Question 1

How do I know it's the right time?

Accepted Answer

There is no definitive right time as there are so many factors involved.  It will depend on how sick your pet is, how this is affecting their enjoyment of life and how emotionally prepared you are.

Remember, you know your pet best and you see them through all the good and bad times that they may be having throughout the day and night.  The reality is that financial resources may also have an impact.

If you need any help talking through your individual situation, we are here to help without judgement. We offer a free consultation on the phone or by email.

Question 2

Why choose euthanasia at home?

Accepted Answer

Privacy
At home you can choose who you invite into this moment with you. There is no leaving the clinic through a waiting room of people, without your pet.

Fear of the clinic
It avoids any stress or anxiety associated with going to the clinic or a car journey. We often find that we can give sedation without the usual worry a pet may have in the clinic.

Other pets
Being at home allows other pets to understand what has happened to their family member.

Children
It allows children to be present in whatever capacity they feel comfortable. There is the option to go into another room if they don’t wish to be there and they can decide this depending on how they are feeling on the day.

Question 3

Why choose Our Pet’s Goodbye?

Accepted Answer

You may find reassurance in the words of those who have walked this path before you - testimonial page.

Uncompromising Quality of Care
Our mission is to provide the best possible euthanasia experience. We support and advise you in deciding if this is the right decision for your pet and always discuss any other measures we can take, giving you options to help you through your grief.

We always provide sedation tailored to your pet’s needs. If your pet can quietly get sleepy at home this gives both them and you time to adjust to what is happening.

We are one of the only home euthanasia services where your pet always stays in our care.  If you choose Gentle Waters Pet Crematorium, our sister company, to handle aftercare your pet will not be placed in bags or frozen. Instead, they will stay with us, cuddled up in their own bedding or the bedding that we provide for them right up until the moment that they start their cremation.

Time When It Matters Most
Time is invaluable during this deeply significant moment. We won’t be beaten on quality of service and going the extra mile. You and your pet have all the time you need.
Making the decision to say goodbye is never easy, and how your pet passes will forever be part of your memory. This can be the difference between a loving memory that helps you heal after losing your pet or a traumatic one that is impossible to forget.  Let us guide you and your pet through this experience with care and respect.
Though this is our profession, we never lose sight of the profound weight of your choice to euthanase. We all wish our pets could pass peacefully in their sleep; when this isn’t likely to happen, we are here to help your pet drift off to sleep surrounded by their family.

South Island’s Longest-Serving Dedicated Euthanasia Service
With over seven years looking after pets in Canterbury and surrounds, NZ, we pride ourselves on continuous learning and on staying current with the best sedation techniques for each individual pet, ensuring the most appropriate care is given to your pet.

Question 4

What can I expect during the visit?

Accepted Answer

It can be really helpful to understand the way we structure a house call. There is a lot of fear in the unknown and this can help alleviate this.

We make an appointment time for one of our lovely vets to come to your home. It is always fine to reschedule or cancel as it is a very tricky time of life.

We will spend some time talking initially and this allows your pet to get used to a new person in their house.  We will go through the consent form if you haven’t signed this online before we arrive.

Your pet can eat right up until after the first sedation, although we recommend not giving them so much that they feel sick or something they are not used to, as this also may make them feel nauseous.

We then always start with some sedation, pain control and anti-anxiety medication that is given like a vaccination. This takes a couple of minutes to start making your pet feel gradually more sleepy. They can settle down anywhere that you and they are comfortable to be.

5-10 minutes later, we give a second part to the sedation, again like a vaccination that will take your pet to a deep sedated sleep. They may even start snoring if they are normally a snorer.

The last injection is given while your pet is fast asleep from their sedation. They will drift into unconsciousness and then everything in the body gently stops.

We are creating the situation where your pet is gradually getting sleepy at home with you there.  It is important that it is not stressful for them and also for you.  Everything we do is to make things as calm as possible.

We don't like to rush the visit, so we allow plenty of time for the appointment.

We always offer ink paw and nose prints, if you would like these and they are included in the price.

Afterwards, if you want to bury your pet at home you can, we are more than happy to get them cuddled up in some blankets so that they are easy to move for burial.

If you would like us to organise cremation, the vet will go out to the car and give you some time.  When you are ready we will cuddle them up in some bedding and ready to take them to a bed we'll have ready in the car and from there we take them for cremation.

Question 5

What areas do you travel to?

Accepted Answer

We are happy to help you no matter how far from Christchurch you live. Please contact us and we can discuss arrangements and costs with you.

Question 6

Can I euthanase two pets at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in some cases this can be the kindest choice. We will always discuss it with you beforehand and bring an additional team member for support.
Both pets are sedated together, though they may fall asleep at slightly different times. We will euthanase one first and, when you’ve had some time, we will then gently let their friend go.

If you choose cremation, you can decide whether to have your fur babies cremated together, with their ashes returned together or separately with their ashes kept separately. If you choose for them to be cremated together this is priced the same as a single cremation for their combined weight.

Question 7

What type of pets do you provide home euthanasia for?

Accepted Answer

We provide home euthanasia for cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats and mice.

