Deciding to say goodbye to your pet is an incredibly emotional and challenging time for a pet owner. While it is a heart-wrenching decision to make, euthanasia allows you to provide your pet with a peaceful and painless end to their life when the time comes.
The decision making process
As pets age, become unwell, or suffer a serious injury, there may come a time when you will need to make the decision for your pet to be euthanised to end their pain and suffering. While the team at Moorabbin Veterinary Hospital will always do all we can to keep your pet healthy and happy for as long as possible, we will always consider their comfort and quality of life during our care for them.
Making the decision to put your cat or dog to sleep is a very difficult and often overwhelming time for many pet owners. But you are not alone. Our vets are here to help guide and support you through this process and ensure that your petโs final farewell is as peaceful and comfortable as possible. We see our role as your petโs vet is to look after them through all stages of their life, and the very end of their life is no different.
What to expect next
Once you have made the difficult decision to euthanise your cat or dog, you may wish to spend some extra time with them before they are put to sleep. Unless your pet is acutely unwell, you may choose to take your pet home for a final night with them and bring them back to our hospital the next day.
Before we commence the euthanasia procedure, you will need to decide if you would like to stay with your pet during this time. While this can be a very confronting experience for some, accompanying your pet at the end of their life can give them great comfort, and may also provide you with a level of closure. However, if you would prefer to say goodbye to your pet before the injection, then this is completely understandable. You can be assured that our staff will be with your pet the entire time and provide them with comfort and care throughout the procedure.
The process of pet euthanasia is completely painless and is very quick. Firstly, we sedate your cat or dog to make sure they are comfortable. We then administer the euthanasia solution. Your pet will then peacefully pass away in less than a minute, and will experience no pain or suffering during this time.
Aftercare options
Once your pet has passed away, we will leave you to spend some final time alone with them. After youโve had the time to say your final goodbyes, we can organise the aftercare according to your wishes.
There are a number of different options available, including burial, individual cremation or communal cremation – all of which can be organised with complete dignity and respect for your pet. We can take care of this for you so you can allow yourself the time and space to grieve your loss.
Weโre here to support you
Being pet owners ourselves, we understand how hard it is to say that final farewell, and thatโs why we ensure your pet is treated with the love and care they rightfully deserve in their last moments. We are truly honoured to look after your pet throughout all stages of their life, and thatโs why we do our very best to ensure that your petโs last moments with us are as peaceful as possible.