When euthanasia is required it can be a very distressing time for owners and families - to lose a pet - and we do our best to ensure that this procedure is carried out as sympathetically as possible.

Everyone working at the vets have lost our own pets over the years and we know but a decision must be made that allows our companions to go with dignity and avoid suffering. It may be the last thing we give our pets.

At the time of euthanasia it can be difficult to make the decision and we do our best to offer guidance - by explaining the prognosis for your pet.

What to expect:

It can be a very distressing time for owners and families to lose a pet and we do our best to ensure that this procedure is carried out as sympathetically as possible. We have all lost our own pets over the years and know that allowing our beloved companions to go with dignity may be the last and kindest thing we can do for them.
At the time of euthanasia it can be difficult to make the decision and we do our best to offer guidance where appropriate.

When we put an animal to sleep you have the choice of staying with your pet. Both the vets working at the practice prefer the owner to stay with their animal as it keeps them calm and gives you the chance to stay with them until the end.

The procedure involves an injection of a large dose of anaesthetic into the vein (the site is clipped first). This will let your pet go gently to sleep which will get deeper. At this point they may take a few deep breaths and have some residual movement - until they stop breathing.

The vet will often check to make sure there is no heartbeat before letting you know that your pet has passed on. If you would like to spend a couple of minutes with your pet to say goodbye please let us know.

You may want to discuss, before the euthanasia, wether you plan to take your pets body home to bury, or use a Pet Cremation service provided by Elysian Field Pet Crematorium.
A summary of the services offered by the Crematorium, including ashes back are on their web site - click here for details. Please let us know if you would like the ashes back - for which there is a extra charge.