Paws to Heaven In-Home Pet Euthanasia

Many pet owners wrestle with this decision and often experience feelings of doubt and guilt, regardless of their choice. While each situation is unique, there are some key factors that can help guide you in making a more informed decision about euthanasia in conjunction with your Vet.

Click here for a Pet Quality of Life tool that gives some objective guidance on assessing your pet’s wellbeing.

Choosing in-home euthanasia for your pet offers several significant benefits for your pet and you and your family:

• Comfort and familiarity: Your pet will remain in a familiar and comforting environment, surrounded by their favourite people and belongings. This can help reduce stress and anxiety.
• Peaceful setting: In-home euthanasia provides a calm atmosphere, free from the unfamiliar clinical environment of a veterinary clinic. This setting can help make the experience more peaceful for both your pet and your family.
• Emotional support: Being at home allows you and your family to grieve in a private and supportive setting. You have the space to say your goodbyes and reflect on your pet’s life without the added stress of traveling or waiting in a clinic.
• Convenience: The logistics of Paws to Heaven in-home euthanasia are straightforward. With just one phone call, our team will handle all the arrangements, allowing you to focus on your pet and your family.

Choosing in-home euthanasia ensures that your pet’s final moments are as comfortable and loving as possible, providing a dignified farewell.

If the vet determines there is perhaps some palliative care or medications that may give both owner and pet some more valuable time with their loved one, at this point you will only be charged for a vet palliative care appointment at a cost of $120 (this does not include any medications etc).

The decision to have children and other pets present during the euthanasia process is a personal one and depends on your family’s preferences and your pet’s needs. Some of the matters you should consider are:

Children: If you choose to have children present, it’s important to prepare them by explaining the situation in a gentle and age-appropriate manner. Being present can provide closure and help them understand the cycle of life and loss and also be comforting for your pet. However, if you feel it might be too distressing for them, it’s perfectly okay to make alternative arrangements for them during this time.

Other pets: Including other pets in the process can help them understand that their companion is no longer with them. However, if your other pets are particularly anxious, stressed or excited by new experiences, it might be better to keep them in a separate area. Our vet can offer advice on how to manage this situation based on your pets’ individual temperaments.

Ultimately, the choice should be guided by what you believe will provide comfort for both your family and your pets. We’re here to support you in making the decision that best suits your needs and those of your beloved companion.

Should your pet pass away before our arrival, we ask that you cancel your appointment with us immediately. If it is less than 30 minutes prior, there will be a $100 cancellation fee as the vet will already be on their way to your home and they need to be paid for their time/travel costs. We will then organise for Paws to Heaven to come and collect your loved one as soon as possible. Please note that if it is out of hours, there will be a $75 after hours fee.

Everything we do at Paws to Heaven is built on the foundations of trust, compassion and gentle dignity for your pet.

Since 2021, we have been trusted by thousands of Brisbane families when their sad time has come, to deliver a service designed to ease a difficult and emotional period in their lives.

All of our partner vets are professionals who we trust, and who share the dedication to exceptional care that families have come to expect from Paws to Heaven. When you make that phone call to us, you are dealing with an individual that will be directly involved in your pet’s aftercare, not just a call centre agent. This personal touch allows us to offer a level of service and support that we are truly proud of.

You and your family will be given the privacy and time you need to say your final farewell before your vet transports your pet for after care.

The Paws to Heaven team will let you know when your loved one is in their care and they will guide you through the process of Water Cremation and help you select the appropriate memorial for your needs.

Paws to Heaven services the Greater Brisbane region. Call us to discuss your location if you are unsure. If you are outside of our standard service area, we may still be able to assist or help you locate an appropriate and qualified provider.

Paws to Heaven in-home pet euthanasia service charge a single fee of $495, which includes the following:

• Pre-euthanasia planning and scheduling service
• Pet quality of life support and guidance
• Vet attendance and medication
• Vet transport of your pet for after care

Additional fees may be incurred for services outside our regular hours, however will fully disclose the total cost before proceeding.

We also have a broad range of after care and memorial options to select from. These costs vary depending on your chosen package, but all options include individual water cremation and start at:

• $315 if you do not want the ashes returned to you, or
• $370 for ashes returned to you (price depends on weight of pet).

Click here to view the full range of memorial options and pricing.

Water cremation is not a burning process. It is a very gentle, eco-friendly alternative to traditional pet fire cremation or burial. We use a combination of gentle water flow, warmth and natural alkalis in our clean and peaceful facility, to accelerate the natural processes that would occur after a burial. The remaining ashes are the same as what would be achieved from a traditional fire cremation, however there is no pollution produced and 95% less energy is used.

Click here for more detailed information on water cremation.

Dealing with grief after the loss of a beloved pet can be incredibly challenging, after all, they were a member of your family. It’s important to give yourself the time and space to heal. Here are some steps that might help you navigate this difficult period:

• Allow yourself to grieve: Understand that it’s natural to feel a range of emotions, from sadness and anger to relief and guilt. Give yourself permission to experience these feelings and recognise that grieving is a personal process with no set timeline.
• Seek support: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups who understand the bond you had with your pet. Talking about your feelings can provide comfort and help you process your emotions.
• Honour your pet’s memory: Create a meaningful tribute to your pet, whether through a memorial, a photo album, or a special ritual. Celebrating their life and the joy they brought you can be a comforting way to remember them.
• Take care of yourself: Grieving can be physically and emotionally draining. Ensure you’re taking care of your own wellbeing by eating well, getting enough rest, and engaging in activities that bring you comfort and relaxation.

Remember, healing from the loss of a pet takes time, and it’s important to be gentle with yourself as you navigate this journey.  We have compiled some further resources that may assist you:

• Counselling
• Grief & Bereavement Support Services
• Australian Counselling Service
• Resources