We’ll be with you

You know your pet better than anyone but it can be hard to know when the time is right. We recognise the anguish and indecision you will face and we’re here to help and support you through the hardest decision a pet owner can make. Don’t be afraid to ask questions - we want you to be absolutely sure that you are making the right choice for your pet.

Getting ready to say goodbye

We will try our very best to give you and your family the time you need to say goodbye. If it won’t cause your pet unnecessary suffering you may be able to make an appointment for another day, giving you a bit more time together. We’ll speak to you about options for cremation and payment before your appointment. This means when you come in with your pet you can say goodbye without having to make any other difficult decisions.

During your appointment

It’s important to remember that euthanasia is a peaceful and pain free procedure for your pet. You and your pet will be treated with compassion and dignity throughout and family members or friends are welcome to come with you for support and to say goodbye. You might not feel able to stay - that’s OK. You might change your mind about being there part way through and that’s OK too.

We’ll ask you to sign a consent form which shows you understand what will happen and gives us permission to go ahead. You’ll then be asked to give us a moment alone with your pet to sedate them and place a catheter in their leg. We do this to ensure that the procedure is as painless and peaceful as possible. You’ll then be able to come into the consult room to be with your pet. We’ll do our best to give you as much time as you need. When you’re ready an anaesthetic will be administered through the catheter. Your pet will become sleepy and then fall unconscious within a short space of time and soon afterwards their breathing and heart will stop. We will stay with you as this happens.

What happens afterwards

There are several options for what can happen afterwards and only you will know what feels right for you. Please let us know if you would like to keep your pet’s collar, harness or anything else you may have brought with you. We can keep them for you to collect when you’re ready. If you’d like a paw print to remember them by we can do that too, please just ask. If you wish you can take your pet’s body home with you although there are some circumstances where this is not possible - for example if your pet had a contagious disease or chemotherapy.

Our charge for euthanasia includes communal cremation where your pet will be cremated alongside other beloved pets and their ashes scattered together. We can also arrange for your pet to be cremated and have the ashes returned to you. We have worked for several years with our partners at Central Pet Cremations, a family run independent like ourselves who will help you to say goodbye with dignity and compassion. For full details of all of the options available please visit Central Pet Cremations.

If you have chosen to have the ashes returned to you we will call when they are ready to be collected from the surgery. If you would like a keepsake, Whispers in Time is a local, family run business creating jewellery in memory of your pet. If you would like more information, please speak to a member of the team.

If you would prefer to make your own arrangements please contact us so that we can advise.

If your pet dies at home

This can be distressing when it happens - please call us and we can help you to decide what the next steps are.

Remembering your pet

Your pet is a member of your family. Losing them can be very hard and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Your grief is unique to you and it’s important you give yourself the time to process what’s happened and allow yourself room to express your emotions.