Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when it’s time?
Many pet owners wrestle with this decision and often experience feelings of doubt and guilt, regardless of their choice. While every situation is unique, there are some important factors that can help guide you in making a more informed decision about euthanasia in conjunction with your vet.
If your pet is living with a life-limiting illness, chronic pain, or age-related decline, it can be helpful to step back and assess their day-to-day comfort and wellbeing as objectively as possible.
Use our Pet Quality of Life Calculator for guidance:
Why might in-home euthanasia be the right option?
Choosing in-home euthanasia offers several significant benefits for your pet and your family.
Comfort and familiarity
Your pet remains 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, away from the unfamiliar clinical environment of a veterinary clinic. This can 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 travelling or waiting in a clinic.
Convenience
With one phone call, our team can help coordinate the arrangements, allowing you to focus on your pet and your family.
Choosing in-home euthanasia helps ensure your pet’s final moments are as calm, loving, and dignified as possible.
What should I expect during the visit?
Our vet will arrive at the agreed time and provide a full explanation of the process and answer any questions you may have.
When you are comfortable to proceed, your pet will be given sedation to ensure they are relaxed, comfortable, and sleepy within a few minutes.
Then, when you are ready, the vet will administer the required dose of anaesthetic to allow your pet to pass peacefully.
After the vet has confirmed that your loved one has passed, you will be given the time you need alone with your pet.
Once you and your family have said your final goodbyes, the vet will arrange transport for aftercare.
The entire visit is likely to last between 30 to 60 minutes.
What happens after my pet has passed?
You and your family will be given the privacy and time you need to say your final farewell.
Depending on the time and location, and as advised when your appointment is booked, the vet may take your beloved pet with them and keep them safe in their care until Paws to Heaven takes them into our care. Our team will let you know when your loved one is safely with us.
Alternatively, Paws to Heaven may arrive approximately 1 hour after the vet appointment time to take your pet into our care for aftercare.
Our team will then contact you, generally the next day, to guide you through the water cremation process and help you choose the memorial option that best suits your wishes.
Cost
Paws to Heaven in-home pet euthanasia is charged at a single fee of $575, which includes:
- Pre-euthanasia planning and scheduling support
- Pet quality of life guidance
- Vet attendance and medication
Standard appointments
Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm
After-hours appointments
An additional $85 fee applies for weekends, public holidays, and after-hours appointments.
After-hours fees apply per vet appointment and will be clearly communicated at the time of booking.
The in-home euthanasia service is available 7 days a week.
Service area
Paws to Heaven services the Greater Brisbane region. If you are unsure whether we cover your area, please call us. If you are outside our usual service area, we may still be able to assist or help you locate an appropriate provider.
What is water cremation?
Water cremation is not a burning process. It is a 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 burial.
The ashes returned are the same as what would be achieved through traditional fire cremation, however there is no pollution produced and around 95% less energy is used.
How do I deal with grief?
Losing a beloved pet can be incredibly challenging. They were part of your family, and grief after their passing is real and deeply personal.
Some gentle ways to support yourself during this time include:
Allow yourself to grieve
It is natural to feel sadness, guilt, anger, relief, or a combination of emotions. Give yourself permission to experience those feelings without judgement.
Seek support
Talking with family, friends, or support groups can help you process what you are feeling and remind you that you are not alone.
Honour your pet’s memory
A memorial, photo album, keepsake, or personal ritual can be a meaningful way to celebrate your pet’s life and the love you shared.
Take care of yourself
Grieving can be physically and emotionally draining. Try to rest, eat well, and make time for simple routines and supportive activities.
Healing takes time, and it is important to be gentle with yourself. We can also provide further grief and bereavement support resources if needed.
Cancellations
Full refund
Cancellations made more than 2 hours prior to the scheduled appointment time.
Partial refund / cancellation fee
Cancellations made within 2 hours of the scheduled appointment will incur a $150 cancellation fee.
Where payment has already been made, any applicable refund will be processed back to the original payment method.