Welcome to Pet Furwells

At Pet Furwells, we offer compassionate and empathetic pet home euthanasia services to help ensure that your furry friend’s final moments are as peaceful and stress-free as possible. We understand how difficult this decision can be, so we’re here to provide a gentle and caring experience, allowing you to say goodbye in the comfort of your home. We also welcome any special requests to honour your pet’s unique needs.

Our Services

Comprehensive and compassionate care tailored to your pet’s needs.

In-Home Euthanasia

A compassionate and gentle process completed in the comfort of your home, ensuring minimal stress for your pet.

Our Costs

Our home euthanasia service for cats and dogs within Hervey Bay and Maryborough is from $460. We provide custom quotes for each pet and location. We will also provide custom quotes for areas outside this, within the Fraser Coast.
Weekend and after-hours appointments are available and don’t incur an additional fee. Please reach out to discuss your needs and we can provide you with more detail.
If required, we also offer transportation of your pet after the appointment to the crematorium from $50.

For further details on our services, please refer to our FAQs.

Aftercare Services

Options for pet cremation or burial, including transportation and memorial keepsakes.

There are three main options for aftercare:

Private cremation: This is facilitated by an external company, Forever Ours, who we can liaise with as needed, to organise the transportation of your pet to the crematorium. The ashes will be returned to you after the cremation has been completed. The crematorium will liaise with you about further details including cost.
Group burial: We will organise transport of your pet to a group burial site, but please note the ashes/remains won’t be returned to you. The cost for group burial is dependent on the size of your pet, but starts from $70.
Home burial: For this option, you can organise to bury your pet at your home or another personally owned site. We can help to prepare your pet for this. There is no cost for this option.

For further details on our services, please refer to our FAQs.

About Us

Charlotte’s journey into veterinary care began with her beloved first pet, Cindy, a Dalmatian rescue. Unfortunately, when it was time to say goodbye, the experience felt rushed and clinical, leaving her with no chance to grieve. This profound moment shaped Charlotte’s mission to ensure that no one else faces such a heartless farewell.

Charlotte graduated from Massey University, New Zealand in 2016 and started in general practice. Since 2018, her focus has been on emergency medicine working across Australia in this field. It has been a privilege to save lives and treat many critically ill animals but whilst emergency medicine can be really rewarding, many patients are very unwell and families have had to make the tough choice to euthanase their pets which meant this became part of the position as a veterinarian in this field.

Charlotte wanted Pet Furwells to be a sanctuary for the families of the Fraser Coast, where goodbyes are gentle, heartfelt, and dignified. Charlotte believes in honouring the life and love shared, providing a calm and comforting environment for pets to pass on in peace. Her dedication is to create a space where every farewell is as meaningful and compassionate as the bond that was shared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to your most common questions with compassion and clarity.

What is home euthanasia?

At your home, during a time and day of your choice, a veterinarian will induce a final deep sleep with medications. This will minimise pain, stress, and suffering. Your pet will then pass on to somewhere wonderful where all their dreams come true and will be remembered by you forever.
Many pets fear the vet clinic due to previous experiences or the uncertainty of what may be inside. Home euthanasia allows your pet to peacefully and humanely pass in the comfort of their own home, giving you and your family the privacy to say goodbye to your beloved pet.

How do I know it is the right time?

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.

How do I make an appointment?

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.

What happens at the scheduled appointment?

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.

How do I prepare for a home euthanasia appointment?

As the euthanasia will occur at your home, you can choose your pet’s most comfortable or favourite place for this to occur.

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).

Can other pets be present for the euthanasia?

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.

What aftercare options do I have for my pet?

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.

What do I do after I have lost my pet and my pet has crossed the rainbow bridge?

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.

Who is behind Pet Furwells?

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.

What areas do we service?

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.

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help

Reach out to us for any questions or to discuss how we can support you

Call Us

Testimonials

Heartfelt stories from families we’ve helped.

I cannot recommend Charlotte from Pet Furwells highly enough. She was incredibly caring and compassionate throughout the heartbreaking process of saying goodbye to both our beloved dogs.

Our first experience with Charlotte gave us an extra six weeks with our boy after we initially cancelled. When the time came, she organised everything seamlessly, including cremation, and he passed peacefully at home surrounded by us and his fur family.

Sadly, two months later, we had to say goodbye to our girl. Charlotte returned my call and was at our home within hours, allowing her to pass peacefully in the place she knew and loved.

We will be forever grateful for Charlotte’s kindness and compassion. She made two heartbreaking experiences as peaceful as possible. ❤️

Loretta & Caius

The hardest night of my life was made easier with the beautiful care given to my boy mack. I was a mess but I was made feel like it was totally fine to let it out. Mack was so at peace and very well treated. Can’t thank you enough.

Nikki harris

Charlotte was absolutely beautiful through the whole process of us having to say goodbye to our precious dog. Charlotte was so caring, kind, empathetic and gentle. We really appreciated everything she did to make a hard day a little bit easier for us. Thank you so very much.

