Pet Euthanasia At Home in  Bootle

A compassionate farewell at home

At The Vaccine Vet, I understand how difficult it is to say goodbye. I provide pet euthanasia at home in Bootle, supporting families across Liverpool with calm, compassionate care for their pets.

My Personal Journey as a Small Animal Vet and Dog Owner

Clients who have met me before may know that I used to travel across the North West with my beloved Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Poppy. She was my constant companion for five years ,my shadow.Sadly, Poppy suddenly developed kidney failure. She lost interest in walks and eating. Although we initiated treatment, her condition showed little improvement. One day, as usual, she accompanied me through my routine, but she did not eat at all and went straight to her bed upon returning home. She did not touch her food or water. The moment I had long dreaded had arrived. While my mind told me to wait and see how she fared overnight, my heart knew she was uncomfortable, and I could not bear the thought of her suffering.

I understood that prolonging her discomfort would only worsen her condition :she deserved better. As I do with every pet during a home euthanasia visit, I first administered a sedative in the comfort of her familiar environment. Afterward, I gave the final injection. Poppy passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones.

As a veterinarian and former dog owner, I am deeply committed to ensuring a peaceful and dignified end-of-life experience for your cherished companion.

The Euthanasia Process

Before administering any medication, a consent form must be signed. I understand how emotionally difficult this can be, but veterinary surgeons are legally and ethically required to obtain written consent before performing euthanasia.

I always provide sedation and pain relief prior to the euthanasia injection. A fine needle is used to administer a sedative under the skin, and within 4–5 minutes, your pet will gently fall asleep. Once your pet is fully sedated, I will clip a small area of fur (usually on the front leg )to access a vein and deliver the final injection. This procedure is entirely painless.

The second injection works very quickly, typically within 10 seconds. You may notice a brief increase in breathing, which is a natural reflex and not a cause for concern. Breathing will then slow until it stops, followed by the heart. At that point, I will use my stethoscope to confirm that the heart has stopped beating.

Please note: After passing, your pet’s eyes may remain open. Some pets may exhibit gasping movements or muscle twitches. These are involuntary and unpredictable physical reflexes that occasionally occur, they do not indicate pain or distress.

Aftercare and Final Moments

From experience, I know that these final moments with your pet will stay with you for a long time, possibly forever. You deserve the opportunity to say goodbye in your own way.

I will wait outside your home to give you privacy and time to be alone with your pet, ensuring a peaceful and undisturbed farewell.

Aftercare Options

Communal Cremation:

Pets in Bootle are taken to a trusted local crematorium in the Liverpool area. Ashes are not returned, though a certificate of cremation is available if requested.

Individual Cremation:

Individual cremation for Bootle pets is carried out at a reputable crematorium, with ashes returned in a scatter tube and handled respectfully.

Home Burial:

Home burial in Bootle must comply with DEFRA guidance.

Price List

Cats (Liverpool area):

  • Home euthanasia cat: From £220
  • Home euthanasia + communal cremation cat: From £320
  • Home euthanasia + individual cremation cat (ashes returned in scatter tube): From £385

 

 

Dogs: (Home euthanasia ONLY )

  • Small dog (under 10 kg): From £260
  • Medium dog (10–20 kg): From £270
  • Large  dog (20–40 kg):  From £290
  • Extra Large dog (over 45 kg): From £390

 

Dogs Home Euthanasia & Individual Cremation (Includes ashes returned in scatter tube)

  • Small dog (under 10 kg) From£445
  • Medium dog (10–25 kg) From £490
  • Large dog (25–40 kg) From £540
  • Extra Large dog (over 45 kg): from £635

Additional options such as wooden caskets, paw prints, and personalised urns are available upon request. Please don’t hesitate to inquire if you have specific preferences.