Knowing what will happen can take away some of the fear. This guide walks you through a home euthanasia visit from beginning to end, including the parts people are often afraid to ask about, so that you can focus on your pet.
A vet visits your home, talks you through everything and gives your pet a sedative so they fall into a deep, calm sleep. When you are ready, the vet gives a final injection, usually into a vein in the leg. Your pet passes peacefully within a minute or two while you hold them. You can stay with them for as long as you need afterwards.
Before the visit
- Choose a place. Somewhere your pet feels safe: their bed, the sofa, a quiet room or a favourite spot in the garden.
- Decide who will be there. Family members, children and other pets are all welcome.
- Have a blanket or towel ready. Put it under your pet in case the bladder releases.
- Think about aftercare. Decide whether you would like individual cremation or a home burial. You do not have to decide everything in advance; we can talk it through on the day.
- Treats are usually fine. Unless your vet has advised otherwise, many families give a favourite treat.
Our team can book a registered vet to visit you at home, including evenings and weekends, and take care of cremation afterwards.
What happens, step by step
- The vet arrives and talks with you. They will explain what will happen, answer your questions and ask you to sign a consent form. There is no rush.
- Sedation. The vet gives a small injection, usually under the skin. Over 10 to 20 minutes your pet becomes very relaxed and drifts into a deep sleep. You can cuddle and talk to them throughout.
- Preparing the vein. Once your pet is deeply sedated, the vet may clip a small patch of fur on a leg and sometimes place a thin catheter, so the final injection goes in smoothly.
- The final injection. When you are ready, and not before, the vet gives an overdose of anaesthetic into the vein. Your pet slips from sleep into passing, usually within a minute or two.
- Confirming. The vet listens to the heart with a stethoscope and gently tells you when your pet has passed.
- Time together. Stay as long as you need. Some families take a fur clipping or paw print at this point.
What you may notice afterwards
These are normal and are not signs of pain or awareness. It helps to know about them in advance.
- Their eyes usually stay slightly open.
- They may take one or two deep breaths, or muscles may twitch, after they have passed. This is a reflex.
- The bladder or bowels may release as the muscles relax.
- Their tongue may be slightly visible.
Aftercare: cremation or burial
Individual cremation
With My Pet Farewell, your pet is cremated individually and only their ashes are returned to you, usually within 5 to 10 working days, with a certificate of cremation. Our team takes your pet into our care straight after the visit, so there is nothing more you need to arrange. You can choose an urn or keepsake at any time.
Burial at home
Some families prefer to bury their pet in the garden. That is usually allowed in England, but after euthanasia there are extra precautions to protect wildlife and other pets. Read home euthanasia and garden burial before you decide.
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Common questions
Does euthanasia hurt my pet?
Your pet is sedated first, so they are deeply relaxed and unaware before the final injection. Most pets feel only a small scratch from the sedation injection, much like a vaccination.
Can I stay with my pet the whole time?
Yes. You can hold, stroke and talk to your pet throughout, and stay with them for as long as you need afterwards.
Can children be present?
Many families include children. A calm, peaceful goodbye at home can help children understand what has happened. You know your child best; some prefer to say goodbye beforehand.
Why are my pet's eyes still open?
This is normal. The muscles that close the eyes relax, so most pets' eyes stay slightly open after they pass.
How long does the visit take?
Allow around an hour. The vet will not rush you, and sedation alone can take 10 to 20 minutes to take full effect.
What happens to my pet afterwards?
If you choose cremation, our team carefully takes your pet into our care for an individual cremation, and their ashes are returned to you, usually within 5 to 10 working days. You can also keep your pet at home for burial.
A calm goodbye, at home
A registered vet comes to you, and our team takes care of everything afterwards. Call or message us any time, day or night.
Request a home visit Call 020 3432 3240You may also find helpful
This article is general information to help you prepare. It is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Every pet is different, and decisions about euthanasia should always be made with a vet who has examined your pet. Last updated September 2026.
