Paw Print Home Euthanasia- Pets

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.

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