The decision of euthanasia is a very difficult and personal one. At Pet Furwells, we understand that it takes a lot of courage to open the discussion about end-of-life and euthanasia. We know that euthanasia is a kindness that we can return to our pets for likely many years of devotion, love and friendship that our furry companions have given us.

Quality of life is the most important aspect that we assess when discussing end-of-life. Your regular veterinarian will be able to offer insight into this but we know that you, as furparents, know your pets best. If you feel that your pet no longer has a good quality of life, we encourage you to reach out to your local veterinarian or to us to discuss this.

Here are some questions that you can ask yourself that may help you to assess this:

• Is your pet in pain?
• Are the number of bad days outweighing the number of good days?
• Does your pet still get excited to do the activity he/she most loves (like going on a walk, greeting you when you get home or eating)?
• Is your pet deteriorating regardless of veterinary treatment?

If you have already made this decision to euthanise your pet or are unsure, please do not hesitate to reach out to us for further advice or support. Contact us via email, phone or Facebook.

• There is a button on the webpage labelled “contact us”, which will ask for a few details about you and your pet. Once I have received a booking request, I will contact you via phone to confirm further details. Alternatively, you can contact us via email, phone or Facebook.
• I will discuss a time and place with you based on your requirements. Generally, we require 24 hours’ notice for bookings, however urgent bookings can be accommodated.
• Payment is required prior to the day and details will be sent to you via email.

Our main goal at Pet Furwells is to provide the most peaceful and fear-free passing as possible. The whole process usually takes approximately 20-45 minutes.

• Your pet should not feel any pain during the procedure.
• Sedation is issued initially to reduce fear, stress and any pain that they may be feeling. This will also allow the placement of an intravenous (IV) catheter. Your pet may feel a small prick when receiving the injection, similar to their other annual vaccinations. The sedation will be individually tailored to your pet based on their size, temperament and level of anxiety. Depending on the medications used and the route given, this can take up to 20 minutes to take effect. There is no rush with this part, as our main goal is to allow your pet to feel comfortable and safe and allow you time to say thank you to your beloved pet and slowly say your goodbyes.
• An IV catheter is placed in a vein of the leg after clipping off the fur to allow visualisation to find the perfect spot to use medications. Please note that in some pets, IV access may not be possible due to severe illness.
• We want you to be involved in the process as much or as little as you wish. We may need you to assist and hold your pet for this part to help gain access to the vein or to comfort your pet whilst we place the IV catheter.
• When you and your family are ready, an overdose of anesthetic is given slowly into the vein that will gently stop your pet’s heart. This solution is usually green in colour and is more commonly known as “the green dream”. This part of the euthanasia is usually very quick, and your pet will usually pass peacefully within only a few minutes.
• I will confirm that your pet has died by listening for your pet’s heartbeat with a stethoscope.
• Some post-euthanasia changes may occur. These can be discussed with you further on the day. Please note that in severely ill pets, IV access may not be possible due to low blood pressure or hydration. There are other routes of euthanasia medications available to ensure your pet still has appropriate sedation and is comfortable, and these will be discussed with you if needed at the time.

• Consider what you would like around them when they pass. A comforting blanket or bed? Music? Their favourite food or toys?
• You can arrange for your family or friends to be present if you wish.
• There are many good resources online that we can direct you to that will help you with the grieving process.
• Discuss with your family what you would like to do for aftercare – we have more information in the aftercare section.
• You could also plan how you would like your pet to be remembered after their death. For example, with a ceremony or mementos (for example, paw prints/pictures).

Yes. Pets grieve just like us. Sometimes it can be helpful to have your other pets present for the euthanasia so that they know that their friend has gone and can understand slightly better what has happened. We recommend having dogs on leash for this part.

There are three main options for aftercare:

• Private cremation: This is facilitated by an external company, who we can liase with as needed, to organise transportation of your pet to the crematorium. The ashes will be returned to you after the cremation has been completed.
• Group burial: We will organise transport of your pet to a group burial
  site, and the ashes won’t be returned to you.
• Home burial: For this option, you can organise to bury your pet at your
  home or other personally owned site. We can help to prepare your pet
  for this.

Grief is the most complex emotion felt by many. You will likely go through the five stages of grief, just as much as if you lost a human family member or friend.

• It is important to do whatever you feel you need to.
• We are here to help if you need someone to talk to, to guide you through this process or to give you referrals to other professionals who may be able to help.
• You may wish to plan ahead and decide prior to the euthanasia appointment on a ceremony or actions you wish to take to help you get through this and treat yourself as the beginning of a healing process for you.

My name is Charlotte Stenberg and I am a qualified and experienced veterinarian with years of experience in clinical, emergency, advisory and caring roles and have always had my own pets.

• Hervey Bay
• Maryborough
• Other areas outside of this within a 45-60 minute driving radius can be requested but please note additional costs may incur due to travel time.