
Frequently Asked Questions
We'll guide you through the emotional and practical details allowing you to focus on what matters most - your pet.
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.
Phone: 027 466 3293
Email: goodbye@ourpets.co.nz
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 that 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.
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 six 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.
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 around the back of the neck. 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 very quick but at this stage your pet is already fast asleep. They will become fully unconscious and shortly after this their heart will stop.
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.
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.
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.
We provide home euthanasia for cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats and mice.
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.
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.
Phone: 027 466 3293
Email: goodbye@ourpets.co.nz
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.
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.
We usually contact your vet clinic to let them know your pet has passed, but we’re happy not to if that’s your preference.
Yes, burying your pet at home can be a personal and meaningful way to say goodbye.
It allows you to:
- Keep your pet close in a familiar and loved space 
- Create a private farewell in your own time and way 
- Visit their resting place whenever you need comfort 
- Involve children in a gentle, tangible way to understand loss 
Home burial can bring a sense of peace and connection—but it's important to ensure it’s done safely and legally. If you need guidance, we’re here to help. However, there are important considerations to ensure it’s done safely, legally, and respectfully.
- Choose a spot away from water sources, veggie gardens, or pipes, and dig at least 1 metre deep.
- Use a biodegradable materials where possible (e.g. cardboard, blanket, wicker). Avoid plastic.
- If your pet was euthanised or passed from a disease, cremation may be safer.
- Don’t forget to collect any memorial keepsakes before burial.
At Our Pet's Goodbye we are very happy to help you prepare your pet for burial.
Water Cremation is a more environmentally friendly end of life alternative to flame-based cremation, that simulates nature’s own burial processes in an accelerated form by using gentle water flow, agitation, warming and alkaline additives.
Alkaline additives in the form of Potassium or Sodium Hydroxide (Salts) are combined with water. These are common components of cosmetic products, body soaps, washes and other personal hygiene products.
The end result of Water Cremation leaves skeletal remains (Calcium Phosphate) returned to the family in the form of ashes and a neutral liquid that contains salts, sugars, amino acids and peptides. The remaining liquid is sterile and contains no DNA or RNA and is very similar to the by-product of natural decomposition when a body is returned to the earth/whenua.
You are welcome to choose any cremation service.
Our preferred cremation service is Gentle Waters Pet Crematorium. This is a water cremation service from which you receive the same ashes as you do with fire cremation , but no fossil fuels are used during the cremation.
Gentle Waters provide beautiful care of your pets right up until they are safely returned home.
If you have a preference of a different crematorium we will be happy to arrange this for you.
Yes, you can. If two pets are cremated together, they will be kept together and their ashes will be returned together. The cost will be for the combined weight of the pets as a single cremation.
Yes, if you would like to take your pet to the crematorium yourself you may.
You will need to have an appointment with the crematorium at least 2-3 hours after our visit time depending on how far you are from the crematorium you choose.
At Our Pet't Goodbye we will help you to get your pet ready to easily carry to your car. We will discuss this with you on the phone and advise how long to allow between your home visit time and an appointment with the crematorium.
Yes. One of the reasons that Gentle Waters Pet Cremation was started was to allow families to honour their pet throughout their aftercare journey.
If choosing Gentle Waters for your pet's aftercare then your pet may come in any bedding and bring any toys, letter or items of importance to you and your pet. These will be kept with them right up until they start their cremation at which point they will be kept close and then reunited with their ashes, once the cremation is finished.
While we understand the desire to include personal items, crematoriums are not permitted to place anything with your pet during the cremation process.
If you would prefer a different cremation service then we are able to advise you on what items can be sent with your pet and find a solution that fits you best.
Yes, you will receive only your pet's ashes back.
All cremations are individual unless you request a different option.
There are a few different options. A scatter tube or box is best if you plan to scatter your pet's ashes, if you're not sure what your long term plans are or you have something already that you would like your pet's ashes to be placed in.
There are also options for engraved wooden urns and Reterniti Stones (ash stones).
Please have a look at the options with have on our website or ask us for more details.
