What Happens?

The injection goes into a vein, usually on your pets front leg, and is an overdose of an anaesthetic drug. This means they will fall asleep and their heart and breathing will stop in a minute or so, and they will quietly and painlessly slip away. Generally prior to this we will place an intravenous catheter to ensure we have access to a vein so the process is as stress-free as possible for both your pet and yourself. You can choose to have your pet euthanased either at the surgery or at home and this is an option we can discuss with you when the times comes.

Should I stay with my pet?

The decision whether to stay with your pet when they are put to sleep is a very personal one. Some people prefer to stay during the euthanasia and find it helps them to come to terms with their loss, whilst others find it too upsetting. Please do not feel guilty if you decide not to be there, we understand that it is a difficult time and fully support you whichever decision you make. If you decide against being there at the time, be assured your pet will be supported and comforted by a member of our nurse team, who will cuddle and care for your pet until the end.

What happens after?

Once your pet has been euthanased you need to make a decision as to whether you would like to take them home to bury or to have them cremated. You can always call us to discuss the options and we can look after your pet until you are able to decide.

Pet Cremation

One option is to have your pet cremated at a specialist pet crematorium, either with other pets or individually. If you opt for an individual cremation, the ashes will be carefully collected and returned to you either in a plastic scatter pot or wooden casket. We can arrange this process for you.

Alternatively, some people prefer to arrange their own cremation service, this is also fine, just let us know what we can do to help.