Euthanasia & handling bereavement

Our pet’s mean the world to us; they give us everything in the time they have with us and although it can be difficult, we have to have their best interests at heart. This can mean we have to make extremely difficult decisions about their end of life care and euthanasia.

When do I need to think about this?
Unfortunately some patients may undergo an acute crisis or trauma. In some circumstances the kindest thing to do is to offer euthanasia if their condition holds a poor prognosis or the patient is suffering.

However, sometimes our pet’s health can deteriorate slowly over a period of time, becoming terminally ill and/or being in chronic pain. Although difficult, these cases allow some owners to plan or consider when euthanasia may be appropriate for their pet.
No case is the same and therefore careful consideration is always taken when suggesting euthanasia as an option. Your case Veterinary Surgeon is there to talk through every option with you and what they feel may be best for your pet. We are happy to answer any questions you have and offer relevant guidance.

Preparation.
Taking time to think about the discussed options and what your pet is going through will help to make the process less traumatic. Our staff are trained to help and will answer any questions you may have about any part of the process. If you would like to discuss something in private, away from the hustle and bustle of the main surgery please ask.

Euthanasia normally takes place at the surgery, you can enter via a separate entrance if you feel more comfortable and we try to book appointments at a less busy time of day. Home visits can usually be arranged. Whilst home burial is possible, at HNVG we use an external company to provide our clients with a cremation service. We have used them for many years and trust them completely. You can either receive individual ashes or have your pet communally cremated. For those wanting individual ashes returned, there are many options available which we can discuss with you. Our staff will ensure your requests are carried out with upmost dignity.

Process.
Prior to starting we will ask the owner of the patient to sign a consent form for euthanasia. This is a legal requirement. Euthanasia is performed by the Veterinary surgeon. There will often be a nurse or trained animal care assistant present assisting with the process. The euthanasia is delivered by injection of an anaesthetic overdose. Typically this is injected into a forelimb vein. Sometimes a cannula may be placed prior to the injection. Occasionally, in older patients or those in circulatory collapse we may need to sedate the patient and administer the injection into the body. Whilst the staff are performing the procedure you are welcome to cuddle and comfort your pet and much as you wish. Some people prefer not to be present during the procedure, this is absolutely fine, there is no right or wrong and we want you to feel comfortable in whatever decision you make. If you decide not to be present our staff are there to provide love and support to your pet during the process.
Once the injection is administered the patient will ‘fall asleep’ in around 10 seconds. Your pet may perform a large ‘gasp’ after they have passed away which is a normal reflex and their eyes will remain open. Once we have confirmed they have passed away we will ask you whether you would like some time by yourself with your pet. This is your time to say goodbye as you wish.

Support.
There is never a ‘right’ moment and this will undoubtedly be an upsetting event for you. We aim to make it a calm and smooth experience for both you and your pet. Seeking support from friends and family may be a source of comfort and also an opportunity to share cherished memories of your pet. Explaining the loss of a pet to younger members of the family may also prove difficult, so if you would like advice regarding this we are more than happy to help. Additionally, there are a number of different charities that can help you throughout your bereavement.

The Blue Cross operate a confidential bereavement support service every day from 8.30am to 8.30pm. The service is there to help you through traumatic times and you are welcome to call them once, or multiple times.

Cats Protection have a confidential phone line called Paws to Listen, a service for any cat owner suffering grief or bereavement of a beloved pet.

The Ralph Site is a UK‑based not‑for‑profit online support resource for people grieving the loss of a beloved companion animal.

Veterinary Wisdom This website provides a wide range of resources for pet owners coping with the loss of a beloved companion. It offers articles on grief and coping strategies, guidance on end-of-life decisions, ideas for memorials, and support for families and children. Visitors can also access downloadable guides and links to helplines and counselling services.

Compassion Understood Compassion Understood is an online resource offering reliable, compassionate information about the end‑of‑life journey for pets and support for owners facing this difficult time. The site helps guide pet carers through planning for end‑of‑life care, making informed decisions, understanding emotions around loss, and finding ways to cope with grief.

Coping with the death of your pet – The Humane Society This page offers compassionate guidance on managing the emotional impact of losing a beloved pet. It explains the grief process, normalises the range of feelings people may experience, and suggests practical ways to care for yourself and your family as you mourn. The resource also covers supporting surviving pets, creating meaningful memorials, and helping children understand pet loss.

Should you need any other information, please don’t hesitate to contact us, we are here to help in any way we can.

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