🐾 Where to Scatter Pet Ashes in New Zealand
New Zealand law offers considerable freedom when it comes to scattering ashes—they can be spread in meaningful places such as private gardens, beaches, parks, farms, or at sea. The New Zealand Law Commission affirms that you may choose a site significant to your pet or your family, provided respect for local landscapes and customs is maintained.
Permissions & Regulations
- Public Land (parks, beaches, gardens): Always check with the local council for any specific bylaws. Some parks prohibit scattering, and public ash gardens may require approval. 
- Private Property: You may scatter ashes on private land only with the owner’s consent. 
Cultural Considerations
- Waterways and Beaches: Dispersal in rivers, lakes, or at sea is often considered culturally inappropriate under Māori tikanga. It’s best to consult local iwi or mana whenua before choosing such locations. 
Location Guidance
Communities across New Zealand often suggest natural, peaceful spots such as hills, reserves, national parks, or scenic lookout points—but not on land owned by iwi or near marae without permission. It should be done quietly, with ashes well scattered and away from walking tracks or gathering spaces.
We recommend
- Choosing a calm, low-wind day to avoid ashes blowing into others’ space. 
- Be sure the site is meaningful and accessible if you wish to visit. 
- Avoiding locations where food is grown or people commonly gather—some are considered sacred or wāhi tapu to local communities. 
You can change your mind anytime, just let us know what plans you would like to change.
If your pet's cremation has already started then we will be unable to stop the process at that point.
Please have a look at our memorial page for memorial items that we can help with. If you have an idea for something else unique then we are very happy to help with this. Contact us for advice on how we can help with any memorial requests.
Yes, we always take time to explain everything first even when we have already had a conversation on the phone. We encourage you to ask any questions that you may have, there are never any silly questions.
Although it can be tempting we recommend not to feed excessive amounts of food your pet hasn’t had before – they may well get diarrhoea and have a sore tummy. Treats are great if they are still eating but we do recommend giving their regular favourite treat.
It is good to prevent any interruptions you can put a sign on the gate or door, lock the door and turn off any phones.
Plan where you would like your pet to be. Sometimes your pet will have a strong opinion where they want to be. We suggest to keep their bed in an area that isn’t weird for them but also that has space for whoever would like to be close.
It can be nice to have special music playing, the fire going in winter and be somewhere cool in summer. Your dog can be in your garden for euthanasia but we ask that cats are inside however sick they are.
A quiet environment that is not too bright can help you pet relax more quickly. Once they have had their first sedation it is a good idea to stop treats at this stage. The smell of food can also distract them from getting sleepy.
Gentle pats and talking to your pet, try not to open their eyes if they have them closed.
We bring incontinence sheets to put under your pet, so they can be anywhere such as on the sofa, on a bed or on you.
You can be anywhere that you and your pet are comfortable to be. Often your pet may have chosen to be in a certain area of the house and it can be nice to keep them where they have chosen to be.
Dogs can be out in the garden but we ask that cats are inside even if they are very sick.
Yes, you can feed your pet right up until just after their first sedation. We recommend not giving excessive amounts of treats that they aren't used to or haven't had before as this may give them a sore stomach or diarrohea.
The sedation won't make them feel sick but if they are already nauseous it won't stop them feeling sick.
Yes, please give all medications as usual especially pain and anti-nausea medications. If you pet is anxious or shy of new people, we can recommend medications for them to have before our visit.
Please speak to us if you are unsure or if your pet is very nervous if injections or new people.
If you're thinking about booking a home euthanasia appointment, we're here to support you with care and compassion.
You can reach out to us by:
– Calling us directly – Sending a text or email – Filling out the contact form on our website – Booking online via our website
We’ll talk through you and your pet's needs, explain what to expect, and help you choose a time that feels right for you and your pet.
There’s no pressure — just a gentle, supportive conversation to help you make the best decision for your beloved companion.
And if things change, that’s absolutely okay — we offer free cancellations at any point.
If you don't see the time and day that you would like online or you need an appointment urgently, please check with us as we may have more times available.
Yes, you are welcome to choose one of our team members in particular. All of our team have shared values and work closely together. If your preferred vet is not available, one of our other lovely vets will be able to help you.
We accept all types of payments including card payments and in-person Afterpay.
