Questions, answered
with care.

When we arrive, we will first take some time to talk with you, answer any questions and make sure everyone understands what will happen.

Your pet is then given a sedative to help them become deeply relaxed and comfortable. Once they are peacefully asleep and you are ready, the final medication is given.

There is no need to rush. The appointment can unfold at a pace that feels comfortable for you and your pet.

You can read the process in more detail on our What to Expect page.

Our priority is for your pet to feel safe, comfortable and as relaxed as possible.

A sedative is given first so your pet can gradually become sleepy and settle into a deep, comfortable sleep before the final medication is administered.

Remaining at home can also help reduce some of the anxiety pets may experience with travel, unfamiliar surroundings or a veterinary clinic.

Most appointments take around 45 minutes to an hour, although every visit is different.

We intentionally allow enough time to explain the process, let your pet settle comfortably and give your family the opportunity to say goodbye without feeling rushed.

Wherever your pet is most comfortable is usually best. This may be their favourite bed, the lounge room, your lap, a familiar blanket or even a quiet place outside if the weather and circumstances are suitable.

We can help you choose a comfortable and practical location when we arrive.

There is no right or wrong answer. Some families want everyone together, while others prefer a quieter goodbye with only one or two people present.

The most important consideration is what feels right for your family and helps your pet remain relaxed.

This depends on the individual child, their age and temperament, and how much they understand about what is happening.

For some children, being included gives them the opportunity to say goodbye and can help them understand the loss. Others may prefer to say goodbye beforehand or join the family afterwards.

Honest, simple and age-appropriate preparation is usually the most helpful approach.

Yes. In many situations, other pets in the family can remain nearby during the appointment if they are comfortable doing so and their presence is not adding stress for your pet or your family.

Pets can form very strong social bonds with one another, and dogs and cats may show changes in behaviour after the loss of a companion. Some may search for them, become more clingy or vocal, sleep differently, play less or have changes in appetite.

You may choose to let your other pets be present for some or all of the appointment, or simply allow them to spend some time with their companion afterwards. Many animals will approach, sniff or investigate for a short time and then move away. Others may show very little interest. Both responses are completely normal.

There is no need to force the interaction or feel that you have done something wrong if another pet is not present. We generally suggest giving them the opportunity if it feels appropriate, and then allowing them to respond in their own way.

As with the rest of the appointment, we can help you decide what feels right for the animals and people involved.

Please let us know when booking if your pet becomes very anxious around unfamiliar people, is fearful of veterinary handling, has previously needed a muzzle or sedation, or may respond defensively when frightened or uncomfortable.

These pets can still be cared for at home. Knowing about their needs beforehand allows us to plan the gentlest approach for them rather than asking them to cope with more handling or stress than necessary.

Depending on your pet and their previous veterinary experiences, we may recommend medication before the appointment. This may be dispensed by us where appropriate or arranged through your regular veterinarian.

Some pets may also require additional sedation once we arrive, and we will adapt our approach to how your pet is feeling on the day.

Our goal is always to keep the experience as calm and peaceful as possible for your pet, for you and for the people who love them.

In most cases, yes. There is usually no need to withhold food or water before an in-home euthanasia appointment.

If your pet is interested in eating, you are very welcome to offer their normal food or favourite treats. Familiar foods can be a lovely source of comfort, and treats can sometimes help us make the visit feel less intrusive for them.

Usual medications, particularly medications being given for comfort or pain relief, can generally be continued unless we have specifically advised you otherwise.

If we have arranged pre-visit medication for anxiety or fear, we will give you specific instructions about when and how to administer it. If you are unsure about any medication, please contact us before the visit.

Most pets pass very quietly once they are deeply relaxed and asleep.

There are, however, some normal physical changes that can occasionally occur as the body relaxes. Your pet’s eyes may remain partly or fully open. There may be a few deeper or reflexive breaths, small muscle movements, and occasionally they may pass urine or stool.

These changes can sometimes look unexpected, but they do not mean that your pet is awake, frightened or experiencing pain.

We will explain what is happening as we go and remain with you so that you do not have to interpret these changes on your own.

That is absolutely something we can plan around. Many pets we visit have significant arthritis, weakness, mobility problems or are no longer able to stand comfortably.

There is no need to move your pet simply to make the appointment easier for us. Wherever possible, we will come to the place where they are already settled and comfortable.

If your pet is particularly large or unable to walk, please let us know before the visit. This allows us to plan ahead for their comfort and for any assistance that may be needed afterwards.

For pets weighing more than around 20 kg, we may ask whether an adult family member or someone else at home is able to assist us in gently moving your pet to our vehicle after the appointment. We will guide you through this and take things slowly and respectfully.

If nobody is available to assist, please let us know beforehand so we can discuss what arrangements may be possible.

Absolutely. One of the benefits of saying goodbye at home is that the space already belongs to you and your pet.

They can be on a favourite bed or blanket, in your arms, outside in a familiar part of the garden, or surrounded by the people and animals they know.

You are welcome to play music, light a candle, say a prayer, share favourite foods, read something meaningful, include a cultural or family tradition, or simply sit quietly together.

There is no particular way a goodbye is supposed to look. If there is something important to you or something that has always been important to your pet, please tell us. We will do our best to make space for it.

No. You do not need a referral to contact or book with Compassionate Paws.

If your pet has been receiving treatment from your regular veterinarian, their medical history can sometimes be helpful, particularly if there are complex health concerns or medications involved.

With your permission, we can liaise with your regular veterinary clinic where needed. Following your pet’s passing, we can also let your usual clinic know so that their records can be updated and you are not placed in the difficult position of having to explain what has happened later.

There is very little you need to prepare. Choosing a comfortable place where your pet can settle and having their favourite bed, blanket or treats nearby can be helpful.

You may also want to think about who you would like to be present and what aftercare option feels right, but these decisions do not all need to be made in advance.

Please contact us as soon as you can if your pet passes away before the appointment.

If we have not yet begun travelling to you, the appointment can usually be cancelled.

If we are already on the way, you can still choose for us to attend. We can assist with transport and help arrange your chosen aftercare. In this situation, a $150 attendance and transport fee applies.

This replaces any cancellation fee — you will not be charged both.

You can read the full details in our Cancellation Policy.

We understand that circumstances can change quickly when caring for a pet nearing the end of their life.

If you need to cancel or reschedule, please let us know as soon as possible. Where possible, we ask for at least one hour’s notice.

Appointments cancelled with less than one hour’s notice may incur a $150 cancellation fee, particularly where we have already begun travelling to you.

We will always take the circumstances into account and do not want families to feel pressured to proceed with an appointment simply because it has been booked.

Full details, including cancellations, refunds and what happens if your pet passes away before we arrive, are available in our Cancellation Policy.

We keep our pricing as clear and straightforward as possible. You can find our current euthanasia fee, what is included and information about aftercare on our Fees & Service Area page.

If you book online, payment can be made directly by card at the time of booking.

If you arrange your appointment with us directly instead, we will send you an invoice. Payment can then be made by cash, card or bank transfer.

Compassionate Paws provides in-home euthanasia appointments across Perth and surrounding areas.

Our current service area is shown on the Fees & Service Area page. If you are unsure whether we can come to you, please contact us.

Our current availability can be viewed through our online booking system.

We are generally available on weekdays from around 5:00 pm onwards, with broader availability across the weekend. Appointments may be available into the late evening, up to around midnight.

Daytime weekday appointments may also be possible. We are continually working to increase our availability for families, so please call us to discuss your needs if you cannot find a suitable time online.

You can book an appointment online, or you are very welcome to call or text us if you would prefer to arrange things directly.

Please use whichever option feels most comfortable for you.

We primarily provide in-home euthanasia for companion animals. If you have a pet other than a dog or cat, please contact us so we can discuss whether we are able to help.