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Home Euthanasia

Home Euthanasia

I am also happy to respond to SMS or email enquiries if you feel more comfortable.

Please call or send me a message on 0492005315

You can entrust me with your lovely companion. I have been caring for cats, dogs and rabbits for nearly 30 years through all stages of life.

I have completed an 18 month international course in end-of-life care and aim to provide a pain-free, calm and safe loving environment where you feel comfortable to say goodbye. Your companion can pass away in a favourite location in a sunny spot under a window, or under a tree in the garden, moving swiftly through the passing of life, or taking time to celebrate the wonderful (or wicked) things about your loved one that made them so special.

Aftercare can also be arranged. This can be discussed beforehand (the link to the Edenhills website can be found in the aftercare section below), or any time in the days afterwards. Please use the contact me if you have any questions, use the resources, or FAQ below.

9AM to 6PM Monday-Friday | 9AM to 2PM Saturday

Services can be provided outside the regular hours listed above by calling the number below. Difficult to talk on the phone? That’s OK. Send me a text or complete the online enquiry form.

CALL OR SEND MESSAGE AT 0492 005 315

Thinking about the aftercare of your loved one?

I have been working with a cremation company called Edenhills for over 10 years. They provide individual cremation and you can choose to either have the ashes returned or have them scattered at the cremation facility. After your companion has passed away, you will be given the option to spend some time alone to say goodbye before I carry your pet away. Either I or Edenhills staff will return the ashes in about 10 days, depending on whether a regular vessel has been selected or something more elaborate. Costs of cremation vary depending on the type of vessel and pet weight and I can discuss this with you beforehand or at the time. There is no rush. I can leave you some information you can read through later, or you can access the Edenhills information by clicking on the button below.

Learn more about edenhills

Frequently Asked Questions

I am happy to answer you queries in as little or as much detail as you need. If you need more information not provided in this FAQ section, or need more information, please use the contact me button below.

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For additional support

Call Dr. Sue 0492 005 315

Which suburbs do I travel to?

Most of the greater Melbourne area and surrounding suburbs – outlying areas are often still possible, but may incur extra travel costs.

Do you do same day appointments?

When possible. You may wish to discuss timing with your regular veterinary team to help with advanced planning. Emergencies do happen, and I will try and assist at short notice if I can.

Why choose home euthanasia?

Home is where your companion feels most comfortable and relaxed. There is no travel involved or sitting in a waiting room surrounded by the busy noises and environment of a veterinary clinic. You can choose where you need to be, with the privacy, time and space to just ‘be’.

When an in-home euthanasia may not be possible:

Sometimes emergency situations, or those in which an illness worsens rapidly, may necessitate a fast response. These include:

severe, sudden onset pain
Difficulty breathing
Seizure activity
Rapid blood loss

If you have planned a home euthanasia and the situation has changed, or your cat, dog or rabbit has become acutely distressed, sometimes an emergency after-hours visit can be arranged, but to avoid your companion unnecessary suffering a trip to the local emergency hospital may be the fastest and best option.

How much does home euthanasia cost?

In home euthanasia costs are $475 for cats and rabbits, and dogs vary from $545 upwards depending on size. There may be an extra cost for outer Melbourne suburbs.

What is the process and how long does it take?

As little or as much time as you need. I can answer any questions you may have and explain the aftercare options if not already discussed, after which the consent form will need to be signed. When everyone is comfortable, a premed is given which contains a combination of pain relief, sedative and anti-anxiety agent. This is a small injection under the skin behind the neck and takes about 10-15 minutes to take effect. Once full relaxation/sedation is achieved, a second injection can then given, which is an anaesthetic overdose so that the passing is as peaceful as possible. Sometimes we can inject this intravenously, which takes 20-30 seconds to take effect, and sometimes in an area behind the ribs that is absorbed over about 5-10 minutes (this is normal in small patients, or those that are unwell or elderly). I always make absolutely sure before I leave that your pet has passed away using a stethoscope twice with a few minute intervals. Some muscle movement can be expected afterwards – this is normal and can last for 1/2 hour afterwards. I am happy to listen repeatedly if you need reassurance. Afterwards you will be given the option to have some quiet time alone before I take your pet into my care if I am organising the aftercare arrangements. The whole process may take 30 minutes, or over an hour.

