What is euthanasia?

Derived from Greek words defining “good death”; euthanasia is achieved when a patient passes without pain, fear or distress. Euthanasia is a very important part of veterinary care and your pet’s life - it means that your pet can be free of pain and suffering.

Euthanasia is fast, does not cause pain, and is the greatest gift we can give our pets. Euthanasia can take place in a veterinary clinic, or in the comfort of your own home.

It takes a massive amount of love, strength and selflessness to make the decision to say goodbye. We are privileged that we can gift our best friends with a peaceful passing. When they no longer enjoy the life they once lead; it is the last gift we can give them; a gift of love.

FAQS

  • As vets, something we hear often is “I would like my pet to pass naturally in their sleep”.

    This type of passing is extremely rare, and in fact, is usually long, painful, and distressing for your pet.

    It is common for families to call us in distress when their old pet starts passing at home and its not peaceful…we as vets dont know if we can get to the home in time to help make it better.

    This is absolutely heart breaking for all involved.

  • A gentle home goodbye allows for a calm, pain-free, special goodbye that can be shared with the whole family. Dr Taylah always gives your pet some pain relief and sedation so the goodbye is smooth, stress-free and most importantly no pain. Your pet deserves to feel good before they pass.

    Passing naturally (without the help of a vet) often includes some distress and pain.

  • Palliative care:

    When our pets are getting old and they start slowing down, there is so much we can do to help them age softly. From supplements, to medication, to massage.

    Palliative care ranges from years to days, depending on their health challenges. Palliative care gives them more time feeling happy and themselves.

    Find out if you can benefit from the guidance of a palliative care vet by contacting us today.

  • Dr Taylah says: a lot of people tell me “this must be the hardest part of your job as a vet”.


    but she says “when your pet is in pain & is suffering, I know that this is the kindest thing we can do…The hardest part about my job is when we have waited too long & it becomes an emergency, or your pet passes by themselves…”

  • We don’t always get the privilege of planning a farewell for our best friend. If they start struggling and aren’t going to make it, the best place to take them is the closest emergency hospital or clinic.

    Dr Taylah’s dog Penny passed away at age 7. One morning Penny couldn’t breathe properly - she was dizzy and couldnt stand up. This was completely unexpected as she was fine the day before. She was taken to the emergency clinic, but we couldnt save her… There was no time to prepare a special farewell. A clinic euthanasia was the only option. She still went fast, with no pain and it was the last gift we could give her. Dr Taylah instead celebrates Penny’s life but talking about her often and doing something special on her anniversary.

    Dr Taylah hopes that one day she can gift her loved ones with a special goodbye, just like the ones she does for you.