Saying goodbye
When the time is right, our team can guide you through preparing yourself, and your pet, to say goodbye.
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When the time is right, our team can guide you through preparing yourself, and your pet, to say goodbye.
Sadly, pets have shorter lives than us. Every pet's situation is unique to them and the family they share a home with. At a kind and appropriate time, when age, illnesses or injuries severely affect your pet’s quality of life, our team will guide you through preparing yourself, and your pet, to say goodbye.
Usually, pets are put to sleep peacefully and painlessly, by injection, at our vet practices. Our team will guide you through the process gently and respectfully, ensuring your pet is as comfortable and pain-free as possible. You are welcome to stay with them throughout, or not — whatever feels right for you. We’re here to support you however you need.
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy. Pets provide us with unconditional love, friendship and comfort, so it is normal to have intense or conflicting emotions when it comes to euthanasia. We’ll be here for you and your pet for every step of your journey together. We can provide one-to-one support and help you make a decision during this sad and difficult time.
At-home euthanasia may be possible depending on the arrangements we have with our out-of-hours provider, who carry out these visits. Where available, this can be a comforting option for pets who are anxious in unfamiliar places, or for families who would prefer to say goodbye in a peaceful, familiar setting. If this service isn’t available through our provider, we can refer you to another trusted clinic or organisation who can support you at home.
If your pet passes away at our clinic or at home, we can help arrange cremation through a trusted third-party crematorium we work closely with. Once your pet’s ashes are ready, they will be returned to our clinic with care, and we will contact you to let you know when you can collect them. We know every family’s wishes are unique, and we’re here to listen. If you’d like to talk through the different cremation options, one of our team members will be more than happy to guide you through them. If you’d prefer to make arrangements directly, we can also provide you with the crematorium’s contact details so you can bring your pet there yourself.
The word "euthanasia" comes from Greek and means “good death.”
It’s often referred to as being ‘put to sleep’ or ‘put down’. Euthanasia allows us to offer a gentle, peaceful end when illness, injury, or old age affect a pet’s quality of life and causes pain or suffering that can’t be eased or treated.
You're very welcome to bring a friend or family member along for extra support. You might consider arranging for them to drive you home afterwards, just in case you're not feeling up to it. Alternatively, you could book a taxi and return to collect your car later.
Not everyone chooses to be present during the euthanasia procedure—it’s a deeply personal decision, and each family member may feel differently. Some people find it too hard to stay and prefer to say their goodbyes beforehand, choosing to remember the happy moments. Others feel comforted by being there and being the last person their pet sees. There’s no right or wrong choice. If you decide not to stay, please know that a kind and gentle vet nurse or assistant will be there to hold, soothe, and comfort your pet throughout.
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