Question 8

Will the vet examine my pet once they get to my home?

Accepted Answer

When we arrive at your house, we will be able to see your pet at home in their own environment. Initially they can appear improved with the distraction of a new visitor in their home,  this will often change within 5-10 minutes.

We can talk with you about their quality of life and help you to decide what’s best. Just because we turn up, doesn’t mean that there is pressure to go ahead with euthanasia.
If you want a full examination for your pet then we recommend that you take your pet for a check-up at your regular clinic. There your pet can be examined and can have further tests and investigation done.

Question 9

What if my pet is extremely anxious or aggressive?

Accepted Answer

We believe that every pet deserves a peaceful and calm euthanasia. If your pet is anxious or aggressive then we will chat to you on the phone about the best options for setting up a peaceful euthanasia. 
 
We have many ways of minimising the distress of a normal clinic visit. This can involve anything from a few changes at home, to a full Fear Free visit where you give oral sedation prior to our arrival and your pet won’t even know that we are there. 
Speak to us, we are passionate about helping every pet, no matter what has happened to make them anxious or aggressive.

Question 10

Will my pet know that they are about to die?

Accepted Answer

This is one of the more common, and tender, questions we’re asked. The truth is, most pets don’t know they are dying in the way that we understand it.

It is very normal for your pet to be apprehensive when we arrive at your house. It is most likely that your pet will be picking up on everyone’s emotions. We usually find that after a little bit of talking after we arrive, everyone relaxes.  
As your pet feels the effects of their sedation, they will relax even more.

We do not believe that pets know death is coming. Our furry companions are not self-assessing, like humans, about death. They don’t assign meaning and complex emotions to it, it’s just a fact that it happens.
Other pets can appear relieved afterwards when their mate is no longer sick and suffering.

Question 11

How long does the visit last?

Accepted Answer

It is best to expect the visit to last for about 1 - 1.5 hours.  If you would like the visit to be shorter then we can go more quickly.  The time largely depends on how long any initial discussion lasts. We take time to understand the situation and reassure you about any doubts or answer any questions that you may have.  We don't ever want you to be unsure if you are making the best decision for your pet.

It can also depend on how long you would like with you pet after they have passed away if we are also organising cremation for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know it's the right time?

Why choose euthanasia at home?

Why choose Our Pet’s Goodbye?

What can I expect during the visit?

What areas do you travel to?

Can I euthanase two pets at the same time?

What type of pets do you provide home euthanasia for?

Will the vet examine my pet once they get to my home?

What if my pet is extremely anxious or aggressive?

Will my pet know that they are about to die?

How long does the visit last?

Will you notify my regular clinic of my pet’s passing?

Can I bury my pet and where can I bury my pet?

What is water cremation?

Can I choose any crematorium?

Can I have my pet cremated with another pet?

Can I take my pet to the crematorium?

Can I send bedding, toys etc with my pet?

Will I receive my own pet’s ashes?

How are my pet’s ashes returned to me?

Where can I scatter my pet's ashes?

Can I change my mind about the aftercare for my pet?

What memorial items can I choose?

Will you talk me through everything before the visit?

What do I need to prepare before the appointment?

Where should we be for the euthanasia?

Can I feed my pet before the visit?

Do I give my pet’s normal medication before the visit?

How do I schedule an appointment?

Can I choose a specific vet for the appointment?

How and when can I pay for my appointment?

What if I want to change or cancel my appointment?

Do you have evening and weekend appointments available?

Do you have after-hours availabilty?

What happens if my pet dies before my appointment?

Do you take my pet away after the appointment?

Who else can be present?

Should my other pets be present for the euthanasia?

Should children be present for the euthanasia?

How do I explain this to my child?

Why do I feel like I've killed my pet?

How do I cope with my grief?

I'm not sure I'm ready – can I talk to someone?

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know it's the right time?

Why choose euthanasia at home?

Why choose Our Pet’s Goodbye?

What can I expect during the visit?

What areas do you travel to?

Can I euthanase two pets at the same time?

What type of pets do you provide home euthanasia for?

Will the vet examine my pet once they get to my home?

What if my pet is extremely anxious or aggressive?

Will my pet know that they are about to die?

How long does the visit last?

Will you notify my regular clinic of my pet’s passing?

Can I bury my pet and where can I bury my pet?

What is water cremation?

Can I choose any crematorium?

Can I have my pet cremated with another pet?

Can I take my pet to the crematorium?

Can I send bedding, toys etc with my pet?

Will I receive my own pet’s ashes?

How are my pet’s ashes returned to me?

Where can I scatter my pet's ashes?

Can I change my mind about the aftercare for my pet?

What memorial items can I choose?

Will you talk me through everything before the visit?

What do I need to prepare before the appointment?

Where should we be for the euthanasia?

Can I feed my pet before the visit?

Do I give my pet’s normal medication before the visit?

How do I schedule an appointment?

Can I choose a specific vet for the appointment?

How and when can I pay for my appointment?

What if I want to change or cancel my appointment?

Do you have evening and weekend appointments available?

Do you have after-hours availabilty?

What happens if my pet dies before my appointment?