Kmara

We can’t thank Charlotte enough for helping us in our hour of need with our beloved 12yr old German Shepherd, Diesel. He went from a happy playful healthy ‘pup’ one minute, to seemingly suffering a stroke, and from that moment couldn’t walk straight, eat or drink. It was obvious the decision had to be made to help him pass on. Charlotte was compassionate from our initial contact. She attended the very next morning. She was patient and kind and very professional. She encouraged us to recall our fondest (& in our case, craziest!) memories of our highly anxious, but unconditionally loved boy!! Even though he was about to pass away, it brought smiles to our faces and took our minds off the sadness of the moment. She gave us all the time in the world to say our last goodbyes. She explained in detail, exactly what would take place so that nothing came as a shock or left us questioning the method. Diesel became as relaxed as we have EVER seen him – it was a moment we had always wished for, but have never witnessed. He got so relaxed and sleepy he even snored! When the family was ready, Charlotte administered the final dose that crossed him over. She left us to grieve until we were ready for her to take him away. Whilst we still miss him everyday, we simply could not have asked for a more honourable, peaceful and loving way for our devoted doggo to leave this world. Even the follow-up a week or so later, a Condolences Card and very thoughtful little gift has been treasured. Thank you Charlotte, from the bottom of our hearts.

Sharyn H

We had been blessed to have our beautiful little yorkie for almost 16 years.

When we knew we had to let her cross over, the memories of our previous experiences in vet clinics haunted us because of the terrified reactions from our much loved fur babies when they entered the clinics. We didn’t want to put her through that.

We were lucky enough to hear about Charlotte from Furwells and she went above and beyond to ensure our little one was calm, loved and peaceful throughout the entire process.

She rested in our arms, in her home surrounded by things that comforted her when she slipped into her eternal sleep.

Even though we are still heart broken from having to let her go, we are so very grateful that it was done in such a peaceful dignified manner surrounded by love.

Charlotte treated her so gently and ensured we were ok and informed about the care our little one received after she left us.

We are now and always will be eternally grateful to Charlotte and her team.

Marilyn and Bruce

Hi Charlotte.

A huge thank you to both you and Catherine for your kindness, compassion and professionalism last night. I could not have wished for a better experience for Sharni, Rosie and myself and am comforted by how pleasant and serene Sharni’s passing was.

Thank you again.

Wendy

When it was time to say goodbye to Bella, we wanted her to be at home, surrounded by the love and comfort she knew. Pet Furwells made this possible with such compassion and care. The entire process was peaceful, and Bella passed away in her favorite spot, with her family by her side.

Jane S. & Bella

Dr. Charlie Stenberg has been an invaluable member of our team at Nissen Street Veterinary Surgery for the last 2 years, primarily treating our complex and emergency cases and assisting with our end-of-life services.

She is an exceptional Veterinarian who is dedicated to providing the gold standard in veterinary services, particularly ensuring excellence and attention to detail in all that she does.

Dr Charlie approaches the more delicate aspects of veterinary care with kindness and professionalism, using best practices and protocols, ensuring a pain-free and peaceful transition for every pet while still showing extraordinary empathy to the pets and their owners during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

Feedback from our clients about Dr. Charlie has been overwhelmingly positive. Families who have needed end-of-life services often express their gratitude for the compassionate and dignified way in which Dr. Charlie handles euthanasia services.

Nissen Street Veterinary Surgery

I was very thankful that they were able to take us same day. They put us on the emergency list and was called about 20 minutes later , there was something available. Dr Charlie was absolutely lovely she was amazing with my dog so gentle and listened to what I had to say.

Chantelle

Dear Charlotte

I have been meaning to contact you to thank you for the handwritten letter you sent and the lovely quote you wrote. It made me smile!

I truly appreciated your support and empathy on the day Mr Bear left. It was a hard decision to make but you made the whole process so peaceful and truly special. And it somehow made me feel less remorseful.

A small piece of my heart was taken with him when he went and I will always remember how terribly kind and compassionate you were.

Thank you Charlotte for being you and for what you do.

Much love from the boys and me (Victoria)❤️

Victoria McEwan

Dr Charlotte really helped us say goodbye to our beloved dog Dusty in a peaceful and stress free way. She deteriorated suddenly and Dr Charlotte made herself available st short notice, talked us through the process with no pressure. Really helped us through a scary and sad time. Looking back it was a blessing to have the option of being home and I would recommend her kind service to anyone.

Kerry Murphy

We are so pleased we found Dr Charlotte, of Pet Furwells, when the time came to say goodbye to our beloved elderly dog, Kofu. Dr Charlotte made a difficult decision so much easier with her compassion, and gentle approach ensuring Kofu passed away peacefully. Thanks again Charlotte.

Geoff & Marie Crook

    
 
 
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   Loretta Bexon 
 
 
 
  We cannot recommend Charlotte from Pet Furwells highly enough. She was incredibly caring, compassionate and understanding throughout one of the hardest times for our family.

