End of Life Care

Our pets give us so much love and enjoyment during the time they spend with us- so, saying goodbye is always sad, difficult and often traumatic.

Euthanasia is one of the most difficult decisions anyone can ever make for their pet and comes with a number of different emotions.

Deciding when the time is right is a very personal decision that only you and your family can make, but if you would like to discuss your pet and get some guidance with monitoring their quality of life, then our staff can help you with this.

The Ralph Site is a good resource also offers pet loss support with lots of useful information which is applicable both before and after losing a pet, including how to decide when the time is right and guidance on how the euthanasia takes place.

All of our staff are here to help you deal with your loss. It often helps to talk things over with someone who has helped to care for your pet. Most of us have also lost much loved pets and know from first-hand experience how hard it is to deal with the huge gap that bereavement leaves.

It is sometimes easier to discuss the available options and decide on what happens to your pet prior to requiring this service. This can help to reduce the stress and ensure that you are able to concentrate on the final moments with your pet.

Bereavement after losing a pet is commonplace and there are some additional support options available to owners.

The Blue Cross offers a Pet Loss and Bereavement Support Line on 0800 096 6606 every day from 8.30am – 8.30pm

We "euthanise" (from Greek meaning "good death") or "put to sleep" pets because they are in pain or if their quality of life has deteriorated beyond what is acceptable.

This decision is never an easy one. Sometimes, if treatment is not possible and your pet’s health is rapidly deteriorating, the decision is made a little easier by knowing we can help prevent any suffering.

In other situations it is less clear with some good days mixed with bad ones. Often it helps to talk about the situation with friends, family and the staff at the practice.

Some pets do pass away in their sleep at home. However, for the majority of pets, the quality of their life deteriorates and they need veterinary intervention.

Euthanasia involves the injection of a medication very similar to a general anaesthetic. Your pet will go to sleep and then pass away.

Sometimes a sedation will be given first to help calm and relax your pet. We usually place a catheter prior to giving the injection- this can be performed away from you or with you present.

The exact details of how the procedure is performed will be discussed fully on the day and the necessary paperwork will also be gone through prior to the procedure.

You may decide to leave your pet with us or to stay with them.

We will help you do whatever feels right for you at the time, and you may stay for as long, or as short a time as you wish.

All pet owners want their companion to have a good life. As your pet gets older, or if they’re diagnosed with a serious illness, you may worry that they’re suffering and have more bad days than good.

It can be easy to tell if your pet has a really good quality of life – they’re still playful, active, comfortable and enjoying their food normally. Sometimes, it’ll be very noticeable that your pet is in pain and is suffering after an accident or a sudden illness. However, it's more difficult to notice subtle changes over a period of time. As pet owners we can get used to how our pets slow down or change as they age and, emotionally, we might not want to admit that they’re struggling.

There are many different components to measuring Quality of Life- it is important to take all these factors into account and look at all parts of your pet’s mental and physical well-being. This means it can be difficult to measure.

Factors to think about when you are assessing Quality of Life at home include:

Are they eating and drinking normally?
Are they in pain?
Are they struggling to get around?
Are they going to the toilet normally?
Can they keep themselves clean?
Has the way they behave changed?
How are you coping with looking after them?
Are they coping overall?

Your vet can help you measure your pet’s quality of life. But your vet only sees your pet during an appointment, and they know you are best-placed to understand how they are getting on day to day so will want to discuss how your pet is from your point of view as well.

If their quality of life is getting worse, this doesn’t always mean that it’s time to say goodbye. It’s always best to visit the vet if you notice a change in your pet, even if they already have a diagnosis of a serious illness. There may be other medications or management techniques to help your pet. If you feel you are ready to say goodbye then they can also discuss when the time is best for you and your pet.

If you feel your pet would be more comfortable in their home environment, then a home visit for euthanasia can be arranged.

This is subject to our diary, so we request as much notice as possible. We cannot guarantee a vet will be available to perform home visit at short notice or on weekends. In this situation, especially if it is not appropriate to delay euthanasia, we may ask you to bring your pet to the practice instead.

We also work with Paws in Peace, a local company, to offer a bespoke home euthanasia service. Visit their website for further details.

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me where, to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close - we two - these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

- Author Unknown -

Burial

You can opt to bury your pet at home. Before undertaking a home burial, remember the size and depth of the grave must be sufficient to accommodate your pet without the risk of disturbance from wild animals or future owners of the property.

Individual Cremation

We work with Summerleaze Pet Crematorium for cremation services, who offer a variety of different caskets, urns and scatter pouches. For more details on the range, please click here.

If you would like something other than the carved casket (which is included in the price of individual cremