Saying Goodbye to a Pet at Home: An Australian Resource for Families

For many of us, a pet is considered family. And when the time for a dog, cat or other companion to pass comes, it can be difficult for families to work out how to say goodbye.

More and more Australian families are choosing the sanctuary of their own home for this intimate part of the journey, and our vets see this request more and more every week. Pets are calmer in the place they know best, and families feel more able to connect privately and spend as long as they need without having to watch the clock.

Saying Goodbye to a Pet at Home: An Australian Resource for Families

This guide shares what at-home euthanasia involves, how vets and families assess quality of life, what to expect on the day, the aftercare and grief support in Australia. This guide draws on the experience of Pawssum's mobile vets, who have cared for more than 380,000 pets in their own homes, and on the advice of the Australian Veterinary Association and RSPCA Australia.

"Most families I visit tell me afterwards they were glad they didn't have to put their dog in the car one last time. At home, pets usually settle straight away. They're on their own bed, they can smell their people, and nobody's rushing."

Dr Olivia, Pawssum vet

What is at-home pet euthanasia?

At-home euthanasia allows a registered veterinarian to visit you at home to give your pet a gentle passing.

The procedure itself is the same as in-clinic, but it's the environment that makes all the difference. Your pet can settle on their favourite bed, by the window or in their beloved patch of garden, surrounded by the people and scents that make them feel safe.

For pets that get anxious in the car or at the vet, this can make a huge difference to how calm they can be for the last injection. Families also tend to value:

• privacy, with no waiting room
• time to say their goodbyes
• a familiar atmosphere
• the option to include children or other pets in the house

When is it time to say goodbye?

This is the question almost every family asks us, and it rarely has one clear answer. Vets look at your pet's overall quality of life: whether they can be comfortable, eat, walk and enjoy the things in life that made them who they are.

Signs your pet may be struggling include:

• pain that continues despite treatment
• trouble standing, walking or getting comfortable
• not eating, or refusing water
• incontinence or being unable to keep themselves clean
• pulling away from the family
• confusion, restlessness or distress
• more bad days than good ones

Many families start with palliative or comfort care, and that can be a good option as pets live on for weeks or months. At some point, though, it may be the kinder option to prevent further suffering.

The Australian Veterinary Association's policy is that when an animal is suffering and that suffering cannot be adequately managed, the attending vet should recommend euthanasia. Choosing a peaceful passing for a pet in that situation is an act of care.

"I always tell families there's no perfect day. If you're asking the question, it's worth having the conversation with your vet now, while you still have time to plan it the way you want."

Dr Olivia Kappel, Pawssum vet

Using the HHHHHMM quality of life scale

When emotions are running high, it can be hard to see how day-to-day changes add up. Many vets recommend the HHHHHMM Scale as a guide.

It was developed by US veterinary oncologist Dr Alice Villalobos, first published in 2004, and later included in her book Canine and Feline Geriatric Oncology: Honoring the Human-Animal Bond (Wiley-Blackwell, 2007). It's now widely used by vets working in palliative care.

The scale looks at seven areas:

• Hurt: is the pain well controlled and breathing comfortable?
• Hunger: is your pet eating enough, with or without help?
• Hydration: are they drinking enough?
• Hygiene: can they be clean and free of sores?
• Happiness: do they still respond to you and show interest in things?
• Mobility: can they get up and move without struggling?
• More good days than bad: when bad days outnumber good ones, quality of life may be slipping

Each is scored from 0 to 10, with 10 being ideal. A score above 35 is generally seen as an acceptable quality of life.

Scoring every few days and writing it down can reveal a pattern you might have missed. The scale doesn't make the decision, but it gives a solid foundation to have a conversation with your vet.

Legal and ethical considerations in Australia

Pet euthanasia is regulated under state and territory veterinary practice laws. Only a registered veterinarian can perform it, and they must:

• examine your pet
• get your informed consent
• use approved medications and humane methods

RSPCA Australia's policy is that the decision should ordinarily be made in consultation with a vet, including an assessment of the pet's current and expected quality of life.

Ethically, it should always be a decision made on your pet's welfare. A good vet will talk openly with you, answer your questions, and make sure you understand every option before anything goes ahead. If you are unsure, it's always fine to ask for more time or a second opinion.

What happens during an at-home visit?

Every vet has their own way of doing things, but a Pawssum vet visit usually follows these steps.