We ask for payment prior to or at your appointment.
You are welcome to change or cancel your appointment – there is no charge for this. We kindly ask that you give us as much notice as you can. If we have already left there may be a small fee.
It is a very hard time emotionally and things can change quickly. It is not uncommon to move appointments.
Yes we do. If you would like a time that isn't available online, please contact us by phone or e-mail, as we may still be able to come out at your preferred time.
If you need us urgently, we will do our best to come out immediately.
We don’t offer overnight visits, but if you have an emergency outside of our hours, please contact the After Hours Vet Clinic on 03 366 1052.
This sometimes happens. We will refund your payment for the house visit. If we have already left there may be a small fee. We can still organise cremation for you, if we are already on our way.
Yes, we can. The choices after your pet has died are either burial or cremation. We want to find the aftercare that best suits you and your pet emotionally, logistically and financially. Talk to us about the different choices available.
We can organise these for you or we can advise on how you can organise these yourself.
You may have anyone present that is important to you and your pet. It can be a very intimate time involving just you and your pet or it can be a bigger gathering, with many people that are important in your pet's life. We will guide everyone present through what to expect and answer any questions.
In most cases, yes. It helps them understand that their friend has passed. Even excitable pets usually settle quickly and we will give them time to do so.
However, if a pet is very anxious, the emotions in the room may heighten their stress. In this case, they can stay in a familiar space elsewhere and see their friend afterward.
For boisterous pets who don’t settle within 5–10 minutes, keeping them in another room can help you focus on saying goodbye.
We do recommend that you allow other pets in the household to see you pet's body after, to allow your pet time to acknowledge their companion's death.
We would advise to ask your child if they want to be present. We find from a very young age they often know if they would like to be there or not.
Being at home gives them the option of staying for as little or long as they like.
Firstly, It is good to decide if you would prefer children to be part of the euthanasia experience or if you would prefer not to have any distractions and be able to fully concentrate on your pet yourself.
The answer to this question really depends on the individual child, as their parent you know best your child’s personality and whether it is appropriate or not to give them the option to be there.
If you decide you want a child to have the option, we find that from a very early age kids can have quite a strong opinion about this, so we would advise asking them directly and not assuming either way.
Children as young as 3 years old may have an opinion. Often however, they don’t know and need some more information to help them to decide. If they are sure that they don’t want to be present, then it is important to respect their wishes. We all deal with death in our own ways, and it is kind to honour our children’s and our own ways through grief.
Secondly, check with the veterinarian team that will be carrying out euthanasia, as it can depend on what is wrong with your pet and subsequently how they may respond to sedation. A pet’s temperament can affect how easy it is to give your pet sedation.
At Our Pet's Goodbye, each step of a home euthanasia is very much intended that it is a gentle process and appropriate for children to be around. We are always happy to have children there and answer any questions that they may have.
It is really helpful to talk to your children about being as quiet and as calm as possible as your pet is starting to get sedated. It can be tempting to have food to quieten children but it can be distracting for a pet that hasn’t lost its appetite and can delay your pet’s sedation.
One of the great benefits of being at home is that children can be part of the euthanasia visit but be able to go away and play if they get bored or don’t want to be around anymore. In the clinic, it can be harder to balance everyone's needs, for example if they are too young to wait in the waiting room by themselves but have changed their mind about wanting to be around.
Depending on the age of the children you may have to practice the language that you are going to use. If they are young, we try to avoid saying that the pet is going to go to sleep, as this can be confusing for kids and hard for them to understand why they might not die when they go to sleep each night.
We will check with parents first, but we advise using straightforward language, we usually say that we are firstly going to give some painkillers and sedation to make your pet comfortable and want to lie down. We are then going to give them some special medication that we only use for euthanasia that will stop the pet’s heart and help the pet to die without pain.
Why? This will be asked very many times especially when your child realises actually what is happening. A good answer can be because your pet is really sick and or sore and we can’t make them better. We are doing this because we can’t make them better.
You can be ready to explain in way that fits your beliefs, about what happens to your pet at this point. For example it can be that their body is left behind and that their soul is now gone – to become a star, to go to heaven or has just finished it’s time with us or whatever you want to pass on to your children.
