How Does Pet Euthanasia and Cremation Work?
When you get in touch with Gentle Paws Farewell, we guide you through a clear and compassionate process, from arranging a home visit through to aftercare choices. We are based in Chichester and provide home visits across West Sussex and Hampshire, with appointments led by an experienced vet and shaped around your pace.
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Getting in touch
Contact UsReaching out can feel hard, especially when you are worried about your pet or not quite ready to say goodbye. Contact us in the way that feels easiest and we will take things step by step.
Ways to contact us
You can use the contact form on our Contact page, email us at enquiries@gentlepawsfarewell.co.uk or message by text or WhatsApp. You can also call 07940 252013. If we do not answer, please leave a voicemail and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We may be in an appointment or in an area with limited phone signal. You can also choose to book online using the booking form on our Contact page.
What we will ask you
To help us support you properly, we will ask a few practical questions when you book. This includes your contact details, address and any parking notes, your preferred date and time, and a short summary of your pet’s condition. We will also ask about your pet, including their name, age, gender and weight. For pets over 20kg, we may require some assistance with the transfer onto the vehicle following our visit.
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Optional pre euthanasia consultation
Start BookingIt’s understandable that some families want to talk things through before arranging a home visit. Our pre euthanasia consultation is optional and can help you feel clearer about next steps.
How the consultation works
The consultation lasts 30 minutes and takes place online or by phone. We will discuss your pet’s situation, answer questions and talk through what to consider. If a home visit is the right option, we will guide you through the next steps and help you arrange an appointment.
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Confirming your appointment
Start BookingOnce we have spoken with you, we will confirm the date and time for your home visit. You will then receive an email confirming your appointment. If you requested a specific date and time through the booking form, we will aim to meet this where availability allows.
If we cannot offer the exact slot requested, we will contact you as soon as possible to arrange a suitable alternative.
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The home visit
Read FAQsOur home visits are designed to be calm and unhurried. We take time to support you and your pet, following your pace throughout.
What happens when we arrive
On arrival, we will spend time meeting you and your pet, helping your pet feel at ease and talking through what to expect. You can ask any questions and we will explain each step clearly to give you reassurance.
Time to say goodbye
Appointments are up to 1 hour 30 minutes long, allowing space for you to process the difficult moment together. We move at your pace, give you the time you need to say goodbye, and only proceed when you feel ready.
Urgent appointments
Urgent appointments are often available. If you feel your pet is deteriorating quickly, contacting us early helps us arrange the best possible time to visit.
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Aftercare choices
Start BookingAfter saying farewell, you choose what happens next. Some families prefer to keep their pet at home for home burial. Others choose cremation, either with or without ashes returned.
Keeping your pet at home
If you choose home burial, we leave you and your pet at home, so you have the privacy and unhurried time to prepare for burial in the way that feels right for you.
Cremation options & what they mean
If cremation is chosen, we will carefully transport your pet to a crematorium, treating your pet with dignity and respect at every stage.
Individual cremation with ashes returned
Individual cremation means your pet is cremated on its own. When selected, ashes are returned and private cremation includes a scatter tube.Communal cremation without ashes returned
Communal cremation means pets are cremated together. With this option, ashes are not returned.If you are unsure which option to choose
Many people do not know what they want straight away. If you feel unsure, we will talk through the aftercare choices to help you decide what feels right. You are also welcome to arrange your own aftercare if you prefer.
Appointment times & availability
We offer a range of appointment times to support families as best as possible.
Typical appointment times
Daytime appointments are available from 9am to 5pm. Evening appointments from 5pm to 7pm are available when possible and there is no extra charge for these visits. Weekend and Bank Holiday appointments are subject to availability and include a £100 surcharge.
Pet bereavement support
Losing a pet can be a very emotional journey and support can help. If you need someone to talk to, you can contact the Blue Cross Pet Loss Support Line on 0800 096 6606.
