Dog and Pet Euthanasia at Home in Canberra
Pawssum vets provide at-home pet euthanasia for dogs and cats across Canberra and Queanbeyan, 7 days from 6am to 11pm. It starts from $399, with sedation first. The ACT advises against burying dogs and cats at home, so we arrange cremation on the same visit: from $279, or from $459 with the ashes returned.
Trusted by 380,000+ Australian families · 4.6 stars from 2,805 Google reviews · Available 7 days, 6:00am to 11:00pm · From $399
Last updated October 2026.
Available across Canberra
Why Canberra families choose a vet at home
Canberra is spread out, and a drive from Gungahlin or Tuggeranong to a clinic is a lot for an old or unwell pet. Our vets come to you in every district and in Queanbeyan. Meet our vets.
Pick a time that suits the family
Visits run 7 days, 6am to 11pm, so the people who matter most can all be there.
Warm inside on a cold morning
Canberra winters are hard on old joints. Your pet can stay curled up by the heater instead of travelling to a clinic.
Help with the cross-border paperwork
ACT and NSW registrations work differently. We can explain which steps apply to your address on the day.
At-home euthanasia for dogs and cats in Canberra
Dog euthanasia at home in Canberra
For an old dog in Belconnen or Woden, the vet comes to the house, the backyard or the spot in front of the heater. If you're unsure about timing, read signs a dog is in pain and dog dementia at home.
Cat euthanasia at home in Canberra
A cat who hates the cold car on a frosty morning can stay curled up indoors. Read how to tell if a cat is in pain and kidney disease in older cats.
How much does pet euthanasia cost in Canberra?
Euthanasia at home in Canberra is from $399 with sedation. Because most ACT families choose cremation, the usual totals are $678 with general cremation and $858 with private cremation and ashes returned.
Peaceful at-home euthanasia from $399
Your $399 in-home euthanasia service includes:
- A licensed, experienced mobile vet who comes to your home at a time that works for you
- Gentle sedation before the procedure so your pet feels no fear or distress
- The euthanasia procedure itself, performed with care and compassion
- Unhurried time to be with your pet, with no time pressure
- Guidance on aftercare options, with no obligation to decide on the day
All prices are confirmed before any booking is made. There are no hidden fees. Some circumstances may carry additional costs, such as extended travel beyond standard service areas or the need for additional sedation for highly anxious or aggressive pets.
Peaceful euthanasia
From $399
Our team will book a licensed, experienced, and caring vet at a time that works for you.
Bookings are available until 11:00pm.
See more mobile vet costs
Our Canberra dog euthanasia cost guide compares home and clinic prices in the ACT.
Pet cremation in Canberra
Because home burial isn't recommended in the ACT, most Canberra families choose cremation. Pick the option when you book and your vet handles the transport.
General cremation
From $279
Includes: - Careful and respectful transport
- Cremation with friends (other pets)
- Ashes scattered in the crematorium gardens
- Careful and respectful transport
- Cremation with friends (other pets)
- Ashes scattered in the crematorium gardens
Private cremation (ashes returned)
From $459
Includes: - Careful and respectful transport
- Guaranteed individual cremation
- Ashes carefully delivered to you (in container)
- Careful and respectful transport
- Guaranteed individual cremation
- Ashes carefully delivered to you (in container)
Remembrance options
Call for a quote
Includes: - Careful and respectful transport
- Guaranteed individual cremation
- Ashes carefully delivered to you in a beautiful urn
Plus, your choice of: - Paw prints
- Keepsake jewellery
- Fur clippings
and other memorabilia to remember your pet by.
- Careful and respectful transport
- Guaranteed individual cremation
- Ashes carefully delivered to you in a beautiful urn
- Paw prints
- Keepsake jewellery
- Fur clippings
Payment options include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Vet Pay, and Zip Pay.
Our memorabilia will help you create a beautiful and meaningful tribute to your pet
What happens to your pet's body after euthanasia at home explains the process. To plan ahead, see our prepaid pet funeral options.
Burying a pet in Canberra
The ACT Government says it's not recommended to bury a pet larger than a guinea pig on your property, for health and safety reasons, and suggests asking your vet about cremation. Many Canberra families choose cremation, which we arrange on the same visit.
Cancelling ACT registration
Choose "cancel" on the ACT Government's update or renew pet details form, or call Access Canberra on 13 22 81. Queanbeyan sits in NSW, where the Companion Animals Act gives owners 28 days to report a death. Change your pet's status to "Deceased" on the NSW Pet Registry.
How does in-home pet euthanasia work in Canberra?
Many pet owners feel anxious about what will happen, especially if they have never been through this before. Knowing what to expect can take a great deal of weight off the moment itself. Here is exactly how the process works, from the moment our vet arrives until they leave your home.
The process step by step
- Arrival and introductions. Our vet will arrive in plain clothes (no scrubs or white coats) at the agreed time. They will meet your pet wherever your pet feels most comfortable.
