The final goodbye - what to expect

The home visit

The most important thing to know is that when the time you’ve chosen arrives, there will be no rush. We’ll give you plenty of time to prepare and ask questions, and you can choose a place where you and your pet feel most comfortable, either inside or in the garden. We will respect your wishes throughout – you can hold your pet at the end if you wish, snuggle them down with a favourite blanket or toy, feed a treat or stroke them. This is your time together, you choose.

When you’re ready, Kate will give a sedative so that your companion relaxes and drifts off to sleep. A second injection of anaesthetic is then given, and your pet will gently pass away. They may take a last breath or tremble a little – this is perfectly normal.

The vet can stay with you after your pet has passed away, or give you privacy if you prefer to be alone with them – at all times we are guided by you.

Afterwards

You can choose to bury your pet at home, or you may rather have a cremation. Paws in Peace will transport your pet and arrange a cremation after they have passed away. We work closely with Meadow Wood Pet Cemetery and Crematorium who can make all the arrangements directly with you if you prefer. Your pet’s ashes will be returned to you in the casket, urn or scatter tube you select, for you to keep, bury or scatter. They can also supply some lovely jewellery with a small amount of your beloved companions ashes.

Should you wish, we also offer a memorial pack with ink paws and nose prints, a clay impression print and a fur clipping.

In case of emergencies

Paws in Peace is a pre-planned, appointment-only service.

Unfortunately, there is always a possibility that your pet may experience a rapid decline in their condition, become severely unwell or begin to experience unbearable pain. In these circumstances, we will try to accommodate you, but it may be necessary to make an emergency visit to your usual vet, where different, more pressing decisions may have to be made to replace your at-home euthanasia plans.