In-Home Euthanasia
for Adelaide’s loved pets
You’ve loved and cared for your pet from the moment you met.
When it’s time to say farewell, honour their life with a kind and peaceful passing, wrapped up in your love and the comforts of home.
Facing the prospect of farewelling your adored and loyal pet is heart-breaking.
They have brought joy and unconditional love into your life as a precious family member, friend, and trusted confidante.
Whether you are seeking objective insight into your pet’s quality of life, or you want a skilled and caring hand to provide your loved one with a gentle farewell, I’m here for you and your pet.
The term ‘euthanasia’ means ’a good death’, something we wish for ourselves and others. My purpose is to deliver the peaceful and comfortable last goodbye your pet deserves, and with over 17 years as a small animal veterinarian, I have the required skills and experience.
I will guide you through the process, from making your decision to attending to your pet’s body once they have passed.
It is an incredible privilege to have been entrusted with this most essential and intimate service for many of the loved pets across Adelaide.
Peaceful Paws fees are up-front with no hidden costs.
A variety of payment options are also available.
Dr Henriette Van Der Westhuizen (BVSc):
A fully qualified small animal veterinarian with over 17 years of experience.
CAETA (Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy) certified.
Member of the International Association of Animal Hospice & Palliative care (IAAHP)
Lives in Adelaide’s southern suburbs and has cared for South Australia’s beloved pets for over a decade.
Owns and runs Peaceful Paws full time.
“Dr Henriette is a skilled and empathetic veterinarian, who engages with animals and humans equally well. She provided such a gentle and kind experience for Maggie the 13yo Scotty, and for me. Letting go of a loved animal is so hard, but to have Dr Henriette come to your home and euthanise your pet in familiar surroundings is a gift to the pet, and makes the loss a little easier. A wonderful service, highly recommended.”
— Ann-Maree O’Connor
“Henriette did a beautiful job with my beloved cat today. She was compassionate, patient and caring, she took the time I needed to explain everything, checked I was ready for the next step and just made the whole process as easy as it could be considering. It was so much nicer being able to do this heartbreaking thing in the comfort of my home with my boy in my arms and my family. Thanks for looking after my boy Henriette.”
— Kylie Ferguson
“Thank you Henriette for your compassion and kindness and the wonderful service you provide, you made such a sad moment a lovely memorable one. My beautiful Feebie was 17 and I had known for some time it was her time. Henriette didn’t rush us at all and was calm and mindful of what we were feeling, in the end, it was as though my baby just fell asleep in my arms. I couldn’t thank you enough for making such a hard day easier.”
— Leigh Harris
“I could not ask for a more dignified way of saying goodbye to my beloved, Maia. Henriette was so gentle and caring and allowed Maia to dictate where she wanted to be during our last moments together, and so we followed Maia outside, to a shady spot under a tree. Maia didn’t feel any of the injections. She was relaxed and content before drifting peacefully to sleep with me laying by her side. Henriette was unobtrusive and allowed plenty of time for me to say goodbye. It takes a very special person to do what you do, Henriette and I am grateful for your kindness and empathy.”
— Susanna Grilli