When Is It Time to Say Goodbye to Your Pet?

Knowing When It’s Time: A Gentle Guide to Saying Goodbye to Your Pet at Home

For Jake, the hardest moment came when he noticed that Luke - his 14-year-old Border Collie, no longer showed interest in his favorite ball or their weekend walks along Perrin Park. Once the most energetic dog in the park, Luke had started to move slower, sleep more, and avoid food. Jake wondered: “Is this just old age, or is it time to say goodbye?”

It’s one of the most difficult decisions a pet owner will ever face. At VetCare2U, we understand how deeply Brisbane families love their pets, and we’re here to help guide you through this emotional journey with care, clarity, and compassion.

What Are the Signs?

While every pet is unique, there are common indicators that your beloved companion’s quality of life may be declining:

• Persistent pain or discomfort despite medication

• Loss of mobility or inability to walk, stand, or move without distress

• Extreme fatigue or lack of interest in daily activities

• Weight loss, loss of appetite, or dehydration

• Accidents indoors and inability to control bodily functions

• Isolation or personality changes - hiding, growling, or disinterest in affection

If several of these signs appear over time, it's a signal to have a compassionate, in-home assessment with a vet who understands end-of-life care.

Why In-Home Euthanasia Can Be the Kindest Goodbye

Jake reached out to VetCare2U and scheduled an in-home consultation with Dr. Esther. After examining Luke and discussing his recent changes, they decided together that it was time to let him go - peacefully, at home, without fear or stress.

On the day of the visit, Dr. Esther brought calm, comfort, and dignity to Luke’s final moments. Jake sat beside his loyal friend, gently holding his paw as Luke passed peacefully on the same sunny deck where he had lounged every morning for years.

Jake later shared:

“It wasn’t just peaceful - it was beautiful. Luke’s last memory was being home, surrounded by love. I’ll never go back to the clinic for something like this.”

Brisbane’s Trusted In-Home End-of-Life Pet Service

VetCare2U supports families throughout Brisbane - from West End to Ascot, Carindale to Ashgrove, with in-home euthanasia services that prioritise your pet’s emotional and physical comfort.

Learn more about our end-of-life care and what to expect during this process.

Aftercare & Support

VetCare2U offers:

• Private cremation with personalised urns

• Memorial paw prints and fur clippings

• Pet loss grief resources and family guidance

• Home burial support where permitted by council

Every detail is handled with dignity and compassion.

Not Sure If It’s Time Yet?

That’s okay.

Many pet owners feel unsure. VetCare2U can provide a Quality of Life assessment in your home to help guide the decision. Sometimes, a bit of palliative care or medication can help improve your pet’s comfort before the final goodbye.

Call us at 1300 164 948 or quickly fill out the form to schedule a consultation, or learn more about the process via our Services section.