Surgeries Offering Small Animal Services
StoneEccleshall Road
Walton
Stone
Staffordshire
ST15 0HJ
Tel: 01785 813955
Fax: 01785 817311Hanley65 Hoveringham Drive
Eaton Park
Hanley
Staffordshire
ST2 9PS
Tel: 01782 214683EccleshallStone Road
Eccleshall
Staffordshire
ST21 6DL
Tel: 01785 850218Gnosall2A Newport Road
Gnosall
Staffordshire
ST20 0BL
Tel: 01785 823713LoggerheadsEccleshall Road
Loggerheads
Shropshire
TF94NX
Tel: 01630 673568 |
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Shires Veterinary Practice
Euthanasia - The Final Goodbye
The decision of when to say a final farewell to a pet may be one of the hardest a pet owner has to make - it is also one of the bravest and kindest.
As pet owners ourselves, many of us at Shires Veterinary Practice have experienced the loss of a much loved pet. If you would like to discuss any of the following information, please speak to a member of staff who will be able to advise you.
Euthanasia is carried out by a vet, usually at the practice surgery. When making the arrangements beforehand, inform the practice of your wishes so we can allow as much time as necessary for these emotional appointments. We also do our utmost to secure these appointments at quieter times of day.
A home visit for euthanasia may also be arranged where familiar surroundings may be more relaxed for your pet and you.
What happens beforehand?
When the decision has been made to put your pet to sleep, you will be asked to sign a consent form. This is a document confirming that you have authorised us to proceed with your pet's euthanasia.
Can I stay with my pet?
It is a personal choice as to whether or not you stay with your pet during the euthanasia. If you do stay, the euthanasia will only happen when you are ready and you will be able to stroke and comfort your pet during the procedure.
If you do not wish to stay or if you feel distressed, it may be best to leave the room and return afterwards, when you can spend some time with your pet to say goodbye.
What will I see?
The vet may ask to pre place an intravenous catheter into your pets vein. This will ensure that the euthanasia solution is placed completely into your pets’ vein, but this is the vets decision based on individual circumstances.
Euthanasia is performed by the injection of a concentrated anaesthetic agent into a vein. Your pet will quickly and peacefully lose consciousness as the body shuts down. Your vet will then confirm that your pet has passed away. You may see some twitching of the body and your pet may urinate or defecate. Do not worry, this is perfectly normal and is just the body cooling down after death.
How to remember my pet - What are my options?
After the euthanasia you will need to decide what happens to your pet's body. It is recommended that where possible, you discuss the options in advance with all those involved so you can consider all the available choices carefully and calmly. Options to consider are:
Cremation
Shires Veterinary Practice use the services of Green Pastures Pet Crematorium. Before making a decision, you can speak to a member of our staff.
Individual cremation
You leave your pet in our care, to be cremated individually with dignity . After the cremation, the ashes of your pet will be carefully placed into a scatterbox, casket or urn of your choice. Your pet's ashes will then be securely packaged and returned to us ready for you to collect.
Caskets and Urns
There are several choices of caskets and urns suitable as a keepsake or for interment:
- Scatterbox – a cardboard scatterbox suitable for either burial or the scattering of ashes (a brass plaque is attached with your pets’ name on it)
- Wooden Casket – a wooden casket that has a brass plaque with your pets’ name on it
- China Urn – a china urn is also available to store your pets’ ashes
Communal cremation
You leave your pet in our care, to be cremated with other pets at Green Pastures. Your pets ashes are then scattered in Green Pastures’ dedicated Garden of Remembrance
Burial
You may wish to take your pet home for burial, but please bear in mind that this may not always be practical for health, safety and environmental issues.
When do I have to decide?
It may help you to have made your decision regarding final arrangements before bringing your pet for euthanasia. However, it is possible for us to keep your pet's body for 7 days, allowing time for reflection before making your decision.
Bereavement counselling
Counselling can provide compassionate and sympathetic support for those who have experienced the loss of a beloved pet. You may wish to contact the following organisation for confidential support:
- The Pet Bereavement Support Service - Co-ordinated by the Blue Cross and the Society for Companion Animal Studies - Tel: 0800 096 6606 or email: pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk
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