Knowing when it’s time to let your pet go can be very challenging. It’s not always obvious and it’s important to feel as comfortable as possible with your decision. 
We encourage a close relationship with your primary veterinary clinic: they know your pet’s history best and can help guide you with compassion and clarity. That said, we deeply understand the emotional weight of this decision and we are here for a free, non-obligatory chat if you need further guidance. 

Some factors to take into account when considering your pet’s quality of life include:

• Changes in demeanour or personality

• Their ability to partake in activities that bring them joy 

• Persistently poor appetite 

• Toileting accidents or loss of continence

• Difficulty moving

• Chronic or unmanageable pain, anxiety, or discomfort (e.g., chronic arthritis, ongoing nausea, trouble breathing)

• Your pet’s need for nursing care and your ability to provide it

• The overall trajectory of their life stage or illness

There are many reasons families choose in-home euthanasia for their beloved pets. The decision is often rooted in the desire to ensure their companion experiences the least amount of stress during their final moments. Being in a familiar environment—surrounded by loved ones, favourite scents, and the comfort of home—can bring profound peace for pets and peace of mind for their people. Other meaningful benefits include the privacy it offers, avoiding the stress and logistics of traveling to a clinic and the flexibility to include more family members or find a time that feels right. In the end, it’s usually a combination of these factors that makes in-home care the most compassionate choice.

Once you reach out to us, we’ll follow up to talk through the details of the appointment, discuss aftercare options and answer any questions you may have. When you feel comfortable and ready to proceed, we’ll send you an invoice for your booking. Your booking is confirmed once the invoice is paid.

We currently accept online bank transfers or online card payment. Please note that card payments incur a small surcharge. For bank transfers, you're welcome to pay in multiple installments or from different accounts if that’s easier for you. However, we do ask that the full payment is completed in advance of the appointment. We find this allows you to focus fully on your pet without having to worry about logistics or payments during such a tender and emotional time.

Our highest priority is ensuring your pet experiences a peaceful, gentle passing. While we follow established medical protocols, every pet is unique and we’ll use our experience and clinical judgment to tailor the process to their individual needs. Our goal is always to create the calmest, most dignified experience possible.

Although we’ll have a confirmed appointment time, we understand this can be an emotional and anxious wait. To help ease that, we’ll send you a text message when we’re about 30 minutes away. During the booking process, we’ll have discussed any steps we can take to reduce stress at the time of our arrival such as avoiding doorbells or knocks if you have a reactive dog.

When we arrive, we’ll begin by completing a brief consent form and confirming any cremation or aftercare arrangements. In some cases, this paperwork may already be taken care of in advance.

When you feel ready, we’ll administer medication to help your pet fall into a deep, comfortable sleep. This is given via a small injection, similar to a vaccination. While your pet drifts gently into sleep, we’ll offer you privacy while staying nearby in case you need anything. Once your pet is fully asleep, we’ll gently administer another medication to help them pass peacefully.

After confirming your pet has passed, we will quietly step back to give you space and time. If you’ve chosen cremation or aftercare services, we’ll wait until you feel ready before gently and respectfully moving your pet to our vehicle.

Appointments tend to last between 30 minutes and an hour, though this can vary depending on your individual needs.

At Resting Paws, we’re here to support you at your own pace—some families find comfort in taking their time, while others may prefer a more streamlined experience to help ease the emotional burden. Whatever your preference, our priority is always to ensure your pet’s passing is as peaceful and gentle as possible, while honouring your wishes with care and respect.

Euthanasia is a profoundly emotional experience, and the choice to be present or not is deeply personal. At Resting Paws, we believe there is no “right” or “wrong” decision—only what feels most appropriate and compassionate for you and your beloved pet.

We do need you to be present initially, but if you choose to step away during the procedure, you can rest assured your beloved companion will be treated with the utmost care, compassion and dignity throughout their passing. 

Absolutely. Aftercare is a deeply personal decision and many people choose to bury their pet. At Resting Paws, we encourage awareness around appropriate depth and distance from waterways, for health and safety and wildlife. 

For those who need or prefer cremation and memorial keepsake options, we offer a range of options, as outlined on our Cremation + Aftercare services page. 

We aim to have ashes and memorial keepsakes delivered back to you within 1-3 weeks. Some memorial keepsakes, such as Reterniti Stones, may take a month or so. We will let you know what to expect during the booking process.