Saying goodbye to beloved friends can be devastating. Nothing can fully prepare us or ever truly repair our hearts after a loss.
Appointments for euthanasia, or just a chat about options, can be made online or by giving us a call.
Our goodbyes are calm, gentle and full of love. Pets are given relaxing medication prior to ensure that they are comfortable, worry-free and pain-free during the process.
Euthanasia is performed by administering a high dose of anaesthetic. You can cuddle your friends while they drift off. There is no rushing, and you can spend time with their body afterwards if you wish. We have a side door for your privacy.
You are welcome to bring any items which will reassure you and your pet. Blankets from home, favourite toys and special treats can be comforting. We prepare a dessert plate for dogs and a fish plate for cats.
Children are welcome to attend euthanasia. If you would like, we can guide you on how to prepare children before and how to support them in grief.
If you wish, we are available to help your family through this process in the comfort of your home. At Pack and Clowder Vets, we also offer euthanasia in our courtyard.
We are able to arrange cemetery burial or cremation, including the return of your pet’s ashes if you wish. We work with respectful, animal-loving funeral homes and crematoriums.
Grief Support
- Helpful Pet Loss and Grief Information
- Grief Line 1300-845-745; Free counselling calls.
- Beyond Blue 1300-224-636; Free counselling calls and online chat.
- Lifeline: 13-11-14; Free counselling calls, text and online chat.
Grief Support for Children and Young People
The death of your pet may be your child’s first experience with loss and grief. Children grieve in a very natural way, but often differently from adults. We advise you to let them express their emotions and honour the time they shared with their pet in a way that feels right for them.
- Allow children to be present at the euthanasia if they wish. It is useful to have a support person so they can leave the room at any time while allowing you to stay with your pet. It is natural and safe for children to cuddle and kiss their pets after they have died.
- Try to avoid the phrase ‘put to sleep or rest’, which can cause sleep issues.
- Try to avoid the phrases ‘went to a farm or another family’ and ‘passed away’, as these can cause guilt and confusion.
- While the words ‘die’ and ‘dead’ feel confronting for us, clear wording is helpful to children. You could use phrasing such as “Max is very sick. The vet will give him some special medicine to help him die. He will look like he is going to sleep, but he won’t wake up again. He won’t be in pain anymore. It is very sad for us because he won’t be around after that, but it is the kindest thing to do for him.”
- Children will look to adults for how they think they should act. It’s important to let children know that we are hurting too and that it’s OK to show your emotions through crying.
For Parents
- Helpful Pet Loss and Grief Information
- Kids helpline: 1800-654-432 (free for parents)
- Supporting a Child Through Grief and Loss
- Kids Helpline: 1800-551-800 (free, for 5-25 year olds)
- What is Grief
- Losing Someone Can Be Hard
- Kids Helpline: 1800-551-800 (free, for 5-25 year olds)
- Youthbeyondblue: 1300-224-636 (free, for 12-25 year olds)
- What Is This Big Thing Called Grief?
- Helpful Contacts
Memorialising Pets Following Loss — Ideas for Families
- Write a letter to your pet thanking them for the special times.
- Draw a picture of your pet.
- Fill out one of our free memory books.
- Create a tribute table and hold a ceremony.
- On a small table at home, place items such as your pet’s toys, treats, blanket, collar, leash, bowls, photos, letters, a fur clipping, a paw/nose print and cards received.
- Throughout a set time frame (e.g. 1 week), whenever someone remembers something special about the pet, it can be added to the table.
- At the end of the period, set a time to gather as a family. Tell stories about your pet, tell others what you miss about and learned from your pet, remember favourite nicknames and play some music.
- Finally, you could choose to put items into a special keepsake box that can be taken out whenever your family would like to think about your pet.