Our first experience with Charlotte was when we thought it was time to say goodbye to our boy. We arranged for Charlotte to come, but ended up cancelling at short notice when he picked up again. We were so grateful to have another six weeks with him. When the time finally came, Charlotte made everything seamless, including organising the pet cremation company to arrive within an hour of his passing.

She handled everything with such compassion and care, allowing us to feel at ease knowing our boy passed peacefully at home, surrounded by us and his fur family.

Sadly, just two months later, our beautiful girl deteriorated, and we had to make the heartbreaking decision to say goodbye to her too. Charlotte returned my call ant short notice and was at our home within hours, helping our girl feel comfortable and allowing her to pass peacefully at home, in the place she knew and loved.

Saying goodbye to our beloved pets is never easy, but Charlotte made both experiences as peaceful and gentle as possible. We will be forever grateful for the kindness, compassion and respect she showed our family and our precious fur babies.

Thank you, Charlotte, for allowing us to say goodbye at home, surrounded by love. What you do is truly special, and we cannot recommend you highly enough. ❤️
  
 
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   Jessica Shand 
 
 
 
  Dr Charlotte is an amazing person, there was no rush, the experience was personal and compassionate and she walked us through each stage at our own pace. I can not thank you enough Charlotte for your compassion and the gentle send off of my wonderful Gypsy-Rose.
  
 
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   Rachael Nidiffer 
 
 
 
  We can’t thank Charlotte enough for the compassion and care she showed us during one of the most difficult moments we’ve ever had to face with our dog.

She came to our home on very short notice, assessed his condition carefully, and gave us the second opinion we desperately needed. Her very soft, gentle demeanor immediately made us feel at ease. She listened to all of our concerns, answered our questions honestly, and gave us thoughtful advice without ever making us feel pressured or rushed.

Although she helped us make the incredibly difficult decision to let him go, she allowed us to come to that decision in our own time. She was compassionate, understanding, and completely respectful of how hard it was for us. Once the decision was made, she made absolutely sure he was handled with the utmost care and dignity, and she gave us plenty of time to say our goodbyes.

Having him pass peacefully at home, surrounded by the people who loved him, meant so much to us. Her kindness and gentle approach made an unbearable situation just a little easier to get through.

It was very clear from the moment she arrived that she genuinely cares about the animals she looks after and the people who love them. We are incredibly grateful that she was there for us when we needed someone compassionate, knowledgeable, and understanding.

Thank you for treating our boy with such love, dignity, and care. We will never forget it. ❤️🐾
  
 
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   Laurel Kimmins 
 
 
 
  I can highly recommend Dr Charlotte and Pet Furwells. Charlotte is a lovely caring and compassionate vet who made a very difficult time so much easier. It was very important that our old boy Danny was in the familiar and peaceful environment of home as we said goodbye. I would not hesitate to use Charlotte again when the time sadly comes. Thank you Charlotte.
  
 
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   Kathy Hodges 
 
 
 
  Charlotte was so lovely when we had to send our fur baby Buddy over the rainbow bridge. She was flexible in times to attend our home. Her presence was calming and loving and guided the family through the whole process. She gave us all the time we needed to say goodbye. Thank you for providing such a beautiful service. Buddy went peacefully around his loving family. I would definitely recommend Pet Furwells and Charlotte.
  
 
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   Ian Nicole Duncan 
 
 
 
  After 13 years of being part of the family, we could not imagine taking Bonza to the vet for his last moment and leaving him behind. We where grateful someone could come at home and help Bonza in his final moment. Thank you Pet Furwells to exist.
  
 
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   Jacqui Kennedy 
 
 
 
  Charlotte is an amazing, caring person who assisted with the passing of our dog Aryia 😢
She was so patient and did not rush the process.
I few days after her passing I received a beautiful card with flower seeds which so thoughtful 💖
  
 
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   Lauren Burgess 
 
 
 
  Dr Charlotte turned the most difficult decision of my life into a bearable, safe, quiet and beautiful farewell. I sent in an urgent request and she came as quickly as she could. My beautiful boy, Smudge, was 22 and simply ready to go, and to have him calmly and peacefully pass away in the same house he was born in was incredibly comforting. He hated the vet and especially riding in the car so to have the option of an at-home euthanasia is priceless to me. Dr Charlotte is polite, professional, respectful and just overall an angel of a human.
  
 
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   Gabby Fitton 
 
 
 
  I would highly recommend Charlotte to anyone and will never forget the kindness and care she showed.
She explained every step and made the whole process feel gentle and calm.
She is truly a caring soul who made an incredibly difficult goodbye feel as peaceful as it could be.
Thank you again Charlotte for your kindness, compassion and for the support you showed us during such a difficult time. We will always be grateful
  
 
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   Natalie Zeller 
 
 
 
  From the beginning to the end Charlotte was supportive and compassionate. I appreciate everything she did including the follow up. Thank you.