In-Home Dog Euthanasia, Aftercare & Cremation
The decision to say goodbye to a beloved dog is difficult and one that no pet owner takes lightly. With our support, it’s a decision you’ll never have to make alone. Our compassionate team will assist you through all the steps of an in-home euthanasia appointment for your beautiful dog, and can support you and any family members through the grieving process with professional grief counselling services.
Whether this is the first time you’ve had to make this decision, or perhaps you’ve been through a pet euthanasia experience before and know there are certain things you want in order to ensure the most peaceful goodbye possible for your dog, our team of experienced vets are here to guide you through.
At Sunset Vets, we want you to feel comfortable with every end of life care decision made. We can help you navigate decisions on just about everything – from the timing of a home euthanasia visit, to whether kids should be present, to your options for dog cremation or even burial. And if you’re wondering what an in-home dog euthanasia visit might actually look like, have a quick read about what happens at a home euthanasia.
Our veterinarians are currently able to support families with compassionate home euthanasia throughout Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, greater Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Appointments are available by arrangement, 7 days per week. There are no additional costs for evening or weekend consultation times. Travel outside of our service areas can be arranged for families in need by calling our care team to discuss your individual needs.
Note: Whilst Sunset Vets will always do our best to be with you and your dog when you need us, we endeavour to work with families for whom euthanasia is a planned and carefully considered decision. If your pet is in crisis or requires urgent medical attention please contact your local veterinarian or emergency clinic.
Dog Euthanasia Cost
Get in touch and chat to our supportive patient care team for confirmation of appointment costs in your specific region. Our in-home dog euthanasia appointments include pre-euthanasia and end of life care advice and support, access to quality of life assessment resources, grief counselling, and guidance through all aftercare and pet cremation arrangements.
In-Home Euthanasia Visit by our Vets & Home Care with Burial
Including veterinary visit and medications. For families who have elected for dog burial at home.
Council and legislative restrictions apply, however pet burial is allowable in many regions and may be the right decision for your family. Please contact us for more information about your region.
Cost $395 – $550
Please note that pricing is region specific. Travel charges may also apply in some locations, and will always be confirmed before your visit.
In-Home Euthanasia Visit + Patient Transfer for Aftercare or Cremation, Without Return of Ashes
Including veterinary visit, medications and transport to one of our providers for group burial or cremation (aftercare).
For families who do not wish for return of ashes.
Cost $495 – $650 + Aftercare Fees
Dog aftercare or cremation costs vary depending on location but typically range from $200 – $400. Please get in touch with our care team for further information on your options.
Please note that pricing is region specific. Travel charges may also apply in some locations, and will always be confirmed before your visit. Our veterinarians are equipped with professional transport stretchers but will need additional assistance to lift heavy patients.
In-Home Euthanasia Visit + Private Dog Cremation With Return of Ashes
Including veterinary visit, medications and full private cremation service including individual cremation with your choice of urn and return of ashes.
Cost $395 – $650 + Crematorium Fees
Dog cremation costs vary depending on your wishes but typically range from $300 – $450. Please get in touch for further information on your dog cremation options and memorial items.
Please note that pricing is region specific. Travel charges may also apply in some locations, and will always be confirmed before your visit.
We work closely with all local pet crematoriums and understand that this choice is an important one. Please advise us if you have a preferred provider.
Support and Grief Counselling
The Sunset Vets team know that despite all we do to make the experience of pet euthanasia as compassionate as possible, it can still be a difficult and emotional time for families. We are here to offer assistance right throughout the palliative and end-of-life care journey with professional support and grief counselling services.In-Home Dog Euthanasia FAQs
What is In-Home Dog Euthanasia?
In-home dog euthanasia is a compassionate and gentle service where our experienced Veterinarians will use tailored medication to help your dog pass away peacefully in the familiar and comfortable environment of their own home.
What Should I Expect During an In-Home Dog Euthanasia?
The procedure usually involves two steps. First, a sedative is administered to help your dog relax and fall asleep peacefully. Then, the euthanasia solution is given. We aim to make the entire process as calm and as pain-free as possible for both you and your dog.
How do I Know if it’s Time to Consider Euthanasia for My Dog?
Signs include chronic pain, inability to eat or drink, difficulty breathing, or loss of mobility and interest in daily life. Our Veterinarians at Sunset Vets can help assess your dog’s quality of life or you can use our Quality of Life Assessment Worksheet to help actively monitor your dog’s health and determine whether euthanasia is the best option.
Can I Stay with My Dog During The Euthanasia?
Yes, you are encouraged to stay with your dog throughout the process if you feel able. Many people find comfort in holding, petting, and talking to their dog during their final moments.
How do I Prepare for In-Home Dog Euthanasia?
Choose a quiet, comfortable space where your dog feels at ease. You might want to gather their favourite blankets or toys and have these close by during the visit. Other pets or family members can be present as well, depending on what everybody feels most comfortable with.
Will My Dog Feel Pain During Euthanasia?
With in-home euthanasia everything we do is about ensuring your dog’s last day is as pain-free as possible. Many pets do experience some soreness and discomfort in their final months of life, and particularly those who have illness or disease. By removing any need for you to travel for this visit, and by ensuring the right medications are used first to relax your pet ahead of the final medication, we are able to dramatically reduce the likelihood of pain during the process. Once your pet is comfortably sedated, the final medication given is completely painless for them.
What if My Dog Becomes Anxious Around New People?
Let our supportive patient care team know in advance if your dog is anxious or fearful of strangers. They can take steps to make the process as calm as possible.
