Paw Print Home Euthanasia- Pets

04/11/2026

"I am worried that my pet won't understand that its companion has passed away."

I hear this concern from owners on a regular basis, and it is often the driving reason for their decision to have a home euthanasia. Pets vary in their response to the death of a companion pet, from grieving deeply to showing no outward behavioural changes. However, all pets do need to process the loss of a companion, and a home euthanasia provides them with the vital closure they may need.

When a pet passes away, surviving pets recognise the deep shift in the household dynamic through changes in routine, scent, and their owners' emotional state. Opting for home euthanasia allows your surviving pets to be a part of the transition, allowing them to process the scent changes associated with death, preventing the confusion and distress that some pets might experience if their companion simply "disappears".

If you have questions about the process of a home euthanasia or how you can support other pets in the household during this difficult time, please feel free to reach out to our team.

13/10/2026

The Ginger Ninja, the Timid Tabby, and the Cantankerous Calico.

This post is dedicated to our feline friends.

There is something truly special about senior cats. Whether they are cranky, cuddly, confused, or shy, our vets at Paw Print love them all.

Cats are very bonded to their environment and often find a trip to the vet clinic incredibly stressful. The dreaded carrier, the car ride, and the unfamiliar sights and smells of a busy waiting room can cause a lot of anxiety during an already difficult time.

This is why home euthanasia is especially meaningful for cats. It removes the panic of travel and allows them to spend their final moments exactly where they feel safest.

If you are preparing for this transition and want to learn more about how we can assist, please reach out to us.

31/08/2026

Announcing our support for Pet Refuge!

My colleagues and I, here at Paw Print Home Euthanasia, are excited and proud to announce that we will be supporting Pet Refuge in memory of every pet we visit, starting September 1st.

Paw Print will make a donation in their name to Pet Refuge, a charity working both nationally and in our local community to provide a safe, temporary haven for pets experiencing family violence.

Because most emergency housing providers do not allow pets, many victims stay in dangerous situations to protect them. We can help break this cycle by providing vital food, shelter, and medical care to animals in crisis, giving families the peace of mind they need to seek safety.

For more information about this amazing charity, visit

When violence became life-threatening, *Monty's family had to flee. With nowhere safe for him to go, he was left behind and kept tied outside without regular meals.

09/08/2026

Celebrating this part of the Journey

Celebrate your senior dog's final chapter by creating a gentle "bucket list" filled with their favourite things. Focus on simple, low-energy joys that bring comfort and happiness.

🌟 Senior-Friendly Bucket List Ideas:

The "Sniffari": Take them for a slow walk, or pack them into a wagon, stroller, or the car for a tour of their favourite scents. Unlike sight and hearing, most dogs keep a strong sense of smell as they age.

The Forbidden Treat: Treat them to a taste of something they always wanted but couldn't have, like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bite of steak.

The Sunshine Soak: Move their favourite bed directly into a warm patch of morning sun on the grass.

The Memory Maker: Schedule a relaxed photo session focusing on the quiet, everyday moments you share together.

As your pet's bucket list winds down, making decisions about their peaceful passing can feel overwhelming. If you are considering an in-home euthanasia, please feel free to reach out to us today, to see how we can help you plan a gentle, dignified farewell at home.

* Photo credit: the very lovely Waikato Boarding Kennels and Cattery, Taupiri

22/07/2026

Processing Grief 🤍

I once heard a beautiful saying that grief is just another form of love. In my years of supporting families through home euthanasia, I have seen just how true this is.

Grief doesn't follow a timeline:
✨ It can begin the moment you receive a terminal diagnosis.
✨ It can start when the final plan for euthanasia is made.
✨ It can be delayed, hitting you long after your beloved pet has crossed the rainbow bridge.

Grief has many layers, many colours, and it changes over time.

To anyone walking this heavy path right now: please know that your pain is normal, and your grief is valid. It is simply a reflection of your deep love.

Please lean on your whānau, seek professional support if you need it, and know that our team is always a safe, compassionate space for you during your journey.

28/05/2026

Saying goodbye to Win.

Back in 2020, my beloved 16-year-old retired Heading dog, Win, began to deteriorate quickly. Within just a few weeks, my team and I made the heartbreaking diagnosis of lung cancer.

