FAQs | Peaceful Pets

Is Euthanasia the right choice for my pet?

Deciding when to let go is one of the most difficult choices we face as pet guardians. There is no single answer that fits every situation, but there are some gentle considerations that can help guide you during this emotional time.

You might ask yourself:

Is my pet still able to enjoy the things they once loved?
Are they in persistent pain, even with medication?
Are they experiencing ongoing nausea or discomfort?
Are they eating, drinking, or going to the toilet without distress?
Does each day seem more of a struggle than a joy?
Deep down, am I delaying this decision more for myself than for them?

These are incredibly hard questions to face, but they come from a place of love and compassion. In our experience, families often wish they had made the decision sooner rather than later, it’s rare for someone to feel they acted too early, especially when their pet was beginning to suffer. One of the kindest things we can do for our beloved companions is to prevent unnecessary suffering.

Euthanasia, when the time is right, can be a gentle, peaceful transition — allowing your pet to pass with dignity, surrounded by the people they love most. To help you reflect on your pet's day-to-day wellbeing, you may find a Quality of Life Scale helpful. We are also always here to talk through your concerns and offer support without pressure.

What happens during a home euthanasia visit? Will my pet be calm and comfortable?

At Peaceful Pets, we take every step to ensure your pet’s final moments are as gentle, respectful, and peaceful as possible. We understand how important it is for this time to be handled with compassion for both you and your beloved companion.

The process begins with a calming sedative to help your pet relax and settle, whether that is in your arms or in their favourite resting place at home. This gentle medication allows them to drift into a deep, pain free sleep, surrounded by the people and comforts they know and love.

Once your pet is fully relaxed and sleeping deeply, the final medication is given through a simple injection. This ensures a peaceful passing while they remain fully unaware and comfortable.

We will always give you as much time and space as you need at every stage of the visit and nothing is ever rushed. Choosing an at home service helps avoid the added stress of travelling to a clinic, especially for pets who may have had difficult experiences there. Being in a familiar environment with familiar smells and comforting voices often brings profound peace in those final moments.

How much does a home euthanasia visit cost?

Our home visit euthanasia services begin at €295. The final cost varies depending on your pet’s weight and whether you would like to book private or communal cremation.

This fee includes:

• A pre-visit phone consultation to answer your questions and help you prepare
• A home visit from our experienced, compassionate vet
• All medications needed for both the gentle sedation and the euthanasia itself
• Up to one hour for the visit, ensuring you never feel rushed during this very important time

This level of personalised care can be difficult to provide in a busy veterinary practice, and it is one of the reasons many people choose a peaceful, at-home goodbye for their pet.

We believe in being transparent with our pricing, and you can find a full breakdown of costs, including information about cremation services — on our Pricing Page.

How Can I Pay for the Service?

When you book a service with us, you have flexible payment options:

Pay securely online at the time of booking using your preferred card.
Or, pay in person with cash when the service takes place whichever suits you best.

If you have any questions or need help understanding what’s right for your situation, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

What happens after my pet has been put to sleep?

Once your beloved pet has passed away, you will be guided through a variety of respectful aftercare options:

Home Burial or Cremation?

If you wish to bury your pet at home and have the capacity to do so, or prefer to manage transfer to the crematorium yourself, we will leave your pet in your care. Burial at home is often allowed, depending on local regulations owners often dedicate a garden area or memorial space.

Transfer for Cremation
Our veterinarian can transport your pet from your home to Cavan Pet Crematorium for their cremation. If you prefer, you may also bring your pet there yourself, where their quiet room is available for a private final goodbye.

If your pet weighs more than 20 kg, additional assistance may be needed to lift them safely. Please let us know at the time of booking so we can ensure the appropriate support is in place and that your pet is handled with the utmost care and dignity.

Once at the crematorium, you may choose:

Individual (Private) Cremation, which ensures your pet is cremated alone and their ashes are returned to you in a container or urn of your choice. Ashes can be kept, scattered, or placed in a memorial; some providers offer certificates of cremation and keepsakes such as paw prints, engraved urns, or commemorative items.
Communal (Companion) Cremation, where multiple pets are cremated together and ashes are not returned—this is typically more economical. Ashes are usually scattered in a designated memorial area at the crematorium.

For more information about our aftercare options, please visit our dedicated Aftercare page.

Is Euthanasia the right choice for my pet?

We provide home visit euthanasia and aftercare services across Dublin, Kildare, Leitrim, Longford, Galway, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, and Westmeath. If you are based just outside these areas, please feel free to contact us, as we may still be able to assist depending on travel time and availability.

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