Saying goodbye

We understand how difficult saying goodbye can be, and offer a compassionate end of life service, alongside our partners, Penwith Pet Crematorium and Compassion Understood.

It is always a sad and difficult experience to lose a pet. Making the decision to put a pet to sleep is tough. They have been a beloved part of your life, and it is natural to grieve for them.

Everybody will process this grief differently, and we are here to listen with compassion and without judgement if you need somebody to talk to.

Our experienced team can discuss your options to guide you through this process in a sensitive and humane manner.

What is euthanasia?

Putting your pet to sleep is a very difficult decision, and we understand how difficult it can be. However, in certain circumstances, it is the only option available that is fair to your pet.

Some illnesses and injuries are beyond the powers of medicine to heal, and if your pet is suffering or unable to lead a natural, happy life, we may recommend euthanasia.

We always have you and your pet at heart, and our vets and nurses are happy to talk and listen as you come to terms with this decision.

Once the decision to euthanise has been taken, you will be asked to sign a form giving your consent for the procedure and informing us what arrangements you would like for your pet afterwards.

The procedure itself usually only lasts a few minutes. We administer an overdose of an anaesthetic drug, usually injected into the vein in your pet’s front leg. The injection is painless and sends your pet to sleep within a few seconds. Within a few moments, body functions such as breathing and heart rate slow down and then stop altogether.

Sometimes, reflex actions such as passing urine, muscle tremors or gasping may occur. These are a natural part of the process, and your pet will be unaware and will not feel any pain.

You may choose to be with your pet during and/or after the procedure for as long as you want, or you may not wish to be present – the choice is yours and we try to make accommodations for whatever makes you and your pet most comfortable. We can also arrange home visits for euthanasia. Ask a member of the team for more information.

Penwith Pet Crematorium – our memorial service

After the procedure we can return your pet’s body to you for a private cremation or to be buried at your home.

We work with Penwith Pet Crematorium, who provide a compassionate cremation service for all of our clients, as well as a range of memorial options.

To find out more you can visit their website or speak to a member of our team in practice.

Further help: Compassion Understood

After a difficult or traumatic event, it can be useful to speak about your feelings. Compassion Understood is a service which provides support for pet owners before, during and after a bereavement, to help you to reach the best decision and to cope with your pet’s passing.

They work with veterinary professionals and specialist pet loss experts, and can help to make a difficult time more bearable.

To find out more about Compassion Understood and how they can help you, visit their website compassionunderstood.com or speak to a member of our team in practice.