Peaceful Paws
Services

 

The Peaceful Paws Approach

The term ‘euthanasia’ means ’a good death’, something we wish for ourselves and others.
My purpose is to deliver the peaceful and comfortable last goodbye your pet deserves, and with over 17 years as a small animal veterinarian, I have the required skills and experience.
I will guide you through the process, from making your decision to attending to your pet’s body once they have passed.

Seeking
Support from
Peaceful Paws

  • Yes, I’m happy to talk with you before you make a booking.

    You may contact me via a phone call, email, SMS, or the contact form below.

    I am happy to talk with you about your concerns and questions. If you are not confident that euthanasia is the kindest approach, you can book an at-home ‘quality of life’ assessment. 

  • You are not obliged to proceed with euthanasia after making your booking. However, if you change your mind during our appointment, we will revise your appointment to a Wellness Consultation ($150) or a Quality-of-Life assessment ($200). The alternative appointment type will depend on the support provided during the consultation.

  • I recommend allowing for at least 2-3 days’ notice to ensure I provide you with the most suitable day and time for you and anybody else who wants to say goodbye. However, I appreciate that circumstances are often more urgent, in which case I will try to attend to you and your pet at the earliest possible opportunity. 

  • Aftercare involves the burial or cremation of your pet, including your choice of urns and memorabilia.

    If you are not ready to discuss this during our first contact, I encourage you to consider your preferences before euthanasia occurs, as it is often hard to make these decisions at the time.

    Please refer to our Resources page for the websites of the cremation companies that I recommend and regularly work with. You are also more than welcome to arrange collection and cremation by another company of your choice.

    I understand that the need to euthanase a pet arises faster than expected, so sometimes prior research into Aftercare is not possible. In this case, we can discuss options during our appointment, (or you can let me know your urn/keepsake choice within a day or two.

Peaceful Paws Services

Quality of Life Assessments

  • If you are not sure of your pet’s quality of life, I can attend to your pet and assess their health, mobility, and comfort.

  • While I do not offer the complete service one would receive within a veterinary clinic, I can provide qualified advice, including medication options that you can discuss further with your regular vet. Alternately, I can provide a script or some basic medication if you don’t have a regular clinic.

  • My focus is on the health and happiness of your pet and your ability to attend to their needs. I will not push you to follow one path or another.

  • Should you go ahead with euthanasia, I can usually provide this service during the same appointment, depending on the circumstances. A portion of the Quality-of-Life assessment fee will be deducted depending on the time invested before undertaking euthanasia.

 

Time to say goodbye  

  • Please be advised that the following steps provide details of the euthanasia process. Some people find comfort in being able to prepare.

  • When I enter your home, I will first meet your pet and spend time with them. I allow ample time so that there is no pressure or rush. I’ll give them some treats to help them feel comfortable with me.

  • We will then discuss the euthanasia process, including any requests or concerns you have and attend to the required paperwork and payment.

  • Next, we’ll settle your pet in their favourite spot (under the sun, on the sofa, in their bed or snuggled within your arms).

  • Once your pet is comfortable, we will begin the process of euthanasia, which will move through three steps:

    Step One: I will inject them with a painkiller and mild sedative, supplying immediate relief and relaxation. While it makes them sleepy, they’re still aware of and receptive to the love around them, providing a perfect opportunity for final cuddles.

    Step Two: Approximately five minutes after receiving their pain killer, I will provide a second injection when I can see that they have a heavy head and eyelids. The second injection is a more potent anaesthetic and sedative that will send your pet into a deep sleep, often snoring away.

    Step Three: When you and your pet are ready, I will inject the final medication, which is just an overdose of a general anaesthetic. I will check their pulse and let you know when they have passed.

  • Like humans, some pets fear injections or having someone they do not know getting close to them. That is completely fine. There is no need for you to worry if you are concerned that they will not accept an injection. I can manage steps one and two using oral sedatives hidden in some delicious treats. By the time we reach step three, they will be in such a deep sleep that they will not have any idea what’s going on, allowing me to administer the final injection safely.

  • After their passing, I can leave you to be alone with your pet for a short while before we continue to the next stage.

 

Aftercare 

  • Once your pet has died, you may choose to bury them in your garden (if local council regulations allow) or organise a private or communal cremation. Private cremation provides for the return of your pet’s ashes. However, this is not possible with a communal cremation.

  • I am happy to assist you with the entire process, from transporting your pet with dignity and care to Edenhills pet crematorium to returning their ashes to your home or your regular vet for collection.

Edenhills Pet Cremations

Visit the Edenhills website to explore their urns and memorabilia.
I can organise the whole cremation and keepsakes and take your pet there afterwards.  Pets always gets transported with love and respect - in a basket, pet bed or stretcher, and wrapped in fluffy blankets.