End of Life Care

Grief for the impending loss of your pet is complicated by the need to make difficult, often painful decisions. You may ask yourself how much treatment should you pursue? At what point will treatment cause more trauma than relief? Can you give the care needed to keep your pet comfortable? At what point, if any, should you consider euthanasia?

Sometimes circumstances don't give you time to ask such questions, an unexpected illness or injury might only give you minutes. Whenever possible, it is ideal to develop a plan taking into consideration three basic issues:

When should you consider euthanasia? When your pet is ill, this may be the last question you want to think about, but it is an important question that needs consideration. Our vets can provide you with information on your pet's problem to help you form a plan. For example, you may decide to consider euthanasia when your pet is reluctant to eat or drink for a period of time, is in pain despite medication, or has difficulty urinating/defecating in a normal manner.
Do you wish to be there? This is a very personal issue, there is no right or wrong and many feel that their pet's well-being is the most important aspect to consider. If you believe that your pet will more comfortable or secure in your presence, you will probably want to stay. However, if you believe that your own reaction and grief may upset the pet more than the process itself, you may prefer to stay away.
What happens next? The worst time to decide what to do with your pet's body is at the last minute; it is better to discuss the options in advance. We offer three alternatives.

You may take your pet home for a private burial.

We will arrange a private cremation for your pet with its ashes returned to you in a casket or ceramic pot.

We can handle your pet's remains for you which involves a communal cremation and the scattering of ashes in a garden of remembrance near Newbury.

Our staff members are also pet owners and understand the bond between humans and animals and the difficulty of losing a much-loved pet. They will be available to talk to you about the euthanasia process before you come in for the final time with your pet, so that you understand what to expect.

For more information on this subject, please see our 'Death of your Pet' leaflet.