Pet loss is real grief. The bond you had was real, and the ache after is real too. You’re not overreacting, and you’re not alone.
If the days after are harder than expected, please reach out, we can suggest local counsellors and support groups. Some places to start:
Pets and People, 1300 431 450 · 24/7 pet loss support hotline
University of Melbourne Pet Loss Hotline , (03) 9731 2004 · business hours
Rainbow Bridge, rainbowbridge.com.au · online resources & support groups
Lifeline, 13 11 14 · 24/7 crisis support
Beyond Blue, 1300 22 4636 · 24/7 mental health support
Griefline, 1300 845 745 · 6am–midnight
Kids Helpline, 1800 55 1800 · 24/7 for young people
Adapted from materials by Dr Kathleen Cooney and the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy (CAETA), with our own context for Melbourne families. Dr Jina is CAETA-certified.
When you’d like to talk
Phone
(03) 9115 1472
Email
info@athomevetcare.com.au
Online
athomevetcare.com.au
You can call us any time before the visit if questions come up , there are no silly questions.
