When it's time

Gentle support for your pet's final weeks. Keep track of how they're going, plan a peaceful goodbye, and find a vet who can come to your home.

If your pet is in pain or distress right now, please call your vet or your nearest emergency vet.

How are they going?

This check is based on the HHHHHMM quality-of-life scale by veterinary oncologist Dr Alice Villalobos. Score each area from 0 to 10, where 10 is ideal. Doing it every day or two can help you see how things are changing, and gives you something to share with your vet.

Your scores and plan stay on this device. We only count that the tool was used, never what you write. Nothing is sent unless you fill in and send the form in step 3.

Score all seven areas to see the total.

Pain and breathing come first. On this scale, they outweigh everything else. If your pet is in pain or finding it hard to breathe, call your vet, whatever the total.

This is a way to notice changes and start a conversation with your vet. It isn't a test or a diagnosis, and your vet knows your pet best.

Source: Quality of Life Scale by Dr Alice Villalobos, Veterinary Practice News

Plan their goodbye

There's no right way to say goodbye. Choose what feels right for you and your pet, and leave anything you're not sure about. You can print your plan to share with family or your vet.

Where would you like to say goodbye?
Who'll be there?

Some people stay with their pet, and some say goodbye beforehand. Both are okay.

Their favourite things

Little comforts can make the day feel like theirs.

Check with your vet before giving special food or treats.

Will children be there?
Aftercare

Choosing ahead means one less thing to think about on the day.

Gaia can arrange it for you, gently and in your own time. A cremation through Gaia is from $295 incl. GST, with transfer into our care, a cremation certificate and their ashes returned in an urn. A burial through Gaia is from $495 incl. GST, with transfer into our care and a cemetery burial in a dedicated resting place. We confirm the price of exactly what you choose. You pay in full when you confirm, before we start.
Things to keep

Many vets and cremation providers can take a paw print or keep a clipping of fur. Ask before the day.

See memorial urns and keepsakes

Your plan is saved on this device as you go.

When it's time · Gaia

Our goodbye plan

    Made with Gaia at gaiaapp.net/pet-end-of-life. General information only, not veterinary advice.

    A vet at your home

    Euthanasia can be done by a vet in your home or at the clinic. Saying goodbye at home lets your pet rest somewhere familiar, with the people they love around them.

    General information, not veterinary advice. Your vet knows your pet best. If your pet is in pain or distress now, call your vet or an emergency vet.

    What usually happens

    1. The vet talks you through each step, and you can ask anything.
    2. For dogs and cats, many vets give a sedative first, by mouth or by injection. It helps your pet stay calm.
    3. The vet usually places a small tube (a catheter) in a vein in their leg. Then there's time to say goodbye.
    4. When you're ready, the vet gives an overdose of anaesthetic through the catheter. Within a couple of seconds, your pet is asleep, and then their heart stops.
    5. Afterwards, their eyes may stay open, and you might see a twitch or something like a breath. These are normal reflexes, and your pet isn't aware of them.

    The Australian Veterinary Association says dogs and cats can be euthanised at home, and that for other pets, like rabbits, mice, birds, fish and reptiles, it should be done at the clinic. Feeling grief, and sometimes guilt, afterwards is normal. Read more on Vet Voice, from the Australian Veterinary Association

    We'll help you find a vet who can come to your home

    Tell us a little about your pet and where you are. Someone from the Gaia team will get in touch.

    Our help finding a vet is free. Vets set their own fees. Ask for the cost of the visit and of cremation separately.

    Needed so we can help

    If your pet is in pain or distress now, please call your vet or an emergency vet rather than waiting to hear from us.

    This form sends only what you type here to the Gaia team, so we can help you find a vet. By sending it, you agree to our Privacy Policy.

    GRIEF SUPPORT

    Grief for a pet is real, and it can hit hard. Griefline is now part of SANE Australia. SANE's free Service Enquiries line, 1800 187 263 (weekdays except public holidays, 10am to 8pm AEST/AEDT), can help you find grief support. Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 224 636) are there any time, day or night, and Kids Helpline (1800 551 800) supports children and young people. Your vet clinic may also offer grief support. In an emergency, call 000.

    You don't have to figure everything out at once.

    Gaia can support you through what follows, with care and guidance when you need it most.

    Pet loss checklist

    A gentle step-by-step, before and after.
    Write a letter to your pet

    Put the words down, when there are no words.
    Pet star map

    See the stars that shone on their special day.

    Still have questions?

    There's rarely one right day. Keeping track of how your pet is going, for example with a quality-of-life scale, can help you notice changes over time. The Australian Veterinary Association says the decision should always be made in partnership with your vet, who can help you weigh how your pet is doing now and what's ahead.

    Often, yes. The Australian Veterinary Association says euthanasia can be done by a vet in your home or at the clinic. It says dogs and cats can be euthanised at home, and that for other pets, like rabbits, mice, birds, fish and reptiles, it should be done at the clinic. Ask your vet about what's possible for your pet.

    On the HHHHHMM scale by veterinary oncologist Dr Alice Villalobos, seven areas are each scored from 0 to 10, where 10 is ideal, for a total out of 70. Her guide describes a total above 35 as an acceptable quality of life. It's a way to notice changes and start a conversation with your vet, not a diagnosis.