Once you have arrived in clinic with your pet you will be shown to a private quiet room. The vet will need to confirm your decision to say goodbye to your beloved pet and will talk you through the process.
Legally we will please require a signature from you at this time.
Before your pet can be put to sleep we will require access to their veins. We will place an intravenous catheter in to one of their legs.
In most cases the vet may advise the administration of some sedation to your pet to make the process as stress and pain-free as possible.
We will place your pet on a soft blanket and allow you to spend some precious time to say goodbye in your own way.
Once your pet is settled in your arms and you are ready to proceed, the vet will administer an injection through the catheter. This is effectively an overdose of anaesthetic which will cause the heart to stop beating.
Your vet will check for any heart sounds at this point. After your pet has peacefully passed they can occasionally gasp or take large sudden breaths. This is completely expected and normal. Your pet is no longer with us and their body is merely shutting down.
In some instances pets can pass urine or faeces as the body relaxes. Again this is normal and nothing to be ashamed or worried about.
Once you are ready to leave we will take your pet from you and respectfully prepare them based on your wishes for them.
We can take this opportunity to take a paw print or hair clipping for you should you wish.

If you would like your pet to be individually cremated we are able to organise this for you. There are a wide range of casket and urn options for you and you can find the link below.
The return of your pet can take up to two weeks however, we usually expect them to be returned to you in about 7-10 days.
Once they have arrived back at the practice we will contact you.
Cremation Options
If you would like your pet to be cremated communally and laid to rest within the beautiful gardens of the crematorium this can be arranged for you.
If you wish to donate your pet to the Pet Gifting Scheme this can also be arranged for you. Please read more about this in the Pet Gifting Scheme section.
If you wish to take your pet with you to bury at home this is absolutely fine. You can read more information about appropriate burial of your pet on the GOV.UK website.

“Just as medical schools use humans for teaching purposes, Improve International, one of the UK’s leading veterinary-training companies, also uses animal bodies to help qualified veterinary professionals perfect the latest medical and surgical techniques.
Pet cats and dogs who have been put to sleep for welfare reasons decided under the discretion of their owners and guidance of their veterinary surgeon will make a huge and lasting difference to the future care of pets.” -Improve International.
If you opt to donate your pet to the scheme the practice will do everything for you. Your pet will be sent to Improve international and your pet will be returned to you at a later date.
It can take up to 6 months for your pet to be returned to you however Improve international will cover the cost of euthanasia and cremation and your pet’s ashes will be returned.
You can read more details and FAQ’s about the gifting scheme here.