What to Expect

Before the Appointment

Preparing for Your Appointment

Pre-Appointment Communication: We will reach out to gather important details about you and your pet using our registration form. This information helps us tailor the appointment to meet your wishes and your pet’s needs.

 

Anxious or Aggressive Pets

Pre-Euthanasia Consultation: If your pet is particularly anxious or aggressive, we may recommend a pre-euthanasia appointment to prescribe oral sedatives. These should be given at specific times prior to our arrival to help your pet feel more relaxed.

 

Our Arrival

Arrival Window: We will provide you with a time window for our arrival. To create a calm environment, consider placing a "Do Not Disturb" sign on your front door.

During the Appointment

No Rush

Our appointments typically last around an hour, although we allow up to 90 minutes when needed. There is no need to rush. We will take time to explain what will happen, answer any questions you may have and allow each stage of the appointment to happen at your pet’s pace.

You will also have time simply to be with your pet as they become sleepy, and to say goodbye in whatever way feels right for you and your family.

If, when we arrive, you are no longer sure that the time is right, please tell us. There is no pressure to proceed. We can talk through your concerns and, if needed, change the appointment to an end-of-life consultation instead.

 

Becoming Sleepy

We begin by giving your pet a sedative injection designed to alleviate any pain and axiety. Afterwards, they can settle somewhere they feel safe and comfortable, while the medication gradually takes effect, allowing you to spend quality time with them as they relax.

Every pet responds differently. Some become sleepy quite quickly, while others take a little longer, and occasionally an additional injection may be needed to help them reach the deep level of sleep we want before proceeding.

We won't move on to the next stage until we are happy that your pet is deeply asleep and unaware of what is happening around them.

 

The Final Medication

Once your pet is deeply asleep and completely unaware of what is happening, we will give the medication that allows them to pass away.

In most cases, we will place a small IV catheter so that the medication can be given into a vein. Occasionally, depending on your pet's health and individual circumstances, we may need to use a different approach. If this is necessary, we will explain it to you beforehand. Your pet will already be deeply asleep and will not be aware of what we are doing.

The medication works very quickly. We will remain with you throughout and gently check your pet afterwards to confirm that they have passed away.

After the Appointment

Time for Goodbyes

There is no need to rush once your pet has passed away. We will give you privacy and time to say your final goodbye in whatever way feels right for you.

If you have asked us to take care of your pet afterwards, we will only move them to our vehicle when you tell us that you are ready.

 

Caring for Larger Pets

Caring for larger pets after they have passed away can sometimes require two people. If your pet weighs more than 15 kg and you have asked us to take them with us afterwards, please let us know if there will be someone available who is comfortable helping us.

If not, that's absolutely fine, just let us know beforehand so that we can make suitable arrangements.

 

Aftercare

If you have asked us to take care of your pet afterwards, they will remain in our care until they are collected by our chosen crematorium.

If you have chosen individual cremation, your pet's ashes will usually be personally delivered back to your home within around two weeks.

You can find full details of burial, general cremation, individual cremation and keepsake options on our Aftercare page.