Gentle Goodbye Vets

26/03/2026

I would like to thank Pug & Puffin Lyme Regis for writing this, it is so difficult losing a beloved member of the family and I feel deeply honored to have helped Noah have a peaceful goodbye at home surrounded by the people he loved and who loved him. I'm touched by all the kind comments too, it is nice to hear I have made even a small difference to people and their pets, thank you everybody.

2 weeks ago this brilliant, kind and gentle vet came to our house to help Noah fall asleep for the last time.
He wasn’t our usual vet because although we love our usual vet, Noah did not!
We wanted to share Gareth’s details with you because we could not recommend him highly enough.
gentlegoodbyevets.co.uk

25/01/2026

I was deeply touched to receive this message from Ethel’s owner after she sadly had to say goodbye to her after a long and happy life.

Being able to help Ethel pass peacefully, calm and safe in a familiar place, and to give her owner the time and space to say goodbye, is exactly why putting pets to sleep at home matters so much.

Ethel is now resting in the garden she loved so dearly, where she spent her summer days. It feels like a fitting place for her.

I would like to thank Ethel’s owner for trusting me at such a difficult moment and for sharing Ethel’s story:

“I have thought long and hard since Ethel was put to sleep and my time with her since a kitten. I enjoyed seeing her getting older and over her last summer she spent a lot of time in my back garden where she enjoyed the tall grass where she would hide behind. And then pop out to say hello and sit down with me. I am so pleased that I asked you to put her to sleep as she was so calm and I had time to say good bye. I do not know if you realise what a skill you have, as not only did Ethel not panic but was so calm in my arms but as an owner you helped me so much and that you showed empathy with how I was feeling. I buried Ethel in the garden where she spent her summer!”

If you’re facing the difficult decision of saying goodbye to your pet and would like to talk about a calm, compassionate goodbye at home, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Gareth

06/09/2025

Sadly last night my phone battery decided to swell up and is now deemed a fire risk so I am without a phone for the next few days.

I can still be contacted by my website form: www.gentlegoodbyevets.co.uk and e-mail: [email protected].

I will likely be a little slower than normal replying for which I apologise.

24/06/2025

To date I haven’t really asked for reviews for my service, it perhaps felt a little intrusive and I was concerned about disturbing people who were grieving for the loss of their pet.

A client mentioned that when owners are struggling to make the hardest decision about their pet’s welfare then hearing some first hand accounts of others who have been through the same journey could help.

Emma wrote this review on Google about Alfred. They are such lovely photos of the very noble Alfred (he really befitted his name) I thought I would share them, and the kind review, here.

“Gareth was simply wonderful. I had been absolutely dreading having to make the decision for my best friend Alfred, who was a large German Shepherd and who wasn't so keen on the vets. My regular vet had been great but not able to make home visits without a few days warning, and when Alfred let me know it was time to go, I didn't want him to have to wait, so I contacted Gentle Goodbye Vets.

Gareth got back to me really quickly, and was at our home a couple of hours later. He took the time to make friends with Alfred, and has a lovely calm way about him, nothing felt rushed or pressured, so everything was was utterly relaxed when the moment came.

As an owner of a large and highly suspicious dog, I was worried about the actual process, and I was desperate for Alfred not to be anxious or know anything was wrong. Genuinely I cannot recommend Gareth enough... he could not have been more perfect with the dog, nor more competent at doing his job quietly, gently and with compassion.

After Alfred was gone, Gareth carefully wrapped him in a dog sleeping bag type thing with handles, and he was tucked in, so he looked comfy and as though he was just asleep, and very importantly, he still looked his normal dignified self as he was carried to the car.

I wanted him to be cremated and to have his ashes returned to me, for which Gareth made all the arrangements, I simply had to choose what sort of urn I wanted them in. He brought them back a few days later, along with some of Alfred's fur and paw prints.

I have tears streaming down my face writing this, it was the hardest goodbye, and I so wanted it to be absolutely right for Alfred's sake, and thanks to Gareth, it was.