- A gentle conversation. Before anything begins, our vet will sit with you and talk about your pet's condition. We will answer any questions you have and give you an overview of each step. Nothing will happen until you are ready.
- Sedation. To help keep your pet calm and comfortable, we will administer a small sedative. The sedative is given with a tiny needle, which most pets do not even notice. After administering the sedative, your pet will enter a deep sleep within about ten minutes, feeling calm and warm, just like being under anaesthesia.
- The final medication. Once your pet is fully asleep, we will administer one final medication. Your pet will drift deeper into sleep, and their heart will gently stop within a minute or two. There is no pain or distress. Your pet is simply already asleep when they pass. If you'd like to know more, our vets explain whether pet euthanasia is painful in more detail.
- Time to say goodbye. After administering the medication, our vet will step away to give you some space. You take however long you need to be with your pet.
- Aftercare arrangements. When you are ready, we will discuss your options for aftercare. If you have chosen cremation, we will take care of transporting your pet. If you have chosen to bury your pet at home, your pet will remain with you.
What to expect on the day
We book a set arrival time for your address, including Molonglo Valley, Weston Creek and Queanbeyan.
Plan for 45 minutes to an hour. In winter, warm the room first and have your pet's blanket ready.
A last outing in Canberra
Before the vet comes, a last sniff around a favourite park can be a gentle start to the day. The ACT Government has fenced dog parks at Diddams Close beside Lake Ginninderra, Bank Street in Weston Park, Yarralumla, Fairfax Street in O'Connor, Mortimer Lewis Drive beside Lake Tuggeranong, and Amy Ackman Street in Forde.
After your pet has passed
Saying goodbye can leave a big gap at home. If you need to talk, these lines are available to Canberra families.
- Pets and People Pet Loss Support Line: 1300 431 450, any hour, with a counsellor calling back within a day (fees vary).
- Griefline: 1300 845 745, weekdays 10am to 8pm.
- Lifeline: 13 11 14.
When is it the right time? Recognising the signs
Knowing when to say goodbye is one of the hardest parts of pet ownership. There is no single moment when most pet owners arrive at the decision. Instead, they take days or even weeks to fully consider it. Our veterinarians have guided over 380,000 Australian families through this decision, and while every pet is different, there are some common signs that may indicate it is time for your companion to rest.
Physical signs your pet may be suffering
- Persistent pain that medication no longer manages well
- Difficulty standing, walking, or getting up from rest
- Loss of appetite, or refusing food they previously loved
- Laboured breathing or visible discomfort even at rest
- Loss of bladder or bowel control combined with apparent distress about it
- Significant weight loss or muscle wasting over a short period
- Untreatable, recurring infections or open wounds
Behavioural signs to watch for
- Withdrawing from family members and other pets
- Hiding in unusual places, or avoiding their favourite spots
- No longer responding to things they once enjoyed, like walks, food, play or affection
- A flat, distant look in the eyes; what many owners describe as 'the light going out'
- Restlessness, pacing, or being unable to settle comfortably
- Vocalising in pain or confusion, especially at night
A practical question to ask
Many veterinarians point to a simple question that has helped pet owners make this decision: are there now more bad days than good for your pet?
If there have been few good days lately and the bad days seem to outweigh the good ones, it may be time.
This is not a decision to be made lightly. However, vets would encourage pet owners to make this decision in honour of the life their pet has brought to the family. Many veterinarians hear most often from those who waited too long, and rarely from those who said goodbye when their pet was in their final days.
Palliative care at home in Canberra
If you are not ready, a Canberra vet can visit to keep your pet comfortable; end-of-life care at home explains the options. Fill in the free online quality of life assessment, or ask for an in-home check from $159. If you would rather talk first, book a free end-of-life phone consult. When to euthanise a dog covers the signs vets look for.
If you would like to speak with a veterinarian without making any commitments, we offer Telepet video consultations from $69. These no-pressure consultations allow our veterinarians to help you recognise whether your pet still has good time ahead.
Meet our compassionate mobile vets in Canberra
Veterinary euthanasia requires more than veterinary skill. It requires the warmth, the calm, and the patience to be with one of the hardest moments in a family's lifetime. Every veterinarian in our network has been chosen for both of these roles.
Licensed, verified, and experienced
All Pawssum vets are fully licensed by the relevant Australian state veterinary boards, possess professional indemnity insurance, and have years of experience in veterinary medicine. Many of our partner veterinarians have specialised in palliative and end-of-life care for pets.
Available 7 days, 6:00am to 11:00pm
We operate 365 days per year, including public holidays, across our service areas. When time is of the essence, we are here for you.
Dr. Tim
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc)
Canberra
Dr. Kel
Master of Veterinary Science (MVSc)
Canberra
Get a quick assessment of your pet's quality of life
If you are not ready to speak with someone and just want a little more guidance on whether pet euthanasia is the right decision, you can use our quality of life assessment tool below. It is only a guide, and symptoms should always be assessed by a vet, but it might put you on the path to making the right choice for your companion.
