Euthanasia And Bereavement

A Gentle Goodbye

It is difficult to imagine a life without our beloved pets. We like to think that they will always be with us. We hope our pets will gently pass away in their sleep. It would save us from having to make a very difficult decision. Unfortunately it rarely happens this way and we then have to discuss putting our pet to sleep (euthanasia) with our vet. Euthanasia, when carried out at the right time, is one of the last acts of kindness we can do for our pets, but for many owners the procedure is an unknown and therefore frightening prospect. The following is a guide to assist you through the process of euthanasia and the aftercare options available. If you need to speak to someone, please see our contact information at the bottom of this page.

When is it the right time?

This is a common question to which there is no easy or correct answer; it will be a decision made by careful consultation between yourself and your vet.

Where will the euthanasia take place?

The euthanasia can be carried out here at the surgery or, if you prefer, in your own home. If you wish to visit the surgery with your pet we will endeavour to arrange for you to come at a quiet time and arrange for you to have privacy before and after the euthanasia. If you request a home visit we will try to arrange a mutually convenient time. Please see our Vet2Pet home visit service here.

Will I be able to stay with my pet?

Of course. Most owners wish to remain with their pet. You will be offered the choice and the decision of whether or not to stay is ultimately yours, but it may be nicer for your pet if you are present. Even if you do not stay you can see your pet, and spend some time with him or her afterwards if you wish.

What is the procedure?

The veterinary surgeon will firstly fully explain the procedure to you. Sometimes a small tranquilliser is given before your pet is put-to-sleep and ultimately most euthanasia injections are given intravenously so a small area of hair will be clipped from a front leg in order to visualise the vein into which the injection is to be given. A nurse will then hold the front leg in order that the vet performed the injection. Within a few seconds of injecting the medicine, breathing will cease, followed by the heart stopping. The vet will monitor this closely and inform you when this has happened. Our aim is to make the whole procedure as quiet and gentle as practically possible for both your pet and you.

What happens afterwards?

There are three choices, which are common to all local vets, after your pet has passed away:

1) You may take your pet home with you for a burial.

2) Routine cremation: In this case your pet would be cremated at a licensed pet crematorium with other pets and the ashes are subsequently dealt with under the Animal By-Products (Scotland) Regulations 2003. This is a legal requirement that the pet crematorium has to follow, although Crown Vets is actively seeking a new provider of this service.

3) Individual Cremation: Your pet will be individually cremated and the ashes will be returned to you. These can be contained in a casket or a tasteful disposable box for subsequent scattering. We use the very well respected Nairn Pet Crematorium for our individual cremations.

What about me, how will I feel?

Everyone is different and we all react differently in this situation. Most of us find the loss of our pets difficult to deal with. The depth of feelings can take us by surprise and can almost overwhelm us. Some of us feel guilty - that it is somehow wrong to feel this way over an animal. Be assured that the way you feel is perfectly natural, that it is normal to grieve for a loved one - human or animal.

Is there anyone I can talk to?

You may find that it is difficult to talk to friends and family about your loss. Not everyone can understand how you feel and you may feel isolated and lonely. If you want to talk to someone please do not hesitate to contact the surgery to talk to our Pet Bereavement contact & vet, Rachel Chandler. You could also consider contacting the Blue Cross which, in addition to providing a very useful web site, also have a help line on 0800 096 6606 for free confidential support.