One of the questions I hear most often is, "What actually happens during an in-home pet euthanasia?"

For many families, this is something they've never experienced before. Even if you've had to say goodbye to a pet in the past, an in-home euthanasia is often very different from what you may have experienced in a veterinary clinic.

I wanted to make this video to explain exactly how the whole process works—from watching this video and making that first phone call, right through to home burial or pet cremation afterwards. My hope is that understanding the process will help take away some of the uncertainty during what is already a very difficult time.

The First Phone Call

My mobile number is available on my website.

I know making that first contact can be incredibly difficult. Some people prefer to send me a text message, and that's absolutely fine. We can have conversations and organise everything by text if that's what feels easiest for you.

If you feel comfortable calling, though, I always recommend it.

One of the most common things people say to me at the end of our conversation is, "I feel so much better now that I've spoken to you."

These conversations are never rushed. Sometimes they last 30 minutes or even longer if that's what you need. During that time, we get to know each other, I learn about your pet, and together we decide on the best way to create a peaceful goodbye.

Once we've decided to go ahead with an in-home euthanasia, I'm able to prepare everything before I arrive.

Preparing for Your Appointment

Before I come to your home, I prepare the sedation medication. This is a small injection that's given under the skin at the back of your pet's neck.

Whenever possible, I like to make this moment a positive one.

For dogs that are still interested in food, I bring warmed chicken skin as a special treat. For cats, we'll often use Fancy Feast or another favourite food. During our phone conversation we'll talk about what your pet enjoys most so we can make that experience as comfortable as possible.

The treat provides a distraction while I give the sedation injection, and most pets barely notice it.

Arriving at Your Home

When I arrive, I bring only a small medical kit with me.

One of the first things I do is take my shoes off and leave them at the front door. If a pet cremation company is arriving later, they'll know I'm still with your family.

I encourage you to prepare the environment however feels right for you.

Some of the most beautiful goodbyes I've been part of have had soft, calming music playing quietly in the background. Some families play gentle piano music or even a fireplace video on the television. It's entirely up to you, but creating a peaceful atmosphere can make the experience feel calmer for everyone.

When I arrive, I like to spend a little time getting to know both you and your pet. Nothing is rushed. We simply take whatever time is needed before we begin.

The Sedation

I often call this your pet's "last supper."

While they're enjoying their special treat, I gently give the sedation injection under the skin at the back of their neck.

The sedation creates a relaxed, sleepy state. It provides pain relief and means that when I place an IV cannula or administer the final medication, your pet doesn't experience any discomfort.

Most dogs and cats don't enjoy needles, so this allows everything to happen as gently as possible.

Just as importantly, if your pet has been living with pain or discomfort because of their illness, the sedation helps ensure their final moments are peaceful and pain-free.

The Final Medication

Once the sedation has taken effect, the next steps are slightly different for cats and dogs.

For cats, I usually administer the medication into the abdomen. They don't feel it, and they drift off very peacefully.

For dogs, I place a small IV cannula into a vein. Once they're resting comfortably, I administer the final medication through the cannula.

The final medication is an anaesthetic. I wrap the IV line so families don't see the medication travelling through it. Some veterinarians refer to this medication by the nickname "the green dream" because it allows pets to gently drift off into a peaceful sleep before they pass away.

If you've ever had a general anaesthetic yourself, you might remember the anaesthetist asking you to count backwards from ten. Most people barely remember getting to eight or seven before they fall asleep.

The experience for our pets is very similar.

Many of the pets I see are already very tired because of their illness, and once the medication is given, they usually pass away very peacefully within a short period of time.

Home Burial

If you've chosen home burial, I recommend digging the grave before I arrive. We'll discuss this together during our phone call, including the depth and location.

After your pet has passed away, I'll carefully wrap them in a blanket and help carry them to the burial site if that's something you'd like.

I'll also help lower them into the grave and, if you'd like me to, I'll even help with the shovelling.

Some families prefer to do this themselves, and that's completely okay. Others really appreciate having an extra pair of hands during what can be an emotional and physically difficult moment.

Pet Cremation

If you've chosen cremation, I can organise everything for you before the appointment.

During our phone conversation, we'll discuss your preferred aftercare option, and I'll arrange for the pet cremation company to attend.

They usually arrive around one to one and a half hours after I do.

I'll stay with your family until they arrive and help transfer your pet into their care.

The cremation company is separate from my service. They'll talk with you about urn options, provide you with information, and contact you over the following days to guide you through the remainder of the process.

Every Goodbye Is Different

Every in-home euthanasia is different, and I believe that's exactly how it should be.

During our phone conversation, we'll talk about what matters most to you and your family.

Would you like to be outside under a favourite tree?

Would you rather be inside on the couch?

Should the children be involved?

Would you like your other pets to be present?

Are there any medical conditions we need to consider?

Every family is different, and every goodbye is unique.

My role is simply to guide you through that process and help create a farewell that feels right for your pet and your family.

My Philosophy

The aim is always the same—to honour the beautiful life your pet has lived by giving them a peaceful, gentle and dignified passing.

I've been a veterinarian for a long time, and I've helped many animals throughout my career.

Today, I've chosen to focus entirely on helping pets and the people who love them through this final stage of life.

It's work that gives me an incredible sense of purpose, and it's a privilege to be invited into people's homes to help them say goodbye.