Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy.
At Animal's Journey, we provide gentle, compassionate in-home euthanasia across the Kāpiti Coast and Greater Wellington, allowing your pet to remain in familiar surroundings, close to the people they love.
We'll guide you through each step with kindness, understanding and time to say goodbye in your own way.
Knowing what to expect can bring a little reassurance during a difficult time.
We understand how difficult this decision can be. Before your visit, we'll talk through what to expect and answer any questions you may have.
When we arrive, we'll take time to help your pet settle comfortably and explain each step. We generally begin with sedation to help your pet relax before gently administering the final medication.
There is no need to rush. You can stay close, offer reassurance and say goodbye in whatever way feels right for you and your pet.
Surrounded by familiar sights, sounds and the people they love, your pet can spend their final moments in the place they feel safest.
Being at home allows your pet to remain in a familiar, comfortable environment, without the stress of travelling to a veterinary clinic.
You can choose a favourite resting place, whether that's a cosy bed, a sunny spot in the garden or somewhere your pet has always loved.
Family members and other pets can be present if you wish. Our role is to create a calm, supportive experience, giving you the space and privacy to share these precious final moments together.
There is no right or wrong way to remember a beloved pet. We're here to help you explore the options that feel right for your family.
After saying goodbye, you may wish to spend some quiet time with your pet. There is no need to make every decision immediately, and we'll gently guide you through the next steps.
We can discuss aftercare arrangements, including cremation options, and help you understand what is available for your family.
If you would like a lasting keepsake, we can also talk through ways to honour your pet's memory, such as paw prints or a small clipping of fur. These choices are entirely personal, and there is never any pressure.
Not sure how well your pet is coping? Our free Quality of Life Assessment can help you take a closer look.
Changes in your pet's wellbeing can happen gradually, making them difficult to recognise.
Answer a few simple questions about their comfort, mobility, appetite and enjoyment of everyday life. You'll receive an overall score to help you identify possible concerns and consider whether a veterinary assessment may be needed.
It only takes a few minutes, and you can complete it at home.
Animal’s Journey
When a much-loved pet is unwell or getting older, it can be difficult to know how they’re really feeling.
This short assessment looks at seven important areas of your pet’s wellbeing and can help you see the bigger picture.
This tool is intended as a guide and does not replace veterinary advice.
There is rarely one clear sign that tells us when it's time to say goodbye.
Changes in comfort, mobility, appetite, breathing and enjoyment of everyday activities can help guide the decision.
If you're unsure, we can assess your pet's quality of life and talk through your concerns together.
You don't need to make this decision alone, and there's no pressure to rush.
We'll explain the process and answer any questions before we begin, allowing you and your pet time to feel comfortable.
We generally start with a sedative to help your pet relax and become deeply settled.
When you're ready, we gently administer the final medication, allowing your pet to pass away peacefully.
We'll stay with you throughout, explaining each step and giving you the time and privacy you need. T
here's no need to rush.
There is no right or wrong way to say goodbye.
You might choose your pet's favourite resting place, surround them with familiar blankets and toys, or simply spend some quiet time together.
Some families like to share stories, play gentle music or take photographs.
Others prefer a peaceful moment without distractions.
We'll follow your lead and help create an experience that feels personal and meaningful for you and your pet.
After your pet has passed, you're welcome to spend some quiet time together.
There's no need to rush your goodbye.
When you feel ready, we can help with the practical arrangements and talk you through the available aftercare options, including cremation and memorial keepsakes.
If you prefer to make your own arrangements, that's completely fine too.
We'll respect your wishes and support you in whatever feels right for your family.
Yes, children and other pets are welcome to be present if you feel it's appropriate.
For children, it can help to explain what's happening in simple, honest language and give them the choice of whether they'd like to stay.
Some may want to say goodbye beforehand, while others may prefer to be nearby.
Other pets can also be given the opportunity to see or sniff their companion afterwards, if they wish.
Every family is different, and we'll support whatever feels most comfortable for you and your loved ones.
It's completely understandable to feel uncertain.
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest decisions we make, and it's natural to wish for more time together.
You don't have to make this decision on your own.
We can help you understand your pet's current quality of life, discuss their comfort and wellbeing, and explore whether there are ways to keep them comfortable for longer.
Our role is to provide honest, compassionate veterinary guidance, without pressure or judgement, so you can make the decision that feels right for your pet and your family.