Unfortunately, our pets do not live as long as humans, so there will come a day where you have to
say goodbye. Our animals leave such a big impact on our lives that this can sometimes be difficult to
go through, and some people may benefit from accessing various bereavement support associations.

So, what happens when a pet is euthanised or ‘put to sleep’?
It can be helpful to understand what to expect when saying goodbye to your pet, and make the
process as relaxed as possible for both you and your animal. You will have a consultation with the
vet to discuss your pet, and when the decision to put them to sleep has been made you will be asked
to sign a consent form to give your permission. The euthanasia process involves an overdose of
anaesthetic liquid into the veins, so a small patch of hair will be shaved from one or both legs, and a
cannula inserted into the vein. This is flushed with a small amount of saline before any drugs are
given to check it is in the correct place. This is a simple process, but can be difficult on very sick
patients, as sometimes their veins are fragile, and a different leg is needed instead.
Some pets benefit from sedation prior to cannula placement, which can be discussed with your vet
beforehand.
When you are ready, the vet will inject the anaesthetic through the cannula whilst you hold or stroke
your pet. This makes them quickly go unconscious, similarly to when they are sedated. Their heart
will stop beating and they will stop breathing. This is a completely painless process, and the vet will
check their heart with a stethoscope. Occasionally reflex movements may be seen from the pet after
euthanasia, usually a ‘gasp’ as the body responds to the lack of oxygen when the pet stops
breathing. This can look alarming but at this point the pet has already passed away and is completely
unaware of anything happening. Following the euthanasia process, you will be given time to spend
with your pet.

What do I do with my pet after they have been put to sleep?
There are a number of different options available to you, and it can be helpful to have an idea of
what you would like to do before the appointment, but we understand that this is an incredibly
difficult time, so a decision does not need to be made immediately.
Some people prefer to bury their pets at home, so the pet can be wrapped in a bio-degradable item
such as a blanket or towel and buried at least six foot deep. It can be nice to plant a tree or plant in
the pets’ memory.

If you do not have a garden, or rent your house, cremation may be a better option to consider. Some
people prefer to have their pets’ ashes returned to them so they can be scattered, or simply to keep
at home with their family. This is known as individual cremation, meaning your pet is cremated by
themselves, with no other animals present. Your pet will be kept in a cold storage facility until the
cremation company collect them, they are transported to the crematorium, cremated and their
ashes returned to the veterinary practice. The whole process may take up to a week, and the
practice will call you to let you know your pets’ ashes have been returned. Some people prefer to
take their pet directly to the crematorium themselves, and whilst you will not be able to watch the
cremation process, you can usually take you pets ashes home sooner.

There are a number of different options for how your pets’ ashes will be returned to you, some
prefer a scatter tube or box, whereas other people prefer a wooden casket engraved with the pets’
name. This is something that can be discussed before or after your pet has been put to sleep, so you
can choose the best option for your family.

If you do not wish to have your pets’ ashes returned to you, group or communal cremation may be
an option to consider. Your pet will be cremated with other animals, and the crematorium often
scatters a portion of these ashes in their garden of remembrance.

Can I have my pet put to sleep at home?
We can perform home visits for pets who do not like the veterinary practice, or if their owners
would prefer them to be put to sleep at home. This relies on having the staff available to come out,
so needs to be discussed and arranged in advance. The process is the same as if it were carried out
in the practice, and we can arrange cremation for your pet if this is what you have decided on.

Animals have an enormous effect on the lives of their family, and the loss of a pet can feel like losing
a family member. There is no set pattern or timeline for how everyone experiences grief, and there
is no wrong way to cope with the passing of a pet. Acknowledging and discussing the emotions
involved in losing a pet can be helpful, either with friends and family or a dedicated pet
bereavement support service. Some of the associations that offer advice and support following the
bereavement of a pet include:

? Blue Cross Pet Bereavement Support Service
o www.bluecross.org
o 0800 096 6606
? Cats Protection Paws to Listen and Grief Support
o www.cats.org.uk/grief
o 0800 024 9494
? The Ralph Site
o www.theralphsite.com
? Samaritans
o www.samaritans.org
? 116 123