Cats: we recommend putting them in a cat carrier or securing them in a closed room at least 30 minutes prior to the appointment time, as many can smell the vet coming from down the street!

Dogs: all dogs should have a lead and collar on, as this enables better control of them during their physical exam. If your dog is aggressive please notify the vet when making the appointment and ensure an appropriately sized muzzle is fitted if safe to do so. If this is not possible, Dr Eden is more than happy to provide you with some preclinical sedation.

Horses: please ensure they are caught prior to the vets arrival and that someone will be home to assist during the consultation.

Due to the potentially fatal consequences of contracting Hendra Virus, Dr Eden will not attend sick unvaccinated horses.

Services provided to clinically healthy unvaccinated horses are restricted to vaccinations, dental procedures, stitch ups and minor surgeries, eye exams and euthanasias.

Owners of vaccinated horses should have their microchip number ready to quote if their horse has not been seen by the Highlands Mobile Vet before - this enables the Hendra Vaccinations status to be checked before arrival.

There is an after hours service available on weeknights only from 5pm to midnight - this is restricted to equine emergencies and small or large animal euthanasias only. Please note these incur an after-hours surcharge that is added to the normal consultation price.

Small animal emergencies are not suitable for home visits as they often require rapid diagnostics or surgeries which require the facilities of a local clinic.

The phones are automatically switched off from 12am-8:30am weekdays, and from 12am Saturday to 8:30am Monday to give Dr Eden some respite.

Travel to Armidale is free. Travel fees apply to any outlying towns start at $10. For a more accurate quote please phone 0436 454 987. You will find a list of travel areas at the bottom of the Services tab.

The vehicle is fitted with a mobile EFTPOS machine that accepts all major credit cards and this is the preferred payment method. Cash and bank transfer are also accepted. All payments are due at the time of the consultation.

The client portal is a fantastic resource for existing clients! It enables you to book appointments, update your information, manage any long term medications and gives access to all of your animals vaccination due dates.

To access it click “client portal” which is in the top menu (desktop computer) or side bar menu (mobile device). Your login is your email address and please call for your password.

Choose a location where both your pet and family would feel most comfortable. Often owners will choose to lay dogs and cats on their bed or in their favourite spot in the house.

Some owners also like to hold their pets, which is suitable in most small animal euthanasias. For safety reasons Dr Eden does not allow owners to hold horses as they pass as this is an extremely dangerous position to be in - because of this she will provide opportunity to say goodbyes and then ask you to take a few steps back for the very last part of the procedure.

If you would like to bring any toys, food, music or flowers this is encouraged. Please try to remain reassuring and calm for your pet as they can sense when you are distressed and ideally we want them to be as relaxed and peaceful as possible. Please have discussions with any family members or friends about who intends to be present for the entire procedure prior to the vet’s arrival.

Dr Eden has observed many children’s different responses to euthanasia. For the best advice, this is something that should be discussed when booking the euthanasia over the phone as it is completely dependent on your situation. Factors to consider relate to both the children present (e.g. age, number of children, maturity, relationship of the child with the pet) and the patient itself (i.e. critically ill or aggressive).

Dr Eden generally recommends preparing the child for the loss of their pet as early as possible. This allows time to explain to them why you have come to this decision and allow them time to process it and say goodbye privately before the vet’s arrival. If you decide for your child to be present, please be guided by Dr Eden’s directions at the time of the procedure. While every effort is made to make the process as peaceful as possible the reaction of each patient can vary, and will dictate what is suggested at consult.

Often it can avoid unnecessary trauma if euthanasias are scheduled when younger children are at school. For older children, Dr Eden will usually explain the process at the beginning of the consult and provide them with the opportunity to either stay for the entire procedure or or say goodbye before anything is done.

Children are not to be present at aggressive dog euthanasias for the safety of all people in attendance.

Unfortunately the Highlands Mobile Vet does not offer a body disposal or aftercare service as often there are multiple consults booked after your euthanasia and the vehicle is not refrigerated. There are multiple pet cremation services available locally that can come and collect your pet if you wish; these need to be contacted separately and should aim to arrive at least 15 minutes after the vets scheduled arrival time to allow the vet and family time to perform the euthanasia privately.

Fairleigh Rest: 1300 353 199
Armidale Pet Cremations: 0428 941 524

A routine appointment will usually be available within a 2-3 days, however time is allocated each day to allow for emergency appointments if needed.

Consultations in surrounding suburbs such as Inverell, Walcha and Glen Innes are limited due to the travel time, and consequently are only available by phoning well in advance.