Our Final Goodbye Process

At Kanwal Vets, when it is time to say your final goodbye to your loved one, we provide a warm, compassionate environment to help your pet pass peacefully surrounded by their loved ones.

This time is always an extremely heart-wrenching time. As their pet parents, you know your pet better than anyone else and you will have the best idea if he or she is suffering. Our Vets can guide you in making the most informative decision possible.

Once you have made the decision to proceed with euthanasia, you and your family may want to reminisce about the good times, and chat about the memories you all shared. Perhaps create a bucket list of experiences for your pet such as revisit their favourite places and give them some favourite foods.

Before the day of the euthanasia, decide if you would like to be present during the procedure. As hard as it may be to watch your pet pass away, remember that your presence will be a comfort in your pet’s final moments. There are some decisions you and your family will be faced with – whether you want to be present during the process, what aftercare options are available to you, and how does the euthanasia take place.

Before the procedure

Our reception team will ask you to sign a euthanasia consent form and confirm who is the legal owner of the pet before we can proceed. They will then walk you through the aftercare options, helping you to work out what it the best option for you, your family, and your pet. Once these decisions have been made, our veterinary team will then work through the next few steps with you and your family. Our team work very closely with Patch and Purr, an external private cremation company. If private cremation is not your preferred option, you may wish to bring your pet’s remains home so you can bury them.  

Once your aftercare option has been decided our staff will ask you to settle your account in advance. The last thing you will want is a tearful wait at reception after your pet has passed.

During the procedure

One of our veterinary nursing team members will take your pet to our treatment area and place an intravenous catheter in your pet’s foreleg. You and your family will be able to be together in our private consultation rooms whilst this is being done.  Once the IV line is placed, it allows an easier access to the vein and makes the injection process quick and painless for your pet. The euthanasia solution is effectively an anaesthetic overdose. The solution is administered via the catheter, where it rapidly travels throughout the body.  Within just a few seconds, your pet will become unconscious, experiencing no pain or suffering.  Breathing will slow down and then stop over the next several seconds.  Typically, euthanasia is a very peaceful process.

After the procedure

Your vet will provide you with some time and privacy with your deceased pet to say final goodbyes with your family. Once you feel ready to depart our team will take care of your pet and prepare them for the aftercare you have chosen.

Grief support

Grieving for a loved pet can be difficult as often people don’t recognise how painful pet loss can be and how much it can impair both our emotional and physical health, particularly for those who have never had a pet themselves. If you or someone you know is struggling with pet loss and grief, please visit this website for help and support. https://www.patchandpurr.com.au/help-advice/dealing-with-pet-loss/

Some of our private cremation vessel options