Saying goodbye at home
If you're reading this, you're probably facing one of the hardest decisions a pet owner makes. There's no rush here. These guides explain what at-home euthanasia involves, what it costs, and how to know when it might be time, so that whatever you decide, you decide it feeling informed and supported.
What does it cost? Our Home Pet Euthanasia Price Index 2026 has the prices Australian services publish, by city.
Is it time?
The question with no easy answer. How vets assess quality of life, and a gentle checklist to help you see clearly.
What to expect
Exactly what happens during a home visit: sedation, the process, how long it takes, and being there.
What it costs
Typical prices city by city ($300 to $800), what's included, and after-hours surcharges.
For dogs
Dog-specific guidance, including considerations for large breeds and mobility.
For cats
Cat-specific guidance: keeping the visit calm for a pet who hates the carrier.
Cremation & aftercare
Individual and communal cremation, home burial rules, ashes and keepsakes.
Not ready yet?
At-home palliative and hospice care: comfort-focused options before any decision.
Grief support
Pet-loss support lines and resources across Australia. Grief for a pet is real grief.
A quiet reassurance
Vets who offer home euthanasia do this work because they believe pets deserve a peaceful goodbye in a familiar place. They will never rush you, and asking questions, even ringing just to talk it through, commits you to nothing.
More guides
- How booking works
- Same-day visits
- After hours & weekends
- Sedation, explained
- Clinic vs home
- Large & giant dogs
- Helping children
- Other pets in the house
- If your pet dies unexpectedly
- Home burial
- Pet cremation
- Kidney failure: dogs
- Dementia in dogs
- Arthritis: dogs
- Cancer
- Kidney disease in cats
- Very old cats
Not sure what to do next?
We'll match you with a home visit vet who covers your area and email you their introduction. Reply to it and they'll call you. There’s no cost to ask, and no obligation.
Common questions
Can it really be done at home?
Yes. Home-visit vets across Australia perform euthanasia in the home every day. Most families say the calm of a familiar place (a favourite bed, the back garden, other pets nearby) is the reason they chose it.
How quickly can a vet come?
In metro areas, often same-day, including evenings and weekends (after-hours usually costs more). If your pet is suffering right now, say so when you call; vets triage urgent visits first.
Should the family be there? What about other pets?
Entirely your choice, and vets are used to both. Many families find being present helps; children and other pets can be included or gently kept apart. Our what-to-expect guide covers this in detail.
What happens afterwards?
The vet can take your pet for cremation, arrange a pet cremation service to collect, or leave your pet with you for home burial where council rules allow. See cremation & aftercare.
Find a vet who can come to your home
We'll match you with a home visit vet who covers your area and email you their introduction. Reply to it and they'll call you.