Time to say goodbye
We know that this is one of the hardest moments in your life, when you have to decide to end the life of a beloved companion. It may happen unexpectedly as a result of an accident or a sudden discovery of a terminal illness, or at the end of a gradual decline due to debilitating illness.
We will do all we can to ease you through the process and help you with the various options available so you can choose how you want to say goodbye.
My pet is getting old, and I think it is time he was put to sleep – what do I do?
If we have not seen your pet recently, we would recommend a consultation to discuss their health and quality of life. Nowadays there are many lines of treatment that can put them ‘back on their feet’ and we would prefer you were both given any options available. However in some cases this is not appropriate and as ever, you know them better than anyone; euthanasia is there to relieve suffering.
What happens at the surgery?
We prefer to use our quiet consulting room which is carpeted and less “clinical”. If at all possible, we will not ask you to stay in the waiting room, but go straight into the room so you can get settled. The vet will then come and examine your pet and discuss the procedure with you. If the weather is nice, you may also choose to use the garden.
We prefer to borrow your pet briefly to place an intravenous catheter into their leg. This means that you can hold them in your arms or in the case of a large dog comfort them on a mattress whilst he is actually receiving the injection, as there is no need for them to be held still as when a needle is being used. Afterwards you may choose to spend some time alone with your pet to say goodbye and remember the good times. You may wish to take a sample of hair as a keepsake. When you are ready we will then show you out via a side entrance.
What do we do afterwards?
You may choose to take your pet home afterwards for burial in the garden or to use our cremation service, Valley Pet and Equine Crematorium. With Valley Pet and Equine Crematorium you can choose whether or not to have the ashes returned to you. If you choose an individual cremation, with return of ashes, the team at Valley Pet and Equine Crematorium will discuss your wishes with you directly .
Valley Pet and Equine Crematorium will have your pet’s ashes delivered back within 14 days and we will contact you as soon as they arrive.
I am afraid that I will be upset…
This is completely natural and we all understand this. We are happy to talk everything through with you both at the time and afterwards. We also recommend The Pet Bereavement Support Service run by SCAS and the Blue Cross. Call the support line on 0800 096 6606 (UK only including northern Ireland). The support line is open from 8.30am – 8.30pm every day. All calls are confidential and free from a landline. If calling from a mobile phone, some phone networks may charge. Support is provided by trained volunteers.
Sometimes, it’s easier to write about how you are feeling rather than talking to someone, for email support from the PBSS: [email protected] Emails are answered as soon as possible and within a maximum of 48 hours. If, however, you want to contact someone immediately, please use the telephone support line 0800 096 6606.