FAQ

Compassionate euthanasia refers to the humane and empathetic process of ending the life of a beloved pet in a manner that prioritises their comfort and dignity. This service is delivered with a deep understanding of the emotional bond between pets and their human companions. 

Compassionate euthanasia recognizes the unique needs of each pet and their family, providing a peaceful and stress-free environment by conducting the procedure in the familiar surroundings of the pet's home. It involves clear communication with caregivers, ensuring they are well-informed and supported throughout the process, and focuses on minimising any distress for the pet so they may transition peacefully, surrounded by the love and familiarity of their family. This approach embodies sensitivity, respect, and a commitment to ensuring the pet's final moments are marked by compassion and care.

Opting for in-home euthanasia allows your pet to be in a comfortable, familiar setting – whether that's in their own bed or basking in the sun. This environment, filled with well-known sights, scents, and the presence of family, ensures they remain at ease until their final moments. There are no restrictions on who can be present during an at-home euthanasia; the entire family, including other pets, can be there to bid farewell. The appointment can be tailored to your needs and scheduled at a time that suits you, like evenings or weekends, when the family is more likely to be together.

This choice also provides the privacy to mourn at home, surrounded by family and friends, with your pet by your side throughout the process.

Determining whether or not a loved one qualifies for either palliative care or compassionate euthanasia is one of the most difficult questions to answer for any pet parent. An initial consultation with our veterinarian will be essential in establishing whether or not your pet qualifies for either of these services.

The process begins with a teleconsultation, which includes a thorough review of your pet's medical history, a review of the information provided by the online registration form, and a discussion addressing your goals as caregiver. 

The purpose of the initial consultation is to establish your pet's overall quality of life (QOL), which is informed by their present condition, medical and non-medical needs, comfort levels, and access to veterinary care. The consultation provides an opportunity to delve into your questions, concerns, and fears regarding your pet's QOL, including an honest discussion about the potential need for euthanasia as they transition through this delicate stage of life. 

If a pet is deemed eligible for palliative care or compassionate euthanasia, you will receive a personalised care plan encompassing all discussed aspects, along with relevant information relating to their condition(s) as well as an action plan to ensure your pet's comfort in their final months, weeks, or days at home. Subsequent follow-up appointments may also be arranged as needed.

While palliative care and compassionate euthanasia are tailored to meet the diverse needs of pets in various situations, there are instances where these options may not be suitable. For example, young, healthy pets, or pets with curable or manageable conditions, are not eligible for palliative care or compassionate euthanasia. If however, a pet displays incurable aggression that poses risks to their safety or that of others, it may impact the feasibility of palliative care. Similarly, if a pet's medical condition is extremely advanced, resulting in severe and unmanageable pain or suffering, compassionate euthanasia may ultimately be considered the most humane option. No matter the circumstance, our veterinarian will provide you appropriate resources and recommendations that may be pursued as alternatives to either service, ensuring that your pet receives the most appropriate and compassionate care tailored to their specific needs.

Quality of life is the primary consideration when making such a difficult decision. While there aren’t any hard-and-fast answers, you can look at several factors to determine your pet’s situation:

• Pain management: How much pain and discomfort does my pet experience? Does my pet have chronic pain that cannot be controlled?
• Eating and drinking: Does my pet have an appetite? Are they able to intake food and water? Do they still enjoy eating and drinking?  
• Toilet and grooming habits: Can my pet urinate and defecate without assistance? Do mobility issues impact their ability to relieve themselves? Has my pet completely stopped toileting? 
• Mobility and activity: Does my pet have significant mobility challenges? Do they attempt to engage in normal activities? Are they interested in playtime, toys, or other enriching activities?
• Behaviour and mood: Does my pet seek their typical levels of social interaction? Has my pet become unresponsive and withdrawn? How does my pet respond when I interact with them?

If you keep a daily health journal for your pet, your entries can help you answer these questions. You can find more information about pet health journals in our Ongoing Illness and Treatment FAQ [link TBA]. 

When making your decision, you should also consider how well your pet’s condition is responding to treatment. From your pet’s health journal and consultation with your veterinarian, you can consider whether continuing treatment offers any benefits or may prolong your companion’s suffering. Healthcare for Pets’ video, “How Do You Know When It’s Time to Say Goodbye to a Pet?”, also provides helpful information.

While many pet parents wish for their pets to pass away naturally at home, such occurrences are quite rare. Allowing a pet to die naturally may often result in prolonged periods of illness, stress, or pain before their passing. The desire for a pet to pass in their sleep at home is understandable, as it removes the burden of decision-making. However, the most reliable way to ensure a peaceful and pain-free end for your pet is through humane euthanasia. Although it may seem like an incredibly difficult choice, it's crucial to prioritise what is best for your pet above all else.

During the visit, the veterinarian will attentively listen to your concerns and describe the euthanasia process according to your preference for detail. We'll assist in creating a comfortable space for your pet, whether it's in their bed, a sunny spot outdoors, or in your arms.

After your pet is at ease in their chosen spot, we'll administer a mild sedation to ensure their comfort and alleviate any pain. The final step, involving a second medication, will only proceed when you, your family, and your pet are ready, allowing for a peaceful passing within minutes. Afterwards, you and your loved ones are welcome to take as much time as you need for farewells. If we are managing the aftercare, we'll respectfully take their remains into our care.

The euthanasia drug we use is a type of gentle anaesthetic, administered slowly into a vein to circulate through the bloodstream. This anaesthetic ceases the brain's ability to send and receive signals, leading to a loss of consciousness. Consequently, the brain cannot perceive pain, nor can it regulate essential functions like heartbeat and breathing. Within a few minutes after administering the medication, your pet's breathing will gradually decrease, and then the heart will stop. This method ensures a peaceful passing, akin to falling asleep, without any sensation of pain for your pet.

Yes, you will be able to remain present with your pet during the euthanasia process. Whether you choose to do it is entirely up to you. Some pet parents prefer to stay to offer comfort and say goodbye. Others decline out of concern that their own emotions may upset their companions. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make. 

No, we handle all necessary arrangements for you, allowing you to concentrate on cherishing the remaining moments with your pet. It might be helpful to think about how you wish to spend the final days with your pet and the ways you'd like to commemorate their life.

The decision to euthanize a pet can trigger difficult and often conflicted emotions. Sorrow and anger are normal, along with guilt and regret. You may find yourself wishing you had other options, wondering what you could have done differently, hoping for last-minute interventions, or angry that you couldn’t do more. These are all perfectly natural reactions. No matter what your unique circumstances are, you may find solace in knowing that you’ve made the best possible choice for your pet’s well-being. 

Openly discussing the euthanasia of your pet with your family can be challenging. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends starting the conversation by reviewing your companion’s health issues plus any information you’ve received from your veterinarian. You should also talk about the ramifications of long-term care. While your decision isn’t purely a matter of dollars and cents, it’s vital to consider both emotional and financial hardships. 

Allow everyone, including children, to express their feelings and be involved in this conversation. Considering all family members’ thoughts and feelings is key, ensuring that no one feels left out. Provide straightforward and truthful answers to questions, especially from younger family members.

Finally, keep communication open once you’ve made the final decision. If possible, have a “last evening” in which everyone has the opportunity to spend time with your pet. This includes collective quality time, along with one-on-one time for those who desire to say goodbye in private.

Deciding whether to include children during the euthanasia process is a deeply personal choice and varies from family to family. Some parents opt to have their children present during the procedure, while others prefer to bring them in afterwards for farewells.

Children around the age of 5-6 often grasp the situation when it's explained to them in a clear and truthful manner, and they may respond with unexpected resilience and empathy. Very young children are typically more influenced by their parents' emotional reactions than the euthanasia itself. Ultimately, parents are the best judges of what's appropriate for their children. If you're unsure about the best approach, we're here to discuss it with you. Our blog post on Children & Pet Loss offers guidance on this matter.

For additional resources, the Veterinary Wisdom Resource Centre's online articles on Kids And Grief provide insights on teaching children to express grief in healthy ways.

The decision to allow your other pets to be present during the euthanasia or to see their companion afterwards is yours to make. Often, pets seem to benefit from understanding that their friend has passed away peacefully. This can be a part of their grieving process, helping them to comprehend and accept the loss. For more insights on how pets grieve and handle such situations.