Frequently Asked Questions

This may be your pets best way to communicate to us that they are unsure or concerned about any intervention or a new person they meet. 

I am very happy to have a discussion about your pets preferences before the appointment. 

For some pets, it may be a good idea to organise some oral medication that can be given before I arrive.  

Your usual vet may be able to prescribe this, or your pet may already be on some medication that we can use. 

Occasionally it may be necessary for me to prescribe specific medications. 

There is also an oral gel that can be used for dogs at the beginning of an appointment that can be given with a treat, or administered under the lip on the gums. 

My aim is to make everything as calm and peaceful as I can for your pet and you – and want to acknowledge that you know your pet the best, and every fur kid is an individual.

Your children are welcome to be present for the visit. 

I would recommend explaining the process of what happens in a home euthanasia visit in very simple and honest terms – and letting them decide if they want to be there. (I will go through everything with the family at the beginning and invite questions)

They are very welcome to be there for none, some, or all of the visit – whatever feels right for them, and they can always change their mind. 

They are also very welcome to ask any questions while I am with you.

Animals that are part of the larger family will have their own important bonds – and as a rule I would recommend that they be given the opportunity to see their fur-friend after they have died. It is helpful for their grieving process to understand what has happened to their friend.

If the presence of the other fur-friends is calming for your pet being euthanised, then having them around is absolutely fine.  

If you are not sure how other pets will react (often they can be super excited by a visitor!) then we can play it by ear – and see if they settle once they become used to a new person in the house.

Options for aftercare

Burial At Home

Burial on your own property is allowed – each council may have their own regulations. 

If you are renting you would need the permission of the landowner. 

Your pet would need to be buried in a deep enough hole that no other animal could unearth them. Their body will contain the medications that have been administered as part of the euthanasia process, and would be a poison to any other animal that ingests their body. 

Avoid areas that are near a watercourse. 

Cremation

Cornerstone Pet Crematorium offers cremation. 

Private or individual cremation means that your pet is cremated individually, and you would have your pet’s ashes packaged and presented for your collection

Communal cremation is where your pet is cremated with other animals and buried together – you would not have your pet’s ashes returned to you.

You may organise this directly with Cornerstone, or I can transport and organise the cremation for you. (Very large dogs may need to be picked up by Cornerstone.)

I can take card payments, or cash

I can pre-send an invoice to confirm costs, and if you prefer you can pay before I arrive, or whilst I am with you.

Once I arrive in your home, there is plenty of time for your pet to adjust to a new person being in their space. 

Our pets are very much individuals – some love visitors and some need a bit more time and space for introductions – it’s on their terms. 

There is a simple consent form to complete, and I will make sure that all those that would like to be present are aware of the process and can have the opportunity to ask any questions. 

Your pet can be wherever you feel is most comfortable for them.

When we are ready, I will give a sedation injection under the skin on the back of the neck (much like a vaccination is given). 

Most animals are not concerned about this, but you know your pet the best, and are welcome to share any individual preference or concerns.

Oral medications can be prescribed to be given before I arrive if necessary, or for nervous dogs there is a gel that can be used with food or on the gums whilst I am with you.

If your pet still has a good appetite and is food motivated, it is fine to offer treats – and this can be a great distraction. 

The sedation will help your pet become relaxed and comfortable with you, until they fall into a deep sleep. Usually this takes 10-20mins.

I will place an absorbent sheet under their bottoms – they may relax their bladder and/or bowel with the final medication.

When it is time for me to give your pet the final medication, I will make sure they are fully comfortable, relaxed and unaware.

S/he will not feel any discomfort, awareness or concern. Usually there is a slight change in breathing patterns as your pet transitions to death – and this is usually within a minute of this medication being given.