Over the Rainbow Bridge FAQs
Information regarding our gentle, at-home euthanasia service
What is euthanasia?
Euthanasia is a compassionate, peaceful way to end your pet’s life when they are suffering from a terminal illness or experiencing significant pain that cannot be managed effectively. It is a painless procedure performed by a vet, allowing your pet to pass away gently in a calm environment.
How will I know when it’s the right time to say goodbye?
Knowing when to say goodbye to a beloved pet is incredibly difficult, and there is no perfect answer. We recommend consulting with your vet to assess your pet’s quality of life, considering factors like their ability to eat, drink, move, and engage with you. If your pet is in significant pain or has lost their ability to do these things, it may be time to consider euthanasia.
If you are unsure, we offer consultations to help guide you through this decision, and we can provide insight into your pet’s condition and options moving forward.
Can I be with my pet during the euthanasia process?
Absolutely. One of the most compassionate aspects of at-home euthanasia is that you can be present with your pet in a familiar, comfortable setting. Your pet will be surrounded by their loved ones, ensuring a peaceful, dignified experience.
How does at-home euthanasia work?
At-home euthanasia allows your pet to pass peacefully in the comfort of their own home. Here’s a general overview of the process:
Initial introduction: We will confirm with you your decision, ensure everyone is comfortable, and guide you through the process.
Sedation: To ensure your pet is relaxed and pain-free, a sedative is given to help them drift off to sleep.
Euthanasia: Once your pet is relaxed, a painless injection is administered to peacefully stop their heart. This usually takes only a few minutes.
How can I prepare for the euthanasia appointment?
Ensure your pet is comfortable and in a familiar, quiet place where they feel safe.
Consider having family members or loved ones present who wish to say goodbye.
Make sure there’s enough space for us to work comfortably, but you don’t need to worry about creating a specific environment.
We strongly recommend having plenty of towels and/or blankets available; not only for your pets comfort, but also to wrap/cover them with once they have passed. It it also quite common for pets to toilet once they have passed away, so it is important to prepare for this possibility.
If you are opting for cremation for your pet, it is advisable that you arrange this for the end of the day of our visit
What happens after the euthanasia?
After the procedure, we confirm that your pet has passed and will cover them and or wrap them in a blanket or towel for you. We are unable to remove the bodies when we leave. If you are not planning to bury your pet, cremation must be arranged by you; we recommend Cherished Hearts Cremations or Dignity Pet Crematorium. If you do choose to have your pet cremated, we recommend that you contact Cherished Hearts or Dignity once we have confirmed the date and time of our visit; collection should be at least 2 hours after our visit. Further information can be found via links at the bottom of this page.
Is there a cost for at-home euthanasia?
We offer a transparent pricing structure, and we will inform you of all costs upfront during the booking process. Full information can be found via the link at the bottom of this page.
What should I expect in terms of my pet’s comfort during euthanasia?
We aim to make this experience as calm and gentle as possible for your pet. The sedative will ensure that your pet is relaxed and pain-free, so they won’t experience any distress. Euthanasia itself is a painless, humane procedure that happens swiftly, and pets pass in a peaceful manner.
Can I request a specific time for the euthanasia appointment?
Euthanasia appointments are prioritised over standard appointments as we know that clients experience a range of emotions on the day, that is helped by knowing we will be there within a certain time frame. As always, it is a mobile clinic so appointment times are an ETA. Please let us know if you have any concerns regarding timing.
How soon can I schedule the euthanasia?
We understand that this is a difficult time, and we aim to schedule euthanasia appointments as quickly as possible. If you feel the need to make arrangements immediately, please contact us, and we’ll aim to prioritise your appointment based on our availability. We strongly advise booking with as much notice as possible, in order for us to guarantee availability
What if my pet is nervous or anxious about the process?
For pets who may be anxious or reactive, we recommend a home visit pre-planning appointment prior to the euthanasia. This allows us to assess their behaviour and prescribe medications to help them relax and feel calm and peaceful on the day we let them go and take their pain away. Our goal is to make their last moments as beautiful and calm as possible.
What if I have other pets at home?
If you have other pets at home, we understand that they may be sensitive to the changes in the household. It’s important to give them space and comfort during this time as well.
How do I know I’m making the right decision?
Making the decision to say goodbye to your pet is never easy, and it is completely normal to feel uncertain. We are here to support you and will provide honest, compassionate guidance through this process. If you are unsure, booking a consultation can help you assess your pet’s condition and guide you through your options.
I need extra support while grieving. Who can I contact?
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Grieving the loss of a pet is incredibly difficult, and for some, extra support is needed. Thankfully, there are plenty of options available; The Blue Cross have their own dedicated Pet Loss Support Line, Cats Protection have their own Grief Support, dedicated to cat owners, and there are also many trained professionals in Pet Bereavement. For more information on these services, please see the links below