The Process: Step by step

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I can walk you through this farewell process and help you each step of the way.

When is the right time? 

Euthanasia can be the hardest decision of all. But most people know deep in the hearts when it is time to say farewell.  

Indicators that your pet is ready include but not limited to: unable to get up without help to toilet, eat, drink. Other indicators are loss of dignity, pain, loss of mobility, not eating meals or drinking, not greeting you anymore when they typically would, and not getting excited by their favourite things such as food, lead, ball, frisbee, cuddle and you. Sometimes the signs are subtle and even difficult to articulate into words. Sometimes your local Sunshine Coast veterinary surgeon has told you the time has come to farewell your pet. 

Often when your bond to your pet is strong - you just know in your heart when the time comes.

If you are unsure when is the right time to say farewell, then I am happy to chat with you. Every pet 's  journey is different and euthanasia can be a very selfless decision to make. We all want our pets to live forever but we dont want them to suffer either.

I will always perform a quality of life assessment before every pet euthanasia so you can be confident with your decision.

Who do you want present?

You may want the family all present to farewell your pet, or you may want to have immediate family or a support person or you may prefer privacy. Consider who should be part of the euthanasia decision and who should be informed. You may want to arrange FaceTime for interstate or international family members not present on the Sunshine Coast. 

The involvement and presence of children may also need to be considered. Only you know what is the most appropriate for your children. As a Vet and a Mum, I am happy to discuss all of your concerns to help you make the best decision for all.

What Aftercare is right for my pet and my family?

There are many options for pet aftercare available on the Sunshine coast and the choice is a very personal one. If you are having trouble deciding then please ring and I will help you.

Reach out to me in which ever way is most comfortable to you. I can be contacted by phone 0493 462 893, but if it is hard to speak I am also contactable by SMS/text, email or via the online form.

 If I do not answer, please don't worry, I may be busy with another client and I will ring you back as soon as possible, usually within the hour. 

I will always try to be as accommodating as possible to fit your needs.   Daytime, evening, and weekend appointments are available.  

I can help you make a booking for aftercare and co-ordinate this so you do not need to make any further calls.

After meeting you and assessing your pet, the best sedation and analgesia medication will be given to your pet to relieve any pain and to ensure a gentle and peaceful farewell. The sedation medication will help your fur baby become very comfortable and quite sleepy. I will detail the process and answer any further questions you have. You can have some quiet peaceful time or cuddles with your pet while they are pain free, relaxed and sleepy.

When your pet is relaxed, I will clip a little hair and use a numbing cream before I place an IV catheter. The combination of the the sedation, pain relief and the local anaesthetic gel means that most pets to do not feel the catheter being placed.  ​Your pet will then be given an anaesthetic through the IV catheter and they will fall asleep in seconds. More anaesthetic is given so that your pet will peacefully pass in their sleep.

I will occasionally offer other methods if suitable for your pet and their condition.

I will confirm when your pet has passed.

When you have had time time to say goodbye to your pet I can help you with the aftercare choice you made. 

A Sunshine Coast Pet Cremation service can be waiting to look after your pet. 

If group cremation is elected, I will transport your pet with upmost dignity for aftercare. 

If Home burial is elected, I can help you lay them to rest.

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