For most of us, pets are family. They share our homes, comfort us through life’s ups and downs and bring warmth, loyalty and companionship to our lives. So, when the time comes to say goodbye, it’s only natural that owners want the moment to be peaceful and full of love. The bond between owners and their pets runs deep and that connection doesn’t fade when life reaches an end.
Recent research commissioned by Cloud 9 Vets, a leading UK provider of at-home pet euthanasia, has revealed a moving finding. When asked about the possibility of the event, 94% of pet owners said they would rather their beloved pets pass away at home, surrounded by familiar faces and a comforting, loving environment. This finding shows just how deeply pet owners care about ensuring their companions experience peace and dignity during their final moments.
Why Saying Goodbye at Home Matters
Picture your pet’s last moments spent not in an unfamiliar environment , but in their favourite place: perhaps on the sofa where they always napped or in the garden where they used to chase butterflies. For many owners, that image feels right. The study by Cloud 9 Vets found that people view at-home euthanasia as a way to let their pet leave this world in calm surroundings, held close by the people they love the most.
Home is where a pet’s life unfolds. It’s where they greet you at the door, wait for dinner and find comfort in familiar sounds and scents. Allowing them to remain in that environment until the very end means they can pass away without fear. It also offers comfort to owners, who can take time to say goodbye gently, without the unfamiliar atmosphere of a strange environment.
The Importance of Comfort and Familiarity in a Pet’s Final Moments
End-of-life experiences are never easy, but they can be handled with real compassion. Pets are sensitive to their surroundings. They pick up on anxiety and fear. Outside of the home, unfamiliar noises and bright lights can make them feel uneasy. At home, those worries melt away. The peace and familiarity help create a caring space for a much-loved companion.
Cloud 9 Vets’ findings make one thing clear: emotional comfort is just as important as physical care. Owners want to protect their pets and themselves from stress, especially at the end. Being at home allows them to do that, offering a calm, private setting for those final moments together. It’s not only about where a pet passes on, but how they are loved and cared for in that moment. The Study by Cloud 9 Vets
Commissioned by Cloud 9 Vets, the research surveyed 400 pet owners across the UK to understand how people feel about their pets’ final moments. The responses revealed a strong desire for pets to pass peacefully at home,
About the Study and Its Participants
The survey gathered the opinions of a wide mix of pet owners, such as dog lovers, cat owners and people who share their lives with smaller pets, too. They were asked about their experiences of pet loss, their awareness of euthanasia options and what they would want for their own animals in the future.
What came through was a heartfelt story of love and empathy. Pet owners increasingly believe that compassion in care shouldn’t stop when treatment does. It should continue until the very last breath.
Key Findings: What the Numbers Show
94% Prefer At-Home Pet Euthanasia
An overwhelming 94% of survey respondents said they would prefer their pets to spend their final moments at home. For most, this isn’t about convenience. It’s about kindness. They see it as a final gift of love to their pet; a way to thank them for the years of unconditional love and loyalty by offering peace and familiarity at the end.
This preference for a home-based farewell also reflects how our view of pets has changed over the years. More than ever, animals are now a part of the family. Just as we might want to pass away surrounded by loved ones one day, we now want the same for our pets.
67% Are Unaware That At-Home Pet Euthanasia Is Available
While the demand for the service is strong, two-thirds of pet owners didn’t realise that at-home euthanasia is an option. This lack of awareness means many people could be missing out on a gentler, more personal experience for their pets simply because they don’t know it exists.
Cloud 9 Vets hopes that by sharing these findings, more pet owners will understand what’s possible and feel reassured that they have a choice. End-of-life care for pets doesn’t have to mean a stressful last journey from home . It can happen right where the pet feels most at ease.
Expert Insight from Cloud 9 Vets Director, Lisbet Stuer-Lauridson
Lisbet Stuer-Lauridson, Director of Cloud 9 Vets, spoke about what these findings mean for pet owners across the UK.
“Most of us would choose to spend our final moments at home, surrounded by loved ones in a familiar and secure environment,” she said. “So it makes sense that pet owners want the same for their animals. This research clearly shows the need for greater awareness about the options available for end-of-life care for pets.”
Her message is simple and compassionate: when it comes to saying goodbye, love and comfort matter most.
A Compassionate Perspective on End-of-Life Care
Lisbet’s comments highlight how end-of-life care is about much more than making medical decisions. It’s about emotional care, too. At-home euthanasia gives families the chance to say goodbye naturally, in their own time, surrounded by memories. For pets, it means calm and comfort. For owners, it offers peace of mind knowing their companion’s final moments were filled with love.
