End of Life Care

Firefly Integrative Care is here to support you and your pet through their final days — offering compassionate in-home euthanasia that honours their comfort, dignity, and the bond you share.

We know your pet is a member of your family.

We treat every pet with the same love, respect, and dignity we would want for our own.

We offer veterinary hospice support and peaceful in-home euthanasia to ensure that when the time comes, your pet can pass away in the comfort of home, surrounded by their family.

Our focus is on minimizing pain and stress – allowing your pet to spend their final moments in familiar surroundings rather than a veterinary clinic.

We know how deep the human-animal bond goes, and we honour that bond with the utmost respect and kindness during this difficult journey.

Questions You May Have

  • This is one of the hardest decisions a pet guardian faces. We’re here to talk it through with you and can provide tools like a Quality of Life (QOL) scale to help guide your thinking. If you’re unsure, we encourage you to reach out for a conversation with our vet.

  • Choose a quiet, comfortable space where your pet feels safe — this might be their favourite bed, a cozy rug by the fire, or in the sunshine of the garden. You're welcome to light a candle, play soft music, or have anything meaningful for the moment. It’s okay if other friendly pets want to be nearby.

    You can also have your pet’s favorite foods or special treats (ice cream, chocolate, burger & fries) available to offer them.

    We’ll guide you through everything when we arrive. There is no “right way” to prepare — only what feels true for you and your pet.

  • We begin with a sedative injection to help your pet relax and fall into a deep, peaceful sleep. This allows them to be comfortable and unaware during the process. Once they are fully sedated and resting, we administer the final injection via an intravenous catheter — a painless medication that slowly stops their heart. Your pet will not feel anything beyond the calming effects of sedation. The entire process is unhurried, peaceful, and filled with love.

  • No. The sedation ensures your pet is fully relaxed and unconscious before the final injection. They will not experience fear or discomfort. Our approach prioritises dignity, comfort, and the quiet presence of those who love them most.

  • Absolutely. Most families choose to stay with their pet throughout, offering comfort and presence. You’re welcome to sit beside them, hold them, or simply be near.
    If you prefer to step away, that’s okay too — every farewell is personal, and we support whatever feels right for you.

  • You can expect us to be with you for around 30–60 minutes. We move at your and your pet’s pace, never rushing. The sedation takes 5–10 minutes to take full effect, and the final injection works within moments. We also give you time before and after to say goodbye in your own way.

  • Every pet’s passing is unique. While our goal is always a peaceful, gentle transition, there are some natural changes that may occur as the body lets go. These might include:

    • Soft breaths or sighs after passing

    • Muscle twitching or slight movement

    • Loss of bladder or bowel control

    • Eyes remaining open

    These are normal physical responses and do not mean your pet is uncomfortable. We will guide you through each step, gently explaining what to expect, and giving you time and space to say goodbye in your own way.

  • Once you’re ready, we can assist with aftercare, including respectful transport and arrangements for cremation. We partner with trusted providers and can guide you through options such as private or communal cremation, as well as keepsakes like paw prints or hair clippings. If you prefer home burial, we can offer advice on how to do this safely.

  • For end-of-life care, owners are welcome to contact us directly. We understand these decisions are deeply personal, and we’re here to help whenever you feel ready.
    Afterwards, we will respectfully notify your vet of your pet’s passing.

Our Costs & Arrangements

We understand that discussing cost during such an emotional time can feel difficult. Our goal is to be clear and supportive, so you know exactly what to expect.

Below, you’ll find our fees for in-home end-of-life care, including optional aftercare arrangements.

Some costs may vary based on travel distance or individual needs. We can provide a personalised quote with no obligation.

  • Includes peaceful sedation.

    • Dog: £290

    • Cat: £220

    • Rabbit: £180

  • Includes dignified transport of your pet to the crematorium & return of their ashes (scatter tube).

    • Dog under 30kg: £250

      Dog over 30kg: £280

    • Cat or Rabbit: £220

    The scatter tube is standard. Other ashes vessels are available upon request (additional costs may apply).

    Please allow 10-14 days for the return of your pet’s ashes. We can help arrange other bespoke services for a more prompt return.

  • No return of ashes.
    Includes dignified transport of your pet to the crematorium.

    • Dog: £100

    • Cat: £70

    • Rabbit: £40

  • We offer ink paw prints & hair clippings at no additional charge.

    • PawPals foam paw print impression - £30 each

Comforting Care, Lasting Peace

  • When it rapidly became clear that Heidi could not go on any longer, you came in and turned a difficult, stressful situation into a calm, peaceful one, with your kind and gentle manner. Thanks to you, Heidi had a stress free and dignified last sleep. We'll never forget that.

    Jean & Jim M. (in memory of Heidi)

  • Thank you so much for making a very difficult day a little easier with your compassion and professionalism.

    Ann & Sandy S. (in memory of Kobi)

  • It takes a very special person to help people the way that you helped us to say goodbye. Thank you for helping us give Wallace a calm and peaceful passing in a place he felt safe and loved.

    Sharron & Alan R. (in memory of Wallace)

Reach Out When You’re Ready

If you’re considering end-of-life care or have questions about your pet’s comfort, we’re here to listen.

Please use the form to get in touch directly. Whether you’re ready to schedule a visit or just need someone to talk things through with, we’ll respond with warmth, clarity, and care.

Your message will go directly to our veterinary team and will be treated with compassion and confidentiality.

For urgent enquiries, please find our contact details below

Whatsapp: 07886 759090
hello@firefly.vet

Need to talk?

Not sure if it is the right time? Feeling overwhelmed by the immeasurable grief of losing a pet?

Blue Cross’s Pet Loss Support Service is available to support everyone young and old through their loss and help you come to terms with it. They provide a free confidential helpline service which is open every day of the year, including bank holidays.

To make contact call:
FREEPHONE 0800 096 6606

The confidential support line is open everyday 8.30am-8.30pm.

For those who prefer to write there is an email service: plsmail@bluecross.org.uk