At Southill Vets, we understand how painful losing a beloved pet can be. We want you to know that we’re here to support you every step of the way and will treat your companion with the care and dignity they deserve.
There comes a time when we have to say goodbye to our much-loved pet. Here at Southill Vets, we want to assure you that we will provide you and your pet with care, comfort and above all, understanding.
We can carry out euthanasia at most of our branches. Unfortunately, in the current climate we will regretfully be unable to perform home visits due to Covid-19 and social distancing.
Please telephone our surgery and our team will arrange an appointment for you.
Our team are here to answer any questions you have. To help you, we have shared answers to some questions commonly asked by our clients below.
This can be the hardest question for you to answer. Euthanasia will become necessary when an animal is seriously injured or is too poorly or too elderly to enjoy a good quality of life. In many situations, euthanasia can be the kindest thing you can do for your pet. You can always talk to our staff here at Southill Vets about these issues.
Please remember that some conditions that may seem impossible to treat, may in fact be treatable or managed, so please talk to your veterinary surgeon before making a final decision.
It will be your decision, but we do advise you to discuss this with your vet and family.
We can perform euthanasia at any of our practices. Here at Southill Vets, we understand this can be a very difficult time and we allow a longer appointment so that you do not feel rushed at any point.
If you would prefer your pet to be put to sleep at home, then this is something that we can do*. Talk to our reception team who will organise this for you.
This is entirely up to you and there is no right or wrong answer. Many owners stay with their pets so they can reassure them and be there for them at the end of their life. Owners can feel that seeing their pet pass away peacefully gives them reassurance and comfort. If you don’t stay, then that is completely fine and your decision and please do not feel any pressure to do so. We will reassure your pet and comfort them as if they were our own.
Are you worried about getting upset? Please don’t be. This is completely understandable, and we would not want you to not be with your pet because of this.
The vet will talk you through what will happen and make you aware of the multiple options that we have available if the procedure is not straight forward or if you have concerns.
The vet will often be joined by a nurse to assist with the procedure.
An area of fur will be clipped on your pet’s leg. An intravenous catheter will often be placed and secured. From here we are ready for the procedure to take place. The injection will go into the catheter site or directly into the vein. Once the injection is being administered your pet will relax and fall asleep very quickly. Once the injection has been given the vet will check your pet’s chest and confirm their passing over Rainbow Bridge. Unfortunately, they do not close their eyes, so please be aware that this is normal.
We can arrange, if you wish, for your pet to be cremated. There are two options available: They can be communally cremated with no ashes returned, or we can arrange for your pet to be individually cremated. They will be cremated on their own and their ashes returned to you in a casket, urn, scatter box, or another type of vessel.
We use PCS crematorium in West Stour, which many of our staff members have visited, and you can rest assured that your pet will be treated with dignity and compassion at all stages.
If you would like to have a look at all that PCS offer, then please visit their website www.pcsonline.org.uk
The Blue Cross run a wonderful Pet Bereavement Support Service as do The Ralph Site.
If you feel that you are struggling to cope with the loss of your pet and need to talk to somebody, click on the links above to find out more.
