🌈 Euthanasia & End-of-Life Care
At Pittwater Animal Hospital, we feel privileged to care for your pet through every stage of their life. When it’s time to say goodbye, we are here to guide you with compassion, honesty, and dignity.
While many people hope their pet will pass peacefully in their sleep, this is unfortunately rare. Most pets with chronic or life-limiting illness slowly decline. As their carer, you may be faced with making the heartbreaking decision to let them go—to prevent pain and distress. This is one of the hardest choices a family can face, and you do not have to make it alone.
🩺 The Euthanasia Process
When your pet’s quality of life is declining, your veterinarian will gently discuss whether euthanasia may be the kindest option. This decision will always be yours to make—we are here to support, not to pressure.
Euthanasia at Pittwater Animal Hospital is performed with gentleness and respect, ensuring your pet is calm, pain-free, and surrounded by love.
What to expect:
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You’ll have a consultation with your vet to confirm the decision.
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Your pet will be given a sedative and pain relief to help them relax. You can sit quietly with them while this takes effect.
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Once calm, we clip the fur over the forearm.
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A small intravenous line is placed.
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When you’re ready, a measured overdose of anaesthetic is administered.
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Your pet will pass peacefully within minutes. Gentle muscle twitches or breathing movements may occur afterward—this is normal and does not indicate discomfort.
You may remain with your pet for the entire process, or choose to leave at any stage. This moment is yours, and we will honour it in the way that feels right for you.
🕊 Caring for Your Pet’s Body
We can help you make aftercare arrangements that feel right for you and your family.
🌿 Home Burial
You may choose to take your pet home for burial in a favourite garden spot. We can help wrap your pet for transport if needed.
🔥 Private Cremation
We partner with Patch & Purr, a trusted cremation service known for compassionate, professional care.
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Each pet is given a unique tracking ID for complete transparency.
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You can choose to have ashes returned in a variety of urns or keepsakes, or select cremation without return of ashes.
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Our reception team can guide you through options and costs.
🕯 Group Burial
In this option, your pet is respectfully cared for and cremated with others. Ashes are not returned.
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Cost is the euthanasia fee plus $50–$150, depending on your pet’s size.
All arrangements—home burial, private cremation, or group burial—can be discussed with our compassionate team before your visit.
💬 Talk to Us
We understand this is a deeply emotional time. Please reach out if you would like to discuss your pet’s care, ask questions, or prepare for what’s ahead.
Make an Appointment with the Vet →
Call us on 9913 7979
Or message us through the website or email reception@pittvets.au
We also recommend reading our Caring for Unwell & Elderly Pets page for guidance on quality of life, veterinary support, and preparing for this stage.
📞 Contact Us to Discuss Arrangements
If you’re considering euthanasia or want to plan ahead, please contact us:
📞 Call Reception: 9913 7979
📧 Email: reception@pittvets.au
Or complete the form below and our team will be in touch:
