Euthanasia and Bereavement

Every situation with every animal is different, so we suggest that you have your pet examined by the vet or discuss things over the phone.

We are obliged to ask owners to sign a euthanasia consent form. This can be a difficult thing to do but it helps to avoid any misunderstandings.

We use an injection of pentobarbitone, which is a massive overdose of anaesthetic. We may give a sedative injection first or dispense some medication for you to give at home before your appointment to help to relax your pet. We will often place an intravenous catheter prior to giving the injection to minimise stress when giving the final injection.

The intravenous injection only takes a few seconds. Sedative injections may take a little longer.

This is a matter of personal choice and the vet will discuss it with you at the time.

Generally we do this procedure during an appointment at the surgery. If we have warning of the intended euthanasia, we try to arrange an appointment at a quiet time e.g. towards the end of the clinic.

Sometimes we are able to make a home visit to perform euthanasia. However the timing of this is less flexible and requires forward planning. Obviously in urgent situations this may not be possible.

There are several choices depending on personal preference. 1. You may take your pet home with you for burial.

2. Cremation at a pet cemetery. We use Silvermere Pet Haven. Leaflets are available at reception.

They will collect your pet from us and you can choose either communal or individual cremation. With communal cremation your pet will have their ashes scattered at the crematorium. With individual cremation, your pet will be cremated by themselves and the ashes will be returned to us. Be assured it will be just your pet's ashes. A variety of options (eg casket, urn) are available. The ashes are normally ready for collection from about one week after euthanasia. We will inform you by phone when they are back.

All these options have different costs involved, which need to be discussed even at this most difficult time. Our experience is that it can be less painful to settle payment at the time of euthanasia, or prior to it if desired, to avoid receiving a bill in the post that can bring back sad memories.