Home vs Clinic Farewell: Why more Australian Choose to Say GoodBye at Home

The choice between home vs clinic euthanasia is one of the most emotional decisions that you will make for your beloved pet. Both are equally safe and humane options, however the environment they take place in can affect how your pet feels during their final moments and how you and your family choose to remember them.

An increasing number of Australian pet parents are asking us about saying goodbye to their pet at home. A clinic still has its place and is appropriate for some pets, here's everything you need to know about home vs clinic euthanasia to make the best choice for your pet and your family.

Home vs Clinic Euthanasia: At a Glance

Before we explore the options in detail, here's a handy comparison chart.

Why Many Australians Choose to Say Goodbye at Home

A calmer pet

For many pets, the prospect of visiting the vet can be stressful. They associate the vet with needles and other unpleasant sensations and often begin to pant and shake as soon as they are placed in the car. With home euthanasia, your pet can relax in the comfort of their own home. Many of our vets offer a sedation package so your pet can fall into a deep sleep while they are surrounded by things they know and love.

Easier for pets who can't travel

If your pet is elderly or in poor health, the prospect of even short car journeys can be terrifying. Trying to lift your large dog into the car or persuading your cat who has never travelled before to enter a carrier can cause stress for both of you, especially on what should be a peaceful day. Home euthanasia removes the need for transport to and from the vet.

Other pets get a chance to understand what's happening

Pets often form strong bonds with each other and can become distressed if one of them is suddenly removed from the home. When a pet is taken to the vet and does not return, the remaining pets may search for them for a period of time. At home, other pets can be present if you wish them to be and can even be encouraged to sniff around their friend after they have gone. Many pet parents choose to do this so their other pets can say goodbye, which can help everyone settle down.

Your family can spend time how they like

There is no waiting room at home and no one who needs to leave before you arrive. Children, grandparents, close friends or other pets can all be present when you say goodbye. Our vets go at your pace and spend time talking you through what will happen, so you know exactly what to expect. They will also give your pet a thorough examination before administering sedation to make sure they are well enough to say goodbye.

Helping You Know When the Time is Right

For many pet parents, the question of when to say goodbye is just as daunting as the choice of where. Your vet may use the HHHHHMM scale to help you through this difficult time. This helpful tool asks you to rate your pet on several scales:

• Hydration: How well hydrated is your pet?
• Hunger: How is your pet's appetite?
• Hygiene: Are they able to keep themselves clean?
• Hurt: How is their general health and comfort?
• Hydration: How is their ability to urinate and defecate?
• Happiness: How happy are they generally?
• Mobility: How is their ability to move around?
• More good days than bad: Are they having more good days than bad?

By noting down their scores on each category day to day, you can see patterns and then discuss them with your vet. They can help you interpret the scores and give you their professional opinion on whether the time is right to say goodbye. If you're not sure, a Telepet video consultation is a great way to learn more about your pet's quality of life and what to expect from the process. You can talk to one of our vets about your pet's scores and we will help you make the best choice for you and your pet.

When a Clinic is the Better Choice

Home euthanasia is not always appropriate for pets. A veterinary clinic is always the best option if:

• Your pet has been hurt and needs urgent treatment or medication.
• You are not sure if euthanasia is the right choice and your vet needs to perform tests or x-rays before making a decision.
• You do not have any vets in your area offering home euthanasia at the time you need services.
• You are concerned about the costs associated with home euthanasia.

If your pet is in immediate danger, please take them to your local emergency vet.

The Costs Associated with Home Euthanasia

As mentioned above, home euthanasia is more expensive than a clinic euthanasia because it requires the vet to come to you. At Pawssum, our at home euthanasia is $399, which includes a vet's visit to your home to assess your pet, sedation to put your pet into a deep sleep and then the final injection to say goodbye.

The cost varies greatly depending on your location and the size of your pet, so if you're considering home euthanasia please ask us for details specific to your situation.

Aftercare

Saying goodbye is only the beginning. Our vets can also assist you with aftercare options for your pet, including communal or private cremation with ashes returned to you so you can say a final farewell. You may also wish to make arrangements for aftercare in advance so you can spend all your time with your beloved pet on the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between home and clinic euthanasia?

The process is the same, however home euthanasia takes place in the comfort of your own home and clinic euthanasia takes place in a veterinary clinic.

Is home euthanasia less stressful for pets?

Home euthanasia is less stressful for pets as they do not have to be transported to a new environment. They can stay in the comfort of their own home and relax while the sedative takes full effect.

Can the whole family be there?

Yes! Children, grandparents, close friends, pets can all be there to say goodbye in the comfort of your own home.

Can I book a home euthanasia after hours or on the weekend?

Yes! Our vets are available from 6am to 11pm, 7 days a week.

How do I book?

You can book online or by calling 0480 030 580. If you would like to talk to a vet first and discuss your pet's quality of life, you can book a Telepet video consultation.

Saying Goodbye with Care

There is no right or wrong answer, there is only what feels most loving and right for you and your pet. If you think a comforting, private goodbye at home is right for your pet, our vets are here to help. Pawssum provided vet care services to more than 380,000 pets and has received 4.7 stars from 2,710 Google reviews.

Book a gentle goodbye with Pawssum, or call 0480 030 580 to talk to our team.

By Pawssum, reviewed by Dr Sarah, BVSc. Last updated 24 September 2026.