There are often questions about what happens to the body afterwards and this is very confusing for children. We find that children sometimes are not sure that the pet is dead because the body is still there. Their experience of death if they have any, may be that someone they have known has just stopped being in their life, they’ve essentially just disappeared.
When they realise this isn’t what happens kids often then ask why the body needs to be taken away, why they can’t just keep it. You can explain that we can’t leave it as it gets smelly and not nice to be around because it is not alive any longer. We need to help the body to break down either by burying the body or cremating the body – then get ready for explaining cremation.
Cremation is a way to quickly make the body become ash that we can scatter when we remember our pets or we can keep at home to help us always remember them and have what’s left of their body with us.
We will offer paw prints or nose prints and this can be a great distraction and a lovely thing for a child to have from their pet to remember them by.
Great ideas to help children through this process is to get them writing letters to go with their pet (get ready to really cry when you read these) and to decorate boxes as coffins (generally for smaller pets). Picking flowers to go with them can be really good to do as well.
You can save a pet’s collar to put around a plant pot and plant a special plant in memory of the pet.
This can be a very normal thought pattern. As humans we often question our decisions. Keep in mind all the reasons that we will have discussed with you about the decision. As veterinary professionals, we don't want to euthanase any animals that we think have a different option available to them.
If we have agreed to euthanase your pet, then we agree that this is the kindest option for them. It is often a complex situation where your pets needs are balanced with your values and understanding of their quality of life.
Remember that no one takes this decision lightly and you are making this decision out of love for wanting the best outcome for your pet and for them not to prevent prolonged distress.
The reason that there is so much grief after pet loss, is due to how much love there is for them in life and the bond you shared was unique and unconditional. Pets get a part of us that the humans in our life often don't get, making this relationship very precious.
Coping with Loss
Losing a pet is like losing a family member. When they’re gone, it’s natural to feel a deep sense of grief. Everyone experiences loss differently, and there’s no "right" way to mourn—but here are some gentle ways to support yourself through the process:
Allow Yourself to Grieve
Your grief is real and valid. Whether your pet was with you for months or many years, their absence can leave a huge space in your life. Give yourself permission to feel whatever comes—sadness, guilt, anger, or even relief. It’s all part of the healing process.
Honour Their Memory
Creating a ritual or memorial can bring comfort and help you say goodbye. You might:
- Light a candle or hold a small farewell ceremony 
- Keep a special photo or item (like a collar or paw print) 
- Plant a tree or flower in their memory 
These acts can help give meaning to their passing and celebrate the joy they brought into your life.
Talk About Your Loss
It’s okay to reach out. Sharing memories and emotions with trusted friends, family, or others who have experienced pet loss can be incredibly healing. You're not alone. If you’re struggling, a grief counsellor or pet loss support group can offer guidance.
Express Your Feelings
Writing about your pet, creating art, or simply speaking their name can be a beautiful way to honour their presence in your life. Some people find comfort in writing a letter to their pet, expressing their love and saying goodbye.
Keep a Routine
If you have other pets or daily responsibilities, try to keep a gentle structure. Familiar routines can offer a sense of stability when everything feels off balance.
Be Kind to Yourself
Grief affects us emotionally, mentally, and physically. Rest when you need to. Cry when you need to. Laugh when the memories come. This is a time for compassion—especially toward yourself.
When to Seek Support
If your grief feels overwhelming or prolonged, professional help is available. Speaking with a therapist who understands pet loss can make a big difference in how you process your emotions and begin to heal.
You Gave Them a Life Full of Love
While your pet’s time here has ended, the love you shared continues. In time, those sharp edges of grief will soften, leaving you with treasured memories that bring more comfort than pain.
Yes, it can be very helpful to book a quality of life consultation on the phone to understand what your pet's situation is.
Being ready is being at a point of understanding that although your pet is having snippets of acceptable life quality, their enjoyment of life is deteriorating and being more and more mixed with pain and, or increasing difficulty carrying out their daily routines, along with many other factors individual to your pet.
We offer free phone calls, to discuss your pet's individual situation. There’s no pressure or judgment - just a chance to talk through what’s best for your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
We'll guide you through the emotional and practical details allowing you to focus on what matters most - your pet.
