Time to say goodbye
The death of a beloved family pet can be a devastating time, but the team at Broadleys are here to make sure your pet has a dignified, gentle passing. We hope this page answers any questions you may have ahead of time.
Is it the right time?
At anytime if you are concerned about your pets quality of life please make an appointment with one of our vets. They will carry out a full health check, review your pets medications and together with you discuss what is best for your pet. We all understand how difficult this time is and we are here to support you.
Making an appointment
If the time has come to say goodbye to your pet, please contact the clinic to arrange an appointment.
We will arrange an extended appointment slot for you and your pet, to allow for adequate time. Family members can attend, but please let us know if you plan to bring more than a few people.
If you would like your pet to remain at home, we can arrange a home visit euthanasia, though we usually require a couple of days notice to guarantee our availability. Our team can recommend alternative options if we are not available for a home visit so please get in touch.
During the appointment
If your pet is anxious, the vet may suggest pre-appointment anti-anxiety medications.
When you attend the clinic the vet will meet you in one of our private consult rooms, and confirm your decision/answer any questions you may have.
You will be asked if you wish to remain with your pet during some, or all of the euthanasia. There is no pressure either way, and we will support your choice. Some people want to stay, while others prefer to remember their pet in other ways.
You will be asked to sign a consent form for the euthanasia, and the vet will discuss the aftercare options for your pet’s body.
Euthanasia process
The below information discusses how we provide a peaceful passing to your pet. (This information is applicable to dogs, cats and rabbits though we do facilitate euthanasia of various species).
Depending on the temperament of your pet, we may suggest sedation prior to euthanasia. This is a small injection of sedative medication which typically takes 5-15 minutes to have its full effect (no more painful that them having their yearly vaccine). You can remain with your pet while they fall asleep.
We will usually place an intravenous cannula in one of your pet’s leg veins.This is not painful, and the majority of animals tolerate this very well.
When you have had as much time as you need to say goodbye, we will administer an overdose of anaesthetic. This painless injection is given via the cannula (or directly into the tummy of sedated smaller animals). Your pet will gently fall asleep, and you can touch and talk to them to reassure them. You can hold your pet while they pass away if you choose. Once asleep, they will take a few deep breaths and their heart will slow down to a stop.
Your pet will pass away quite quickly (within a minute, if given through the cannula, and slightly longer if given into their tummy) and they will be asleep the whole time. They do not feel any pain.
The vet will check that their heart has stopped and give you as much time as you need before you leave the clinic. We will then care for your pet’s body in the clinic until you decide what you want to do with their remains, unless you take them home for burial.
Aftercare of your pet’s body
Once your pet has passed away, there are various options as to what happens to their remains.
- You can bury your pet at home if you have suitable land with appropriate permission
- Your pet can be ‘Individually Cremated’ – this means the pet crematorium will cremate your pet’s body on its own to ensure that the ashes you receive are that of your pet alone. You can choose to have the ashes returned to you in an urn, scatter tube or casket.
- Other local crematoriums are available also, which you can opt for if you prefer. You may be able to take your pet there yourself if you arrange an appointment with them.
- Your pet can be ‘Communally Cremated’– This option is for people who do not wish to have their pet’s ashes returned to them, and they will instead be managed by the crematorium after cremation
- Fur clippings can be provided on request, and we can try to provide an ink paw print if you wish
Bereavement support
The blue cross offer pet loss and bereavement support. They provide a free confidential help line the number is 0800 096 6606, web chat, email and a Facebook group.