The turning point came on a day I brought home some KFC. When Win refused a piece—losing her appetite for fried chicken alongside her growing struggle to breathe—I knew in my heart it was time.

We spent that final morning together, basking in the warmth of the sun. Later that day, I was able to peacefully say goodbye to my good friend right there on our farm. I was so incredibly thankful for the privacy, peace, and comforting surroundings of our own home. Win, like many dedicated working dogs, had always felt uneasy inside buildings. Being outdoors in her element was exactly where she belonged.

As a veterinarian, I deeply understood my privilege in being able to gift her this gentle final chapter at home. That profound experience with Win is part of the reason Paw Print Home Euthanasia was born in 2021. We believe every pet deserves that same dignity, and we want to ensure as many families as possible can access this comforting service for their own cherished friends.

22/03/2026

How can I help prepare myself and my family for a home euthanasia?

1. Ask questions. Our service provides a video where I discuss the process of a home euthanasia. If your veterinarian doesn't have similar resources, just ask them to explain the process of what will happen during a visit. People have a much easier time taking in this information prior to a visit than during the visit.

https://pawprint.co.nz/2021/10/26/what-is-home-euthanasia/

2. Plan the day. This applies to in-clinic euthanasias as well. Some people plan a trip with their pet to the beach or McDonalds, while some people make a cup of tea and turn on a movie. It helps to provide some structure to the process by making a plan for the day or evening before the euthanasia visit.

3. Talk to your family or loved ones. Let them know they can be as involved (or not) as they choose. Help them make their plan for the visit, and give them space to ask questions as well. One of the most beautiful aspects of home euthanasia is the flexibility provided by being in the home environment, which allows people to be present during a visit while still remaining at their comfort level.

4. Choose. Pick the music, the surroundings, the beloved toys, or whatever is important to you. This is your journey with your pet.

29/01/2026

This is a repost from 2023, but it is as relevant as ever...

"How do you do your job?"

I get this question a lot during home euthanasias. Sometimes it even comes out as "You must have the worst job ever" (don't worry, I understand the appreciation behind that comment!)
We are all built to handle different challenges in our lives. I would struggle to handle the challenges of being a teacher, or a human doctor, or a stay-at-home mother (a big thank you to stay-at-home mums, including my own). I am designed for extremely stressful events, and as a result I do most of my work in emergency, animal welfare, and home euthanasia. It's what I'm built for.

Certainly, there is an emotional toll for vets during home euthanasias. There is also an emotional toll during in-clinic euthanasias. There is an emotional toll in explaining a cancer diagnosis, answering the on-call phone, and managing a disease outbreak in a herd. As veterinary staff, we are constantly developing our coping strategies regarding our emotional workloads.

And I am at peace with this aspect of my profession. By offering home euthanasia, I can attempt to remove a small amount of emotional pain for owners and insert a small amount of grace into this most difficult part of the journey. And that small impact, that means the world to me.

🐾

Send a message to learn more

25/11/2025

Elderly cats and hyperthyroidism

Although increased thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) can occur in cats under 10 years of age, it usually occurs in older cats. It is relatively common, affecting up to 10% of older cats.

The most common signs of hyperthyroidism are weight loss (despite an increased appetite) and irritability. Hyperthyroidism is almost always treatable, but does require life-long daily treatment. Without treatment, a cat with hyperthyroidism will gradually lose weight and become emaciated, requiring euthanasia.

Cats can be monitored for the development of hyperthyroidism with a simple blood test; it is highly recommended that all cats over 10 years of age have a yearly blood test that includes thyroid and kidney function.

Remember that weight loss in older cats is not necessarily due to old age!

Send a message to learn more

27/10/2025

Here at Paw Print, we understand that being able to accompany pets and owners during the final stages of a pet's journey is a privilege and honor, and we often get messages of thanks after our visits.

This bit of feedback is one of the many messages of love that we have recieved from owners over the years:

"I just want to begin by saying that I'm very grateful that people like you exist, doing the work you do, in the way you do. It's a tremendous act of standing in the breach and bringing all of your skill, courage and intuition to help pets and their pet parents navigate something that feels impossible.

Today was incredibly hard, but your quiet confidence, gentle demeanour and skill steered us safely through the storm we never wanted to face but knew would one day befall us. Having you there made all the difference in the world. We are truly grateful."