1. Talking it through

Your vet will explain what will happen, answer any questions and make sure you're ready to start. You get to choose where your pet rests. Families often opt for:

• their pet's own bed
• a favourite spot in the garden
• a sunny room
• anywhere that meant something to them

2. Sedation

Your vet will give a sedative first, so your pet falls asleep, relaxed and comfortable. This is often the time for families to cuddle, talk and say their goodbyes.

3. The final injection

Once your pet is deeply asleep and unaware, the vet will administer the euthanasia medication. This is usually done into a vein so that the passing is quick and peaceful.

4. Time together

After confirming your pet has passed, your vet will step away and give you private time.

Most visits last between 30 minutes to an hour. There's no queue behind you and no need to rush.

"Some families want everyone in the room, some want it quiet with just one person. There's no wrong way. We go at your pace."

Dr Olivia Kappel, Pawssum vet

Aftercare and memorial options

What's available depends on your provider and your council.

Home burial

Some councils allow pets to be buried at home, under certain conditions. Check first with your council about burial restrictions.

Communal cremation

Your pet is cremated amongst other animals. Ashes are not returned.

Private cremation

Your pet is cremated individually and the ashes are returned to you in an urn or keepsake.

Many families create their own memorials, such as:

• a paw print impression
• a clipping of fur
• framed photos
• a memory box
• planting a tree or garden bed

Small rituals can give grief somewhere to go. If you'd like to plan ahead, Pawssum's prepaid pet funeral service lets you arrange these in advance.

Helping children through pet loss

Children often feel the loss of a pet deeply, even when they don't have the words for it. Child grief specialists generally suggest:

• using honest language appropriate for their age
• avoiding "put to sleep" with young children
• reassuring children the pet wasn't sent away or abandoned
• explaining that the decision was made so the pet wouldn't hurt anymore

Letting children draw a picture, write a note or be part of a memorial can help them make sense of what's happened.

Coping with grief after losing a pet

Losing a pet can be as much of a loss as any other member of the family, and the grief can last longer than people expect.

It's common to feel:

• sadness
• exhaustion
• guilt, including "what if" thoughts
• loneliness, around old routines
• relief that their suffering is over

All are completely normal, and can show up at the same time. There's no set timeline for grief.

Where to find support in Australia

• Griefline: 1300 845 745, free grief support (including pet loss) (griefline.org.au)
• Pets and People Pet Loss Support Line: 1300 431 450, connects you to pet loss counsellors (fees apply)
• Lifeline: 13 11 14, 24 hours, if grief starts to overwhelm you
• Your GP, if grief is affecting your sleep, appetite or work for more than a few weeks

Talking to friends and family who knew your pet can help too. So can online pet loss communities, so long as they're well moderated.

Frequently asked questions

Does my pet feel any pain?

Your pet is given a sedative first and is deeply asleep by the time of the final injection. The passing is quick and painless.

Can other pets be there?

Yes. Many vets believe it helps other pets understand what's happened. Your vet can advise on what suits your household.

Can I be with my pet the whole time?

Yes. Most families stay for the whole visit. Your vet will give you private time afterwards.

How much does it cost?

At-home euthanasia with Pawssum is $399 all inclusive. Our team can also go through aftercare options when you book.

How soon can a vet come?

Pawssum vets are available 7 days a week. Call 1300 343 580 between 6am and 11pm to check availability in your area.

A gentle goodbye at home

Deciding to say goodbye is one of the hardest things a family ever does. For many people, doing it at home makes it a little softer, and more private. It's centred around a pet, not the other way around. The space they leave behind doesn't close. Many families tell us they found some peace in knowing their companion passed, safely and surrounded by the faces they loved.

If you'd like to talk about at-home euthanasia with Pawssum, our team is here 7 days a week on 0480 030 580. With more than 2,805 Google reviews averaging 4.6 stars, families across Australia have trusted us with this visit.

Sources

1. Australian Veterinary Association. Euthanasia policy.
2. RSPCA Australia. Policy A5: Euthanasia of companion animals.
3. Villalobos, A.E. (2011). Quality-of-life assessment techniques for veterinarians. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice.
4. Villalobos, A. & Kaplan, L. (2007). Canine and Feline Geriatric Oncology: Honoring the Human-Animal Bond. Wiley-Blackwell.

This guide is general advice and doesn't replace your own vet's advice. It was written by the Pawssum Care Team and reviewed by a registered veterinarian. We review it at least every 12 months, or sooner if guidelines change.