Saying Farewell ⎸Steven’s Room
Saying goodbye to a much-loved dog is one of the hardest decisions we make as pet owners. Dogs are family members, companions, and part of our daily lives, so reaching this stage can feel overwhelming.
At Melbourne Dog Clinic, our focus is on providing a calm, gentle, and respectful experience for both you and your dog during this time.
We understand that every situation is different. Some dogs may be affected by age-related changes, while others may be living with illness or discomfort. Our role is to support you in making decisions that prioritise your dog’s comfort and wellbeing.
When the time comes, we aim to create an environment where your dog can feel safe and settled, and where you are given the time and space to say goodbye in a way that feels right for you.
Understanding how to recognise changes in your dog’s comfort can help guide this decision.
Knowing When the Time Is Right
Deciding when to say goodbye to your dog can be one of the most difficult and emotional parts of caring for them. There is often no single moment that makes the decision clear, and many owners find themselves weighing changes over time.
Focusing on your dog’s comfort and quality of life can help guide this decision.
Changes that may indicate your dog’s comfort is declining can include:
• ongoing pain or discomfort that is difficult to manage
• reduced interest in food, interaction, or daily activities
• difficulty moving comfortably or getting up and down
• changes in breathing or increased effort to rest
• loss of enjoyment in things they previously loved
Many of these changes can be associated with ageing. You can learn more about supporting older dogs in our Senior Dog Hub.
Some dogs may have good days and more difficult days. Over time, these changes can become more consistent.
It can be helpful to reflect on your dog’s overall quality of life and whether they are still able to experience comfort and enjoyment in their daily routine.
Our veterinary team is here to support you through this process. We can help assess your dog’s condition, discuss changes you may be noticing, and guide you in making a decision that prioritises your dog’s wellbeing.
Understanding what to expect during the appointment can help you feel more prepared when the time comes.
What to Expect on the Day
We understand that this is an emotional and deeply personal experience. Our aim is to provide a calm, gentle process where both you and your dog feel supported.
When you arrive, you will be shown into a quiet, private space, Steven’s Room, where your dog can settle comfortably. There is no time pressure, and you are welcome to spend as much time as you need.
The process is designed to be peaceful and involves two steps:
• a gentle sedation to help your dog relax and feel comfortable
• once your dog is settled, the final medication is administered
Most dogs become relaxed and sleepy before passing peacefully.
You are welcome to stay with your dog throughout the entire process, or step out at any stage if you prefer. Our team will support you in whatever feels right for you.
We will guide you through each step and ensure you have time to say goodbye in a way that feels meaningful.
Our environment and approach are designed to support both comfort and calm during this time.
Steven’s Room & Fear Free Approach
At Melbourne Dog Clinic, we have created a dedicated space called Steven’s Room, designed to provide a quiet, private, and calm environment for families saying goodbye to their dog.
Steven’s Room is named after our much-loved 17-year-old Cattle Dog cross, Steven, who passed away in May 2024. He was a very special part of our lives, and this space was created in his memory to help provide other dogs and their families with a gentle and peaceful experience.
This space is separate from the main hospital area, helping to reduce noise, movement, and the stress that can come with a clinical setting. The aim is to create an environment that feels more supportive during this time.
Our approach follows Fear Free principles, focusing on your dog’s comfort at every stage. Gentle handling, allowing time to settle, and using sedation to reduce stress all help ensure the experience is as calm as possible.
Dogs are given the time and space to relax, and families are not rushed. You are welcome to spend as much time as you need before and after saying goodbye.
Every effort is made to ensure that both you and your dog feel supported in a quiet and respectful setting.
After saying goodbye, there are a number of aftercare options available, depending on your preferences.
Aftercare & Memorial Options
After saying goodbye, there are a number of aftercare options available to support you and honour your dog in a way that feels right for you.
Our team will guide you through these options and ensure everything is handled with care and respect.
We work with trusted providers including Edenhills Pet Cremation and Reterniti, who offer a range of respectful and personalised aftercare services.
Aftercare options may include:
• private cremation, with ashes returned to you
• communal cremation
• options for memorial keepsakes, depending on your preferences
If you would like your dog’s ashes returned, there are a range of urns and memorial options available to help you remember your dog in a personal way. Services such as private cremation ensure your dog is cared for individually, with their ashes returned to you in a chosen vessel.
You are welcome to take time to consider your preferences, and our team can gently guide you through the options during your visit.
We understand that this is a deeply personal decision, and there is no right or wrong choice, only what feels most appropriate for you and your family.
Supporting families through this time may also include helping children understand and process the loss of a much-loved dog.
Supporting Children Through Pet Loss
For many children, the loss of a beloved dog may be their first experience with grief. Dogs are often a child’s companion, playmate, and source of comfort, so their passing can feel confusing and deeply sad.
Every child responds differently depending on their age and personality. Some children may want to talk about their feelings or ask questions, while others may be quieter or move in and out of their emotions.
Using clear and gentle language can help children understand what is happening and feel supported during this time.You can also find helpful guidance on supporting children on our Children and Puppies page.
Should My Child Be Present When We Say Goodbye?
Families often ask whether children should be present during a pet’s final moments. There is no single right choice, every child and every family is different.
Some children find comfort in being able to say goodbye and feel included in the process. Others may find the experience overwhelming and prefer to remember their dog in their own way.
If your child will be present, it can help to gently explain what will happen in simple terms beforehand. Let them know that their dog will be relaxed and comfortable, and that the veterinary team will ensure their dog is peaceful and not in pain.
Children should also know that it is completely okay to change their mind. They may choose to step out at any time, and that is perfectly alright.
Our team will always support families in creating a calm and respectful environment so each person can say goodbye in the way that feels right for them.
How Children May Experience Grief
Children often experience grief differently from adults. Their emotions may move in and out quickly, and they may ask the same questions repeatedly as they try to understand what has happened.
You may notice your child:
• asking where their dog has gone
• becoming quiet or withdrawn
• wanting to talk about their dog often
• expressing their feelings through drawing, play, or stories
• seeming sad one moment and playful the next
All of these responses are normal. Children process loss gradually, and their understanding may change over time.
Supporting Your Child
Some ways to support children during this time may include:
• using simple, honest, and age-appropriate language
• allowing them to ask questions and express their feelings
• sharing memories or stories about their dog
• encouraging drawing, writing, or creating a small keepsake
• reassuring them that feeling sad, upset, or confused is normal
Many families find comfort in creating a small remembrance, such as a photo, paw print, or memory box, to honour the special place their dog held in their lives.
If your child is struggling with the loss of their dog, acknowledging their feelings and providing reassurance can help them feel supported.
Feel free to download our resource guide for children below.
→Saying Goodbye to a Beloved Dog: A gentle resource for families and children