Home Euthanasia and End of Life Care

“It is the most unselfish act in all of life to let one go that we have found beloved.” — Kate McGahan

We know that making the decision to let our cherished pets go can be incredibly difficult. In most cases, the decision is not made overnight, and there may be weeks or even months of contemplation. You don’t have to face it alone – we are here to support you every step of the way

If your pet has been diagnosed with a health condition, or if they are getting older and slowing down, you might find it useful to use a quality of life assessment.

We also offer palliative care home visits to keep pets comfortable at home until the time is right. During these visits, we will also help assess their quality of life and give honest, compassionate advice as the time grows near. The decision will always be yours to make.

If you are struggling with the thought of euthanasia, you might find this guide helpful.  

Once you have made a decision, you can request an appointment or get in touch with us. We will respond to all booking enquiries within six hours and – in most cases – within two.

When you request an appointment, we will ask you for an estimate of your pet’s weight. This is so that we can come prepared with the proper drugs and equipment. Once we have all the information that we need, we will confirm your appointment and send you a payment link. We ask that you complete this before your appointment to ensure that we can focus on you and your pet once we arrive at your home.

You will also be asked if you would like to be contacted by our partner crematorium to discuss aftercare options. Please select this option unless you are planning on having a home burial. The team at iCare Pet Crematorium will contact you directly and walk you through all of the options for aftercare.

Our Arrival

When we arrive at your home, we will spend some time with you and your pet and answer any questions you may have. We’ll offer your pet some treats from our Farewell Box, and talk you through the process. Family and friends are welcome to gather round, and we will find the perfect, comfy spot for your pet to rest.

IV Catheter

In most cases, an intravenous catheter is placed in the leg for the final injection. We clip a very small patch of hair on the leg and apply a numbing cream to the skin. Once the catheter is placed, we will wrap it securely with skin tape and a bandage. Once we are prepared, you can spend the final moments with your pet. The vet can keep you company or step outside if you wish for some privacy.

Sedation

When you are ready, the vet will administer a sedative to take away any stress or anxiety. This is usually given in the scruff of the neck, like a vaccine, and allows them to settle into a deep sleep. While euthanasia is painless, this allows us to take away any pain they may be feeling from illness or old age so that their final moments with you are comfortable and peaceful.

Final Goodbye

When you are ready, the vet will give the final injection and your pet will pass peacefully in their sleep. We will confirm your pet has passed by listening to their heart. We can help immortalise your pet’s memory with paw prints or nose prints. If you have arranged for aftercare with the crematorium, we will stay with you until they have arrived to collect your pet.

We are partnered with iCare Pet Crematorium in Whitburn. They offer a dignified and professional service for pet collection and cremation. All cremations are private and individual, so you can choose to have your pet’s ashes returned in a variety of urns if you wish.  Additional memorial items are also available.  

If you have chosen to have your pet cremated, a member of the iCare team will contact you directly to walk you through the process. They will usually contact you before your appointment with us, except in cases of same-day or emergency bookings.

Saying goodbye to a furry family member can be an incredibly difficult and emotional time. If you or someone you know is struggling with the loss of a pet, please click on the resources below.

Blue Cross Pet Bereavement and Pet Loss Support
Blue Cross Pet Loss Support for Children
Samaritans