Not sure if it's time? Talk to one of our vets
If you'd like the reassurance of a vet coming to your home for an in-person assessment, we can organise a vet to come to you. Our friendly and compassionate vet will assess your pet's vitals, overall condition, levels of pain, discomfort, mobility, illnesses, and any other welfare-related issues. They will also be able to advise you about whether your pet is suffering or not with certainty. You will get all the information you need to do what's right for your best friend. Peace of mind from just $159.
Preparing ahead with prepaid funeral services
Losing a pet is one of the hardest parts of life, and thinking about it in advance can feel overwhelming. But planning ahead can also be an act of love, a way to make sure future moments are handled with care and less stress.
Pawssum's prepaid funeral services give pet owners the option to plan arrangements early for their other pets. You can decide on the type of farewell, choose memorial options and settle costs in advance. When the time eventually comes, everything is already organised, allowing you to focus fully on being there for your pet.
Areas we cover across Canberra
Our Canberra mobile vets cover Belconnen, Gungahlin, Inner North and City, Inner South, Woden, Weston Creek, Molonglo Valley, Tuggeranong, East Canberra, and Queanbeyan across the NSW border.
Pet euthanasia near me in Canberra
We visit Belconnen, Bruce, Gungahlin, Amaroo, Braddon, Dickson, Kingston, Griffith, Woden, Weston, Coombs, Wright, Kambah, Banks, Fyshwick, Queanbeyan, Jerrabomberra and Karabar.
If your pet needs help after 11pm in Canberra
- Animal Referral Hospital Canberra, Pialligo: open 24/7.
- Animal Emergency Service (AES) Canberra, Lyneham: 6pm to 8am nightly, and 24 hours on weekends and public holidays.
From 6am to 11pm, see urgent vet care in Canberra.
Pet euthanasia in other cities
Pet euthanasia in Sydney · Pet euthanasia in Melbourne · Pet euthanasia in Brisbane · Pet euthanasia in Perth · Pet euthanasia in Adelaide · Pet euthanasia on the Gold Coast · Pet euthanasia on the NSW Central Coast · Pet euthanasia in Newcastle
Pawssum mobile vets Canberra
Address15 Tench St
Kingston ACT 2604
Phone
0480 030 580
Monday 6am - 11pm
Tuesday 6am - 11pm
Wednesday 6am - 11pm
Thursday 6am - 11pm
Friday 6am - 11pm
Saturday 6am - 11pm
Sunday 6am - 11pm
Canberra pet euthanasia FAQs
Home euthanasia in Canberra starts at $399, sedation included. With the cremation most ACT families choose, expect from $678 for general or $858 for private. See our Canberra cost guide.
With a home visit, general cremation is from $279 and private cremation with ashes returned is from $459. Most Canberra families choose one, since backyard burial is not recommended.
The ACT Government recommends against it for any pet larger than a guinea pig, for health and safety reasons. Many Canberra families choose cremation, and we can arrange it on the same visit.
Choose "cancel" on the ACT's update or renew pet details form, or call Access Canberra on 13 22 81.
Yes. Because Queanbeyan is in NSW, update the NSW Pet Registry to "Deceased" within 28 days.
Yes. The vet sedates your cat first, then gives the final injection once they're deeply asleep, wherever your cat is most settled. Our cat euthanasia cost guide explains the costs.
Dr Tim (BVSc) has 15 years of practice across Australia and the UK, and Dr Kel (MVSc) has 21 years, much of it in internal medicine and emergency. Meet our vets.
Yes. Our vets provide in-home pet euthanasia and can visit to manage pain and comfort in a pet's last weeks. A home quality of life assessment starts from $159.
Yes. Your pet is sedated and sleeping deeply before the final injection, so the end is calm and without pain. See is pet euthanasia painful?
Most families notice more bad days than good: uncontrolled pain, trouble standing, no appetite. Our free quality of life assessment helps, or a Canberra vet can visit from $159.
Yes. The Animal Referral Hospital in Pialligo is open 24/7, and AES Canberra in Lyneham opens 6pm to 8am and all day on weekends.
Same-day visits are often possible in Canberra and Queanbeyan, depending on vet availability. Call 1300 343 580.
Private cremation is individual, and the ashes are returned to your home. General cremation is communal, so ashes aren't returned.
Most vets advise against waiting. A natural death is often slow and uncomfortable, while euthanasia lets your pet go peacefully asleep. Dr Tim or Dr Kel can visit from $159 if you're unsure.
Around 45 minutes to an hour, with time afterwards if you want it.
We know how hard this must be, so we're with you every step of the way.
Over 380,000 pet lovers trust Pawssum, read their reviews below
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When the time comes, we are here in Canberra.
Call 1300 343 580 or 0480 030 580, or book online. We visit every Canberra district and Queanbeyan, 7 days, 6am to 11pm.
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