FAQs

  • Palliative care is treatment, care and support for animals living with a life-limiting illness. A life-limiting illness is an illness that can’t be cured. Palliative care encompasses a multimodal support system including both conventional and alternative methods.

  • The best time to begin palliative care is when the family decides to cease all curative treatment options due to terminal illnesses or natural aging process. It is when the main focus is providing the best quality of life without the aim to cure the disease.

    At Horizon, we want to guide you through the journey from the moment you decide on palliative care so we can create a plan for you and your pets.

  • The purpose of palliative care is to provide the best quality of life for you and the pet. This includes:

    -pain relief
    -social
    -psychological
    -nutrition
    -hygiene, etc
    We aim to give the animals a comfortable and happy end of life whether it is days, weeks or months.

  • From the moment we arrive at your house, you will never be rushed as we understand that this is one of the most difficult moments of your life. We will chat with you to discuss the process and get any paperwork out of the way so you can focus on your pet. We can discuss where and how you would like to proceed to ensure it happens in the most peaceful way possible. Our process involves an injection of a sedative first to achieve a deep, relaxing state so your pet is very comfortable. This can take 10- 15 minutes or less for the sedation to take effect. We can give you privacy during this time so you can be with your pets while the sedation takes effect.

    Once sedated, we will place an intravenous catheter to allow for IV access, where we will give the euthanasia solution to allow him or her to pass. It usually takes a few seconds before the heart stops. During this time, you can hold your pet or be with him/her however way you would like. We will listen to the heart to confirm the passing. We do not want you to feel rushed at all. We will give you uninterrupted time to say your final goodbyes before we transport your pet.

    At Horizon we always work as a team, so you can fully focus on your beloved pets during the entire time, giving them the undivided attention they deserve during the final moments of their life.

  • We understand that it is difficult to decide the right time to say goodbye. At Horizon, we provide an objective Quality of Life Assessment, so if you are unsure, we will guide you. We can organise a time for a home visit, discuss your concerns and assess your pet in his or her own home environment. Please contact us to make a booking.

  • We will give your pet a sedation prior to the euthanasia. We aim to offer a pain and stress-free experience. This will allow for a more relaxing and peaceful passing.

  • The whole process usually takes 45 minutes to 1 hour, but it varies between families. The sedation takes 10-15 minutes or less to take effect. Once the euthanasia solution is given, it only takes a few seconds for them to pass.

  • The sedation given prior to the euthanasia ensures your pet is free of pain or stress during their passing.

  • We understand that the location of where to say your final goodbye is a very important factor in the decision-making process. We are open to suggestions and will try and accommodate your wishes as much as we can. Please contact us to discuss further.

  • You have two options. You can choose to bury your pet at home or to organise pet cremation. At Horizon Palliative Vets, we can take your animal directly to Edenhills Pet Crematorium after the euthanasia. They will then liase with you to organise the cremation details. The ashes will then be returned to your home.

  • Depending on what urns and memorabilia has been chosen, it can take anywhere from 10- 14 days. Edenhills will get in contact with you to discuss further details and answer any questions you may have.

  • We are proud to be using Edenhills for all aftercare. Edenhills has a 7 point tracking system via QR code so you can be reassured that the ashes that are returned to you are your pets.
    Our vets have personally visited Edenhills and met their staff. We can confidently say your animal will be treated with respect and dignity until the very end.

  • Home euthanasia pricing start from $425.

  • Quality of Life Consultations and general palliative care including pain relief/analgesia for pets dealing with chronic and acute pain, subcutaneous fluids for dehydrated pets and animals with kidney failure, advice on medical management of diagnosed conditions. Management and monitoring of quality of life and cognitive function of elderly dogs and cats. Management of osteoarthritis.

    End-of-life discussion with members of the family and preparation for euthanasia.

    Euthanasia of elderly, sick pets or when their quality of life is no longer acceptable.

  • Our opening hours are from 10am-6pm Monday-Friday, however we are usually also open on weekends and public holidays. Please contact us anytime if you would like to book an appointment outside of those times.

  • Yes, as long as it is listed as an item in your pet insurance. The payment will still need to be paid at the time of the service, but the insurance should reimburse you once processed.

    Please check your insurance policy.