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.
Phone: 027 466 3293
Email: goodbye@ourpets.co.nz
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 that 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.
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 six 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.
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 around the back of the neck. 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 very quick but at this stage your pet is already fast asleep. They will become fully unconscious and shortly after this their heart will stop.
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.
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.
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.
We provide home euthanasia for cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats and mice.
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.
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.
Phone: 027 466 3293
Email: goodbye@ourpets.co.nz
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.
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.
We usually contact your vet clinic to let them know your pet has passed, but we’re happy not to if that’s your preference.
Yes, burying your pet at home can be a personal and meaningful way to say goodbye.
It allows you to:
- Keep your pet close in a familiar and loved space 
- Create a private farewell in your own time and way 
- Visit their resting place whenever you need comfort 
- Involve children in a gentle, tangible way to understand loss 
Home burial can bring a sense of peace and connection—but it's important to ensure it’s done safely and legally. If you need guidance, we’re here to help. However, there are important considerations to ensure it’s done safely, legally, and respectfully.
- Choose a spot away from water sources, veggie gardens, or pipes, and dig at least 1 metre deep.
- Use a biodegradable materials where possible (e.g. cardboard, blanket, wicker). Avoid plastic.
- If your pet was euthanised or passed from a disease, cremation may be safer.
- Don’t forget to collect any memorial keepsakes before burial.
At Our Pet's Goodbye we are very happy to help you prepare your pet for burial.
Water Cremation is a more environmentally friendly end of life alternative to flame-based cremation, that simulates nature’s own burial processes in an accelerated form by using gentle water flow, agitation, warming and alkaline additives.
Alkaline additives in the form of Potassium or Sodium Hydroxide (Salts) are combined with water. These are common components of cosmetic products, body soaps, washes and other personal hygiene products.
The end result of Water Cremation leaves skeletal remains (Calcium Phosphate) returned to the family in the form of ashes and a neutral liquid that contains salts, sugars, amino acids and peptides. The remaining liquid is sterile and contains no DNA or RNA and is very similar to the by-product of natural decomposition when a body is returned to the earth/whenua.
You are welcome to choose any cremation service.
Our preferred cremation service is Gentle Waters Pet Crematorium. This is a water cremation service from which you receive the same ashes as you do with fire cremation , but no fossil fuels are used during the cremation.
Gentle Waters provide beautiful care of your pets right up until they are safely returned home.
If you have a preference of a different crematorium we will be happy to arrange this for you.
Yes, you can. If two pets are cremated together, they will be kept together and their ashes will be returned together. The cost will be for the combined weight of the pets as a single cremation.
Yes, if you would like to take your pet to the crematorium yourself you may.
You will need to have an appointment with the crematorium at least 2-3 hours after our visit time depending on how far you are from the crematorium you choose.
At Our Pet't Goodbye we will help you to get your pet ready to easily carry to your car. We will discuss this with you on the phone and advise how long to allow between your home visit time and an appointment with the crematorium.
Yes. One of the reasons that Gentle Waters Pet Cremation was started was to allow families to honour their pet throughout their aftercare journey.
If choosing Gentle Waters for your pet's aftercare then your pet may come in any bedding and bring any toys, letter or items of importance to you and your pet. These will be kept with them right up until they start their cremation at which point they will be kept close and then reunited with their ashes, once the cremation is finished.
While we understand the desire to include personal items, crematoriums are not permitted to place anything with your pet during the cremation process.
If you would prefer a different cremation service then we are able to advise you on what items can be sent with your pet and find a solution that fits you best.
Yes, you will receive only your pet's ashes back.
All cremations are individual unless you request a different option.
There are a few different options. A scatter tube or box is best if you plan to scatter your pet's ashes, if you're not sure what your long term plans are or you have something already that you would like your pet's ashes to be placed in.
There are also options for engraved wooden urns and Reterniti Stones (ash stones).
Please have a look at the options with have on our website or ask us for more details.
