FAQs

This is one of the hardest decisions a pet owner will face. If your pet is in chronic pain, struggling to move, losing interest in food, or no longer enjoying life, you may feel it’s time to consider euthanasia. I offer a free phone consultation or Watsapp chat to help assess your pet’s condition and guide you through this decision with kindness and expertise or you might find this guide helpful. My Is it time quiz will help you know what behaviours to look for when your pet is starting to struggle

You know the environment that will best suit your pet and your family best.

Being at home means you can plan for the best time of day for children and other family members to be present.

You can allow other pets to have their own time to say goodbye.

You can avoid a busy waiting room, public scrutiny afterwards and a receptionist that may not be aware of what you have just gone through.

Most importantly many pets feel anxious at the vets and some can even behave very differently. Being at home removes all fear and uncertainty for your pet allowing you all to relax

The process is gentle, peaceful, and unhurried:

1. I will talk through your concerns and ensure you’re ready.

2. I meet your pet to help them feel at ease.

3. If you would like me to, I perform a gentle examination to confirm this is the right decision.

4. You choose the location where your pet will be most comfortable (home, garden, etc.).

5. I administer a sedative to help them relax deeply and remove any pain.

6. When you’re ready, I give them an anaesthetic to make sure they are completely unaware, before giving an overdose of anaesthetic to help them pass gently. This is painless and happens within seconds.

7. I confirm your pet has passed peacefully and allow you private time to say goodbye.

8. I can assist with aftercare options if needed, including home burial or cremation.

Yes. Many owners find comfort in being by their pet’s side, talking to them, stroking them, and reassuring them. There is no rush, you can be present as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.

It’s completely normal to feel uncertain. I offer a free phone consultation or Watsapp chat to help understand your pet’s condition and help you understand your options. My role is to support you, not to pressure you. Together, we will make the best choice for both you and your pet.

No. The process is designed to be painless and stress-free. The initial sedative ensures your pet is in a deep state of sleepy relaxation and contains an opiate for pain relief. The sensation of the sedative injection will be similar to when they have a booster injection. A lot of pets don’t really notice and I encourage you to further distract them with treats or head rubs. For some dogs this is a good time to let them have all that chocolate they’ve never been allowed to eat

• Choose a quiet, comfortable spot where your pet feels safe (e.g., their favourite bed or a sunny spot in the garden).

• Have family members present if they wish to say goodbye. Consider explaining to children ahead of time what is going to happen.

• Consider lighting a candle, playing soft music, or bringing a favourite blanket.

• Prepare any aftercare arrangements (home burial or cremation).

• Think about their friends if you have other cats or dogs. You may wish for them to be present or you might want to arrange alternative care for them, each pet is different

Once your pet has passed, I will:

• Give you time alone to say goodbye.

• Wrap your pet gently if you wish for me to take them.

• Provide guidance on home burial or cremation options.

If you choose cremation, I can arrange this for you and return your pet’s ashes in a way that feels meaningful to you.

Home Visits and end of life care starts from £350 depending on your location. I will provide a clear, upfront quote with no hidden costs, so you know exactly what to expect. You can find more details here

You can:

📞 Call me for a free consultation
📩 Email me or Whatsapp me with any questions
🖥️ Book online to register your pet and schedule a visit

I understand this is an emotional decision, and I’m here to guide you through it with kindness and care.

I cover the whole of Cornwall and some parts of Devon that are on the Cornish border

Yes you can but please be aware I can only provide end-of-life care. For any other Veterinary care needs please contact the nearest bricks and mortar practice and they will be happy to care for your pet

I’m afraid that reptiles require special care and facilities from a veterinary practice with a specialism in this area. Please contact your current veterinary practice for assistance

No! Vet at Home was set up by me, Kat. It is an independent veterinary practice dedicated to providing compassionate, in-home care for pets. This status allows me to focus solely on personalised, stress-free services tailored to each individual pet and their family, without the influence of larger corporate frameworks. My independence supports a flexible and empathetic approach, grounded in 22 years of veterinary expertise.