When the time comes

I am here to help support and guide you and your family with end of life care for your pet. It is important for you to let me know what you would like to happen on the day so I can tailor the visit to you and your families wishes.
Every passing will be as gentle and as peaceful as possible so you and your family can celebrate your pets life in the best way possible.

Once you have booked your appointment

Once we have booked your appointment you will receive a confirmation email with some additional information. Please look out for this and if you don't receive one on the same day please let me know.

Within this email will be a consent form. I ask that you carefully read and complete this, alongside an 'on the day form', and email it back to me. Within this form will be a list of options and preferences for your visit.

You will also receive an invoice which must be paid before your appointment or at the time of your appointment if paying by card/cash.

With end of life care I appreciate things can change quickly and if you do need to cancel our visit you will be given a full refund as long as notice is given at least 2 hours before our arranged time. If it is within 2 hours of our visit there will be a cancellation fee.

On the Day

Things to think about on the day of your appointment.

Location

Does your pet have a favourite spot around the house, or a spot in the garden they loved best.

It can be nice to celebrate their life by saying goodbye in their favourite spot.

Who will be present?

What family members or friends would you like to be present on the day.

Do you have other pets you would like to be present afterwards.

Favourite foods

If your pet is well enough to eat sometimes providing them their favourite treats to have before they are sedated is a lovely touch.

Sedation

All pets will be given sedation prior to euthanasia in order to provide a peaceful and pain free passing.

If your pet is not too fond of strangers or vets then I may provide an additional sedation for them to ingest before the visit to reduce your pets stress.

Memorial items

What memorial items would you like to keep in memory of your beloved pet.

Included in the price of your visit I offer paw and nose prints as well as hair clippings. Please see the aftercare page for more information.

After care

What would you like to do with your pet's body after?

Would you like to bury them in the garden, take them to the crematorium or would you prefer for me to transport them?

Included in the price of your visit I will provide a euthabag which can be used for home burial or cremation.

What will happen during the visit?

Below is a rough guide of what to expect from the visit, but all visits will be tailored to individual needs.

When I arrive I will go through the consent form again to double check your wishes for the visit. I can also talk through any concerns you may have.

Once you are happy to proceed I will give your pet an injection of deep sedation either under their skin or into a muscle in their back leg. It may sting a little but this will just be for a moment.

Once your pet is in a deep sleep I will clip a small patch of hair on their leg and place a catheter into the vein.

After the catheter is placed I will ask if you would like a moment alone with your pet before I give them the final injection. Some owners prefer to say their goodbyes then, others will wait until their pet has passed. It is entirely up to you if you would like this moment with your pet.

When you are ready I will give the final injection through the catheter into the vein. This is an overdose of anaesthetic and it will peacefully put your pet to sleep. This is completely painless and it acts very quickly.

Sometimes if your pet is very ill and I am unable to access a vein successfully I will opt to inject into a different location. Due to the type of deep sedation I use there will be no added pain for your pet. If I have to use this method I will talk you through it beforehand.

After the final injection I will listen to their chest and confirm their heart has stopped and they have passed away.

I will then take a step away and give you some time with your pet before we take some paw prints and hair clippings for you to keep.

If you would like me to transport your pet to the crematorium I will then place them into my car. If you would like to transport your pet yourself or you have opted for home burial I will slip away and leave you with the bodybag to use when you are ready.

Please note cremation has to be arranged with the crematorium in advance.

Having children present for euthanasia.

If you would like to have your children present for your pets euthanasia please let me know.

It can sometimes be hard for the children to express how they are feeling during this time so I have made a craft case available with some lovely things inside. The children can can use this to make a card or a drawing for your pet while the euthanasia is taking place. These items can then be popped inside the bodybag with your pet for burial or to go with your pet to the crematorium.

Please also see the below link to the blue cross for more information on how to help your children process the passing of your pet.

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