In-Home Veterinary Hospice & Euthanasia in Victoria, B.C.

Our process begins with gathering information on your pet and their current medical condition. If necessary, a quality of life assessment is arranged to determine and discuss the next most loving steps for your pet.

Should hospice care options be available to assist with your pet’s comfort, well-being, and dignity over the short term, these will be discussed. If, however, we mutually determine that humane euthanasia is the most compassionate choice for your pet, we’ll work together to schedule an appointment. Our team at Resting Paws is available to assist you 7 days a week on an appointment basis with limited availability for same day emergency appointments.

We extend a warm invitation to all family members, additional pets, and supportive friends to be present during the appointment. Your comforting presence and the support of loved ones play a crucial role in creating a compassionate experience for both you and your cherished companion.

On the day of your scheduled appointment, our team will arrive at your home where we’ll begin by reviewing the process, starting with a detailed explanation of each step in our compassionate home euthanasia service. We are here to address any questions or concerns you may have along the way, ensuring transparency and understanding. Your peace of mind and your pet’s comfort are our top priorities, and we are dedicated to providing the support and information you need during this emotional time.

A gentle, deep sedative will then be provided to your pet in order to help ease their transition and provide additional comfort. While surrounded by their loved ones, your pet will then peacefully drift asleep while laying either on your lap or in their favourite area of the home, ensuring that this transition is filled with warmth and tenderness.

Once your pet is resting comfortably, our skilled professionals will establish IV catheter access. We understand the importance of time and privacy during this emotional moment which is why, prior to administering the final injection, we ensure that you and your family have the space you need to share in any precious moments and final goodbyes in a peaceful and meaningful manner.

The final injection is then administered with utmost compassion, allowing your cherished companion to pass peacefully in the loving and familiar environment of home.

With the utmost respect, your pet is then gently transported with dignity to the crematorium where your wishes for aftercare will be arranged.
Throughout the process, we are committed to personalizing this experience to profoundly honour the unique bond you share with your pet. We welcome any preferences or special considerations, as we strive to create a customized and meaningful farewell that reflects the depth of your connection.

Her passion for end-of-life care took root in 2016 while working in her hometown of Ottawa under the mentorship of Dr. Lianna Titcombe, an international leader in the field of humane euthanasia. It is here where she found great fulfillment in the privilege of guiding families and their terminally ill pets through what is often considered one of the most difficult goodbyes. Apart from her hands on experience, Dr. Vanessa is also certified in best euthanasia practices by The Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy (CAETA).

Having navigated deep losses herself, Dr. Vanessa felt compelled to transform the pain of her grief into a greater purpose. She is driven by a deep desire to make a meaningful impact by elevating the standards of gentle euthanasia for the pets and their families of Victoria.

Outside her role as a veterinarian, Dr. Vanessa is not only a dedicated yogi but, also an enthusiastic yoga instructor and meditation teacher. Driven by her passion for holistic well-being, Dr. Vanessa brings a unique perspective and a calm, warm approach to both veterinary medicine and yoga, enriching the lives of pets and their families.

She shares her home with 3 senior, gentle companions including Paddie, her sweet and loveable German shorthaired pointer and her two cats Nugget and Piper.