🐾 Where to Scatter Pet Ashes in New Zealand
New Zealand law offers considerable freedom when it comes to scattering ashes—they can be spread in meaningful places such as private gardens, beaches, parks, farms, or at sea. The New Zealand Law Commission affirms that you may choose a site significant to your pet or your family, provided respect for local landscapes and customs is maintained.
Permissions & Regulations
- Public Land (parks, beaches, gardens): Always check with the local council for any specific bylaws. Some parks prohibit scattering, and public ash gardens may require approval. 
- Private Property: You may scatter ashes on private land only with the owner’s consent. 
Cultural Considerations
- Waterways and Beaches: Dispersal in rivers, lakes, or at sea is often considered culturally inappropriate under Māori tikanga. It’s best to consult local iwi or mana whenua before choosing such locations. 
Location Guidance
Communities across New Zealand often suggest natural, peaceful spots such as hills, reserves, national parks, or scenic lookout points—but not on land owned by iwi or near marae without permission. It should be done quietly, with ashes well scattered and away from walking tracks or gathering spaces.
We recommend
- Choosing a calm, low-wind day to avoid ashes blowing into others’ space. 
- Be sure the site is meaningful and accessible if you wish to visit. 
- Avoiding locations where food is grown or people commonly gather—some are considered sacred or wāhi tapu to local communities. 
You can change your mind anytime, just let us know what plans you would like to change.
If your pet's cremation has already started then we will be unable to stop the process at that point.
Please have a look at our memorial page for memorial items that we can help with. If you have an idea for something else unique then we are very happy to help with this. Contact us for advice on how we can help with any memorial requests.
Yes, we always take time to explain everything first even when we have already had a conversation on the phone. We encourage you to ask any questions that you may have, there are never any silly questions.
Although it can be tempting we recommend not to feed excessive amounts of food your pet hasn’t had before – they may well get diarrhoea and have a sore tummy. Treats are great if they are still eating but we do recommend giving their regular favourite treat.
It is good to prevent any interruptions you can put a sign on the gate or door, lock the door and turn off any phones.
Plan where you would like your pet to be. Sometimes your pet will have a strong opinion where they want to be. We suggest to keep their bed in an area that isn’t weird for them but also that has space for whoever would like to be close.
It can be nice to have special music playing, the fire going in winter and be somewhere cool in summer. Your dog can be in your garden for euthanasia but we ask that cats are inside however sick they are.
A quiet environment that is not too bright can help you pet relax more quickly. Once they have had their first sedation it is a good idea to stop treats at this stage. The smell of food can also distract them from getting sleepy.
Gentle pats and talking to your pet, try not to open their eyes if they have them closed.
We bring incontinence sheets to put under your pet, so they can be anywhere such as on the sofa, on a bed or on you.
You can be anywhere that you and your pet are comfortable to be. Often your pet may have chosen to be in a certain area of the house and it can be nice to keep them where they have chosen to be.
Dogs can be out in the garden but we ask that cats are inside even if they are very sick.
Yes, you can feed your pet right up until just after their first sedation. We recommend not giving excessive amounts of treats that they aren't used to or haven't had before as this may give them a sore stomach or diarrohea.
The sedation won't make them feel sick but if they are already nauseous it won't stop them feeling sick.
Yes, please give all medications as usual especially pain and anti-nausea medications. If you pet is anxious or shy of new people, we can recommend medications for them to have before our visit.
Please speak to us if you are unsure or if your pet is very nervous if injections or new people.
If you're thinking about booking a home euthanasia appointment, we're here to support you with care and compassion.
You can reach out to us by:
– Calling us directly – Sending a text or email – Filling out the contact form on our website – Booking online via our website
We’ll talk through you and your pet's needs, explain what to expect, and help you choose a time that feels right for you and your pet.
There’s no pressure — just a gentle, supportive conversation to help you make the best decision for your beloved companion.
And if things change, that’s absolutely okay — we offer free cancellations at any point.
If you don't see the time and day that you would like online or you need an appointment urgently, please check with us as we may have more times available.
Yes, you are welcome to choose one of our team members in particular. All of our team have shared values and work closely together. If your preferred vet is not available, one of our other lovely vets will be able to help you.
We accept all types of payments including card payments and in-person Afterpay.
We ask for payment prior to or at your appointment.
You are welcome to change or cancel your appointment – there is no charge for this. We kindly ask that you give us as much notice as you can. If we have already left there may be a small fee.
It is a very hard time emotionally and things can change quickly. It is not uncommon to move appointments.
Yes we do. If you would like a time that isn't available online, please contact us by phone or e-mail, as we may still be able to come out at your preferred time.
If you need us urgently, we will do our best to come out immediately.
We don’t offer overnight visits, but if you have an emergency outside of our hours, please contact the After Hours Vet Clinic on 03 366 1052.
This sometimes happens. We will refund your payment for the house visit. If we have already left there may be a small fee. We can still organise cremation for you, if we are already on our way.
Yes, we can. The choices after your pet has died are either burial or cremation. We want to find the aftercare that best suits you and your pet emotionally, logistically and financially. Talk to us about the different choices available.
We can organise these for you or we can advise on how you can organise these yourself.
You may have anyone present that is important to you and your pet. It can be a very intimate time involving just you and your pet or it can be a bigger gathering, with many people that are important in your pet's life. We will guide everyone present through what to expect and answer any questions.
In most cases, yes. It helps them understand that their friend has passed. Even excitable pets usually settle quickly and we will give them time to do so.
However, if a pet is very anxious, the emotions in the room may heighten their stress. In this case, they can stay in a familiar space elsewhere and see their friend afterward.
For boisterous pets who don’t settle within 5–10 minutes, keeping them in another room can help you focus on saying goodbye.
We do recommend that you allow other pets in the household to see you pet's body after, to allow your pet time to acknowledge their companion's death.
We would advise to ask your child if they want to be present. We find from a very young age they often know if they would like to be there or not.
Being at home gives them the option of staying for as little or long as they like.
Firstly, It is good to decide if you would prefer children to be part of the euthanasia experience or if you would prefer not to have any distractions and be able to fully concentrate on your pet yourself.
The answer to this question really depends on the individual child, as their parent you know best your child’s personality and whether it is appropriate or not to give them the option to be there.
If you decide you want a child to have the option, we find that from a very early age kids can have quite a strong opinion about this, so we would advise asking them directly and not assuming either way.
Children as young as 3 years old may have an opinion. Often however, they don’t know and need some more information to help them to decide. If they are sure that they don’t want to be present, then it is important to respect their wishes. We all deal with death in our own ways, and it is kind to honour our children’s and our own ways through grief.
Secondly, check with the veterinarian team that will be carrying out euthanasia, as it can depend on what is wrong with your pet and subsequently how they may respond to sedation. A pet’s temperament can affect how easy it is to give your pet sedation.
At Our Pet's Goodbye, each step of a home euthanasia is very much intended that it is a gentle process and appropriate for children to be around. We are always happy to have children there and answer any questions that they may have.
It is really helpful to talk to your children about being as quiet and as calm as possible as your pet is starting to get sedated. It can be tempting to have food to quieten children but it can be distracting for a pet that hasn’t lost its appetite and can delay your pet’s sedation.
One of the great benefits of being at home is that children can be part of the euthanasia visit but be able to go away and play if they get bored or don’t want to be around anymore. In the clinic, it can be harder to balance everyone's needs, for example if they are too young to wait in the waiting room by themselves but have changed their mind about wanting to be around.
Depending on the age of the children you may have to practice the language that you are going to use. If they are young, we try to avoid saying that the pet is going to go to sleep, as this can be confusing for kids and hard for them to understand why they might not die when they go to sleep each night.
We will check with parents first, but we advise using straightforward language, we usually say that we are firstly going to give some painkillers and sedation to make your pet comfortable and want to lie down. We are then going to give them some special medication that we only use for euthanasia that will stop the pet’s heart and help the pet to die without pain.
Why? This will be asked very many times especially when your child realises actually what is happening. A good answer can be because your pet is really sick and or sore and we can’t make them better. We are doing this because we can’t make them better.
You can be ready to explain in way that fits your beliefs, about what happens to your pet at this point. For example it can be that their body is left behind and that their soul is now gone – to become a star, to go to heaven or has just finished it’s time with us or whatever you want to pass on to your children.
There are often questions about what happens to the body afterwards and this is very confusing for children. We find that children sometimes are not sure that the pet is dead because the body is still there. Their experience of death if they have any, may be that someone they have known has just stopped being in their life, they’ve essentially just disappeared.
When they realise this isn’t what happens kids often then ask why the body needs to be taken away, why they can’t just keep it. You can explain that we can’t leave it as it gets smelly and not nice to be around because it is not alive any longer. We need to help the body to break down either by burying the body or cremating the body – then get ready for explaining cremation.
Cremation is a way to quickly make the body become ash that we can scatter when we remember our pets or we can keep at home to help us always remember them and have what’s left of their body with us.
We will offer paw prints or nose prints and this can be a great distraction and a lovely thing for a child to have from their pet to remember them by.
Great ideas to help children through this process is to get them writing letters to go with their pet (get ready to really cry when you read these) and to decorate boxes as coffins (generally for smaller pets). Picking flowers to go with them can be really good to do as well.
You can save a pet’s collar to put around a plant pot and plant a special plant in memory of the pet.
This can be a very normal thought pattern. As humans we often question our decisions. Keep in mind all the reasons that we will have discussed with you about the decision. As veterinary professionals, we don't want to euthanase any animals that we think have a different option available to them.
If we have agreed to euthanase your pet, then we agree that this is the kindest option for them. It is often a complex situation where your pets needs are balanced with your values and understanding of their quality of life.
Remember that no one takes this decision lightly and you are making this decision out of love for wanting the best outcome for your pet and for them not to prevent prolonged distress.
The reason that there is so much grief after pet loss, is due to how much love there is for them in life and the bond you shared was unique and unconditional. Pets get a part of us that the humans in our life often don't get, making this relationship very precious.
Coping with Loss
Losing a pet is like losing a family member. When they’re gone, it’s natural to feel a deep sense of grief. Everyone experiences loss differently, and there’s no "right" way to mourn—but here are some gentle ways to support yourself through the process:
Allow Yourself to Grieve
Your grief is real and valid. Whether your pet was with you for months or many years, their absence can leave a huge space in your life. Give yourself permission to feel whatever comes—sadness, guilt, anger, or even relief. It’s all part of the healing process.
Honour Their Memory
Creating a ritual or memorial can bring comfort and help you say goodbye. You might:
- Light a candle or hold a small farewell ceremony 
- Keep a special photo or item (like a collar or paw print) 
- Plant a tree or flower in their memory 
These acts can help give meaning to their passing and celebrate the joy they brought into your life.
Talk About Your Loss
It’s okay to reach out. Sharing memories and emotions with trusted friends, family, or others who have experienced pet loss can be incredibly healing. You're not alone. If you’re struggling, a grief counsellor or pet loss support group can offer guidance.
Express Your Feelings
Writing about your pet, creating art, or simply speaking their name can be a beautiful way to honour their presence in your life. Some people find comfort in writing a letter to their pet, expressing their love and saying goodbye.
Keep a Routine
If you have other pets or daily responsibilities, try to keep a gentle structure. Familiar routines can offer a sense of stability when everything feels off balance.
Be Kind to Yourself
Grief affects us emotionally, mentally, and physically. Rest when you need to. Cry when you need to. Laugh when the memories come. This is a time for compassion—especially toward yourself.
When to Seek Support
If your grief feels overwhelming or prolonged, professional help is available. Speaking with a therapist who understands pet loss can make a big difference in how you process your emotions and begin to heal.
You Gave Them a Life Full of Love
While your pet’s time here has ended, the love you shared continues. In time, those sharp edges of grief will soften, leaving you with treasured memories that bring more comfort than pain.
Yes, it can be very helpful to book a quality of life consultation on the phone to understand what your pet's situation is.
Being ready is being at a point of understanding that although your pet is having snippets of acceptable life quality, their enjoyment of life is deteriorating and being more and more mixed with pain and, or increasing difficulty carrying out their daily routines, along with many other factors individual to your pet.
We offer free phone calls, to discuss your pet's individual situation. There’s no pressure or judgment - just a chance to talk through what’s best for your pet.