What are the aftercare options?

individual cremation with Edenhills – I can give you some time alone with your companion, then transport to the crematorium, with ashes return usually in about 10 days. Alternatively if you would like to spend more time afterwards, you can organise a pick up directly with Edenhills when you are ready. I can provide you with information, or you can access the on-line brochure Here (https://edenhills.com.au/urns-memorabilia/). You may wish to send your loved one away with some messages, flowers, a favourite toy or blanket, or even a photo.
cremation – I can care or your companion, then cremation with other pets with ashes scattered on the property can be arranged with no return of ashes
Home burial – depending on your council regulations, you may wish to bury your companion on your home property

Is euthanasia painful?

No. The premed injection has minimal discomfort, and is given to ensure that whatever technique is used in the procedure that puts your pet to sleep is as pain and stress free as possible.

Can children or other pets be present?

Yes. As long as both the patient, children and other pets are comfortable with the procedure. Young, boisterous dogs may need to be restrained or kept in a different area during the procedure, and children should be offered the option to step out at any time. Seeing the body after death is important in the grieving process for pets and some people, but not compulsory. A list of grief resources and recommendations to help prepare for conversations with children about loss and grief can be found here.

How do I prepare for the appointment?

Think about the location that feels right for you, or somewhere your pet feels particularly comfortable. This may be outside in the shade, inside near a sleeping area, on the couch, bed, or even holding in your arms. I need very little space and can move around you. Relaxing music, candles, blankets and cushions can help. You can elect to keep the procedure simple, or create more of a ceremony around the procedure. All wishes will be respected. Please turn your phone to silent if you don’t want to be disturbed, or you may wish to have it on hand if a friend or relative can’t be there in person to assist you. Please comfort your pet with your love, presence and reassurance. You may like to offer special food and treats.

Should I stay during the euthanasia?

This is entirely your choice, and you can change your mind and leave the room at any time. Most people find some comfort in knowing they were there comforting their loved one until the end and most pets do find comfort in the physical presence of their human companion.

How do I know that it is time?

There is no one rule to follow and each pet is different. Older pets will often follow a wave-like pattern where they have good days and bad days, where you may be considering this over weeks or months. Alternatively, you may be faced with a decision you need to make quickly due to a sudden illness. In my experience, very few pets pass peacefully at home in their sleep. The decision on when to euthanise to avoid undue trauma, pain and suffering is probably one of the most difficult decisions you will have to make.

You are not alone. I am happy to discuss your concerns free of charge over the phone, and you can use any of the resources below to help you:

Your general practitioner veterinarian should always be your first contact to make an assessment and offer advice if your pet becomes ill or nears end of life.
On-line resources can help you assess Quality of Life at home (see the Quality of Life Assessment Scale here).
Free phone or email discussion – You may wish to discuss your thoughts with me over the phone, or if you find phone discussion difficult, we can communicate by email (see the contact me button on this page, or simply email suechaneyvet@gmail.com)
An information article I have written you may find helpful called “when is it time?” please click on the link here.

Grief: Did I do the right thing, and how do I cope with the loss?

An information booklet has been created by Edenhills and will be left with you at the time of the visit, or you can access it any time by clicking on this link….

https://edenhills.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Pet-Loss-Grief-Brochure_Edenhills.pdf

Leave a message and photo on the tribute page of this website using the link below. I find this page is a heartwarming reminder to me about how much love we have for these beautiful 4-legged friends. It is a space that is created out of grief, but provides some comfort knowing others, too, have lost. I can often connect the photos with the funny stories people have told me at the time of the visit.

Memorialisation is a lovely way to create a space to remember your pet, from a simple photo or paw print, to a more elaborate shadow box or original portrait. However, if you need help with dealing with the difficult emotions during this time, you can also contact one of the support lines below, or call someone like myself, who has experience with end-of-life care. There is no right or wrong way to feel after you have lost a companion close to you. It is also common to second guess your decision and you may wish to talk it through.

24/7 Pet Loss Support Line – 1300 431 450
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Griefline – 1300 845 745
Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636