What to Expect

A gentle, peaceful goodbye at home.

To let a beloved pet go peacefully, comfortably and with dignity is one of the most meaningful gifts an owner can give.

Goodbye is never easy. We will respect and partner with you throughout the process, helping make your time together as gentle, peaceful and private as possible, in the comfort of your own home.

Dog and cat resting together at home

What happens during the appointment?

Every pet and every family is different. We will guide you through each step, answer your questions and allow the appointment to unfold at a pace that is comfortable for you and your pet.

When we arrive

We arrive with care, compassion and an understanding that every pet and every family is different.

We’ll take some time to talk with you, answer any questions, explain what will happen and discuss your wishes for aftercare.

There is no need to rush. We want you to feel comfortable asking anything that is on your mind about your decision or the process itself.

Sedation and settling

When you and your pet are ready, we will usually give an injection of sedative medication.

This allows your pet to gradually become relaxed and sleepy, helping minimise stress and allowing them to remain comfortable in their familiar surroundings.

You are welcome to stay close, hold them, talk to them or simply sit quietly together as the sedation takes effect.

There are uncommon circumstances where sedation may not be appropriate, and we will discuss this with you if it applies to your pet.

Placing the catheter

Once your pet is comfortably asleep and we are satisfied with the level of sedation, we will usually place a small intravenous catheter.

This allows us to administer the euthanasia medication with as little interruption as possible, minimising our presence during those final moments so that you can remain as close to your pet as you wish.

A peaceful goodbye

Once everything is ready, the euthanasia medication is administered through the intravenous catheter.

Your pet will remain deeply relaxed and will pass away peacefully.

You are welcome to hold them, talk to them, sit beside them or simply be together in whatever way feels right for you.

Throughout the process, your pet’s comfort and dignity remain our priority.

Time afterwards

After your pet has passed, there is no need to hurry.

You are welcome to spend as much time as you need saying your final goodbye. Whether you would like to hold them, sit quietly together or allow other family members and pets to say goodbye, we will respect your wishes.

We will give you privacy and space, and gently guide you through what happens next when you feel ready.

What happens next

Once you feel ready, we will talk through the aftercare arrangements you have chosen and make sure you know what will happen from there.

If you have chosen cremation, we will respectfully transport your pet with us at the end of the appointment, unless you prefer to arrange collection directly with Passing Paws.

We will have your chosen aftercare provider contact you directly, or you may prefer to contact them yourself to make the final arrangements.

Every pet and every family is different.

Some families have lots of questions. Others prefer quiet. Some pets settle quickly, while others may need additional time or a slightly different approach.

We understand that this is an incredibly personal experience, and we will adapt the appointment around you and your pet wherever possible.

Our priority is always to make your pet's final moments as comfortable, gentle and dignified as we can.

Here when you're ready.

If you have questions, need help deciding what comes next, or would like to arrange an in-home visit, please get in touch in whatever way feels easiest for you.