If you are wondering, and worrying, and especially if you have a suspicious, protective dog, I strongly recommend you to use Gareth for their last moments.”

27/03/2025

Warning: Lilies Are Dangerous for Cats!

With Spring here and Mother’s Day this Sunday, many people will be sending or receiving beautiful bouquets of flowers. Did you know that lilies are highly toxic to cats? Even a small amount of pollen, nibbling on a leaf, or drinking water from a vase can cause potentially fatal kidney failure.

Last year the insurance company Petplan paid out over £1.5 million in claims for lily poisoning, making up almost half of all cat poisoning claims, highlighting the danger of these beautiful flowers.

To protect your cat this Mother’s Day:

• Avoid lilies in your home and gifts you give to others.

• Clean up any fallen petals or pollen.

• If you suspect your cat might have been exposed to lilies, contact your vet immediately.

• Cat’s Protection have a good guide to safe and dangerous indoor and outdoor plants: https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/home-and-environment/dangerous-plants

Share this to help keep cats safe.

09/01/2025

When is a Dog Considered 'Old'?

As a vet, I often hear that 7 human years equal 1 dog year. I have two dogs and a cat, all of whom I would describe as ‘old’. But what do we mean by 'old' for our pets?

A study in December by Liverpool University of over 800 dogs found that vets generally consider dogs old at 12.5 years. However, smaller breeds like Jack Russells are considered old at 14 years, while larger breeds like Labradors reach old age by 12.

Common health issues in older dogs include weight problems, mobility issues, dental conditions, skin lumps, and digestive issues.

You can read about the study here: www.liverpool.ac.uk/researcher/news/articles/when-do-dogs-enter-old-age-new-study-provides-answers/ and access the 'Ageing Canine Toolkit' here: www.bsava.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/3760-BSAVA-PetSavers-Ageing-Canines-Booklet_ARTWORK_DIGITAL.pdf

Many age-related ailments can be managed, so I recommend consulting your vet if you're concerned. Filling out the Ageing Toolkit could be helpful for your appointment.

If your vet can't do a home visit, I offer gentle at-home euthanasia for pets. You can find me at www.gentlegoodbyevets.co.uk or on Facebook.

Wishing you and your pets the best for 2025.

Gareth

12/11/2024

How Will I Know When It’s Time?

Deciding when to put a pet to sleep is one of the hardest choices a pet owner faces. Many factors play a role, including your pet's health, family perspectives, and options for medical intervention.

As a vet, my advice is to have an open discussion with your vet. Talking about end-of-life care in advance helps answer any of your questions and having a plan provides comfort when the time comes.

Quality-of-life scales can also help guide your decision. Although no scale can fully capture the right time, tools like the Ohio State Quality of Life Scale encourage objective reflection on your pet’s well-being:

https://vmc.vet.osu.edu/sites/default/files/documents/how-will-i-know_rev_mar2024ms.pdf

When the time comes, your vet may be able to assist with a home visit. If they’re unable to, I offer compassionate home euthanasia services in the local area and may be able to help:

www.gentlegoodbyevets.co.uk

Gareth

30/09/2024

Hello, I’m Gareth, a vet with nearly 20 years of experience, living and working in East Devon for the past eight years. You might have met me at one of the local practices working as a locum vet.

I understand how difficult it is when it’s time to say goodbye to a beloved pet. From my experience, I know that being at home, in a familiar and comforting environment, can make this moment a little easier for both you and your pet. That’s why I started Gentle Goodbye Vets, a home euthanasia service for cats, dogs, and other pets.

Your regular vet may offer home euthanasia services, if they are unable to, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I can come to your home to peacefully and gently put your pet to sleep, and if needed, I can also arrange aftercare, including returning your pet’s ashes to you following an individual cremation.

If you think you might need this service now or in the future, please like and follow my page. For more information and contact details, visit www.gentlegoodbyevets.co.uk.