At-Home Gentle End-of- life Services

We SPECIALISE in an AT-HOME veterinary hospice and euthanasia services. We know that it is often very stressful for either you or your pet to make the trip to the surgery during these times and so we offer, and encourage, these services in the comfort of your home. We will help you through the often difficult process of making a decision and ensure the process happens with your pet’s welfare, dignity and comfort as our primary concerns.

THE FINAL ACT OF CARING

CHILDREN AND PET LOSS

HOSPICE CARE

The focus of this service is to maintain comfort and quality of life for a pet that is terminally ill or geriatric, until either natural death occurs or euthanasia is elected by the family. Medical care is aimed, not at finding a cure, but at managing symptoms to allow or maintain a quality of life for as long as possible. Hospice care is often chosen when our vet decides that “nothing more can be done”. Our vets will teach you about end-stage disease processes. They are trained on how to recognise pain and distress and how to manage and treat these. There are often many things that can be done at home to make pets comfortable when in the end-of- life stages. Our vets will also help you make the decision to “let go” through elective euthanasia.

AT-HOME EUTHANASIA

Saying “goodbye” to pets at home is often the best choice for both the pet and their owners. The benefits include the following:

• Your pet will be in their own surroundings: this means less anxiety or stress for them as they will be in their favourite place with all the sounds and smells they are accustomed to.
• We can often schedule appointments at convenient times: this also means that more family members can be present if desired.
• Reduced stress for pets that may be difficult to move and/or transport.
• Other family pets can be present to allow them to heal faster from the loss of their companion.
• The family can be left in peace to grieve afterwards.
• No need to hide emotions or feel embarrassed as no strangers will be present
• No difficult transportation issues for pets that are to be buried at home.

What does it Involve?

All pets euthanised will, at first, receive a sedative, given through a tiny needle prick, that will ensure that your pet remains calm and pain-free. The vet will carefully explain what happens after and you can ask any questions. You can choose to be present during the final procedure and even hold your pet, if you so wish.