Saying goodbye to your pet
We’re here to help
We understand that losing your pet is a painful and difficult time.
Our team are here to make this time as smooth and stress-free as possible so that you can focus on saying goodbye.
The guidance below is designed to help you feel comfortable with the process so there are no surprises on the day. If you have any questions or specific requests, please don’t hesitate to speak to our team. Message us on PetsApp, call your branch or pop in to chat to our client care team.
When you arrive at the practice, let our team know that you are here and we will try to move you to a quiet area while we let your vet know that you are waiting.
There will be a bed available for your pet to make them as comfortable as possible, but you are more than welcome to bring their own bed if you would prefer.
Once the vet is ready they will talk you through the procedure and ask you to sign a consent form. If you have any questions we will be more than happy to talk you through anything – and this goes for any stage of the process.
You are more than welcome to stay with your pet during the procedure, but it isn’t a requirement if it makes you feel uncomfortable. If this is the decision you make, then rest assured that a member of our team will be with your pet at all times giving cuddles and reassurance.
You are welcome to spend as much time with your pet as you like following the procedure.
Once you are ready to leave, our team will be on hand.
If you have chosen to have your pet cremated, our nurses will carefully move your pet through to an area where they can respectfully tend to them.
They will be then placed gently into cold storage to be collected for cremation.
If you have decided to take your pet home to bury, our team will gently wrap your pet and carefully assist you to your car.
If you need time before taking your pet home then we can usually look after them for you until you are able to collect them. If this is the case please let us know when you intend to collect them so we can remove them from cold storage and have them ready for you.
There are several options available to you after your pet has passed away.
Whilst it is not an easy topic to think about, you may find it helpful to discuss options with your loved ones before the appointment.
Having this time to prepare prior to coming into the practice should mean that on the day your focus can be solely on supporting each other and your pet.
Some people take great comfort in burying their pet at home, allowing them to mark a grave, either with a headstone or a plant.
If you decide that this is something you want to do, then you just need to ensure that you research the required depth of the grave, as well as ensuring that you are not burying too close to a water source. Your pet should be wrapped in biodegradable material.
There are two types of cremation: individual cremation with ashes returned and cremation without ashes returned:
Cremation without ashes returned means that your pet will be cremated with other pets. The ashes will then be interned in one of the licensed gardens of remembrance.
If you opt for cremation with ashes returned your pet will be cremated alone in an individual chamber, meaning you can receive the ashes.
Some people like to scatter ashes, whereas others like to keep the ashes in an urn or by using them to make a piece of jewellery.
To find out more options for how we can help you to commemorate your pet, please speak to our team in practice.
Thank you for choosing to trust us at this difficult time, and we promise to do all we can to support you.
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