Creating a Peaceful Goodbye: Preparing for At-Home Pet Euthanasia

Making the decision  

Making the decision to say goodbye to your pet can be emotionally and mentally very difficult, but knowing that you can be with them when the time comes can help to ease some worries. Euthanasia checklists or quality-of-life questionnaires can be useful tools if you are unsure whether the time has come to say goodbye to your beloved pet – please see https://cloud9vets.co.uk/is-it-time/ to access our questionnaire.  

If you are still unsure, please discuss with your veterinarian or our coordinators about whether it is time to say goodbye or whether there are alternatives. Using our quality-of-life questionnaire repeatedly over time can be extremely useful to assess whether your pet’s quality of life has declined. When you see them every day it can be difficult to see subtle changes in them and their behaviour to know when it is time. 

Ultimately our beloved pets sadly do age over time, and they may start to weaken on their legs, decline in eating or just reduce the normal activities they do. Talking to someone who understands your pet being part of the family can help to decide if it is time.  

At-home  

Home pet euthanasia in the UK is more common now than ever and this means you have the choice to book a veterinarian to come to your home, so your pet is in familiar environment at this difficult time. It takes away the stress of visiting your vet practice, avoiding everything from having to put your pet in the car through to experiencing this very emotional time in a consult room. Preparing to say goodbye can be tough, but please ask your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns. 

Once you have decided the time is right to say goodbye, it can be useful to think about where in the house or garden you would like your pet’s euthanasia to happen. This may be in their favourite bed or in their favourite spot for sleeping. Please bear in mind, to make a peaceful pet passing it’s best to choose a calm space without loud noises or interruptions to allow you to spend the last moments with your pet in peace. Providing them with a favourite teddy or even treats is appropriate during this time.  

You will be able to book an appointment when the veterinarian will arrive at your house and compassionately discuss with you what will happen. They will discuss the process and allow you to ask any questions. Your pet will receive a peaceful and dignified goodbye in the comfort of your home, surrounded by loved ones.  

The process   

When you give us a call, a compassionate advisor will help answer any questions, as well as talking through the process and what to expect. On the day, the veterinarian will come to your home, chat with you and answer any further questions too may have. A calming sedation will be given to your pet to make them sleepy, whilst being with you in their safe space. They will pass away peacefully following an overdose of anaesthetic and this whole process is with you next to them in the comfort of your home. At home appointments are available 7 days a week to give you the freedom to choose a day that can fit in with your family.  

Pet aftercare  

Once your pet has passed peacefully, there are various options depending upon your preference. Firstly, if you own your own home, you could choose to bury your pet in the garden, but the practicalities of this do need to be thought about. Secondly, your pet could be cremated, and with this the option of having your pet’s ashes back can be arranged. Their ashes can be returned in a scatter box, allowing you to scatter them in their favourite place, or in a casket to be placed in a memorial area. 

It is worth thinking about the option you may like before saying goodbye as it can be such an emotional and sad time. Paw prints or nose prints can be done with ink, or clay-based kits can be bought and used to allow permanent reminders of your pet. Fur trimmings can be made, and some owners may like these included in jewellery or other pet memorial ideas, often available through the crematorium. 

At-home euthanasia can provide a calm and comfortable option for both you and your pet. Understanding the process beforehand and planning it all how you would like it to be makes a difficult process a more peaceful experience. Contact us if you need any help in making the decision or at any part of the process.