Why we built Homeward Pets

Homeward Pets began with Archie, and the night at home we almost didn't have.

Archie's last night

When Archie was very unwell at the vet, we faced a decision we had faced before. We could say goodbye there and then, or take him home and risk him suffering through the night with nowhere to turn once our local clinic closed.

In the past, that fear made the decision for us. Nobody had told us that a vet could come to the house, so more than once we let a pet go before we were ready, because we were scared of being caught in the middle of the night with an animal in pain and no one to call.

This time we knew there was another way, so we took Archie home. He even had a last meal alongside our other cats. We spent the whole night keeping him comfortable and close, in the place he knew, and cherishing the time we had with him.

As morning came, it was clear that he was fading and would not be with us much longer, and we made the hard decision to book a home euthanasia visit. The vet who came was wonderful. Archie was able to go peacefully, at home, at a time that was right for him and for all of us.

We are so grateful we had that night. Taking him home was the right thing to do, and it meant we could let him go when the time was right, not when the clinic was closing.

Why this site exists

We have since learned how many families feel pressured to say goodbye before they are ready, often because, like us, they don't know that a vet can come to them, sometimes the same day or after hours. We believe it is too early to give up hope while there is still time to share, and that the timing of a goodbye should be guided by your pet and your vet, not by opening hours.

We built Homeward Pets so that you can quickly find a registered vet who can come to your home, see who is available today, tonight or on the weekend, and understand roughly what it costs. Knowing that help is a phone call away can give you the confidence to bring your pet home and decide together, when the time is right.

We are not vets, and we can't tell you when it is time. That is a conversation for you and your vet. What we can do is help you find someone who can be there when you need them.

How the directory works

Homeward Pets is an independent directory. We check every listed vet against their state veterinary board's register before they appear on the site, and we show when each listing was last checked. We do not provide veterinary services, and a listing is not an endorsement.

Listing is free for vets. We plan to fund the site through clearly labelled Featured listings. Paying for a Featured spot can move a vet higher on a page, but it never changes the information we show about them, the filters, or who appears in your area. Prices are indicative, so please confirm with the vet.

If you spot something out of date, or you are a vet who would like to be listed, please get in touch or email hello@homewardpets.com.au.

If you are grieving a pet, our pet loss support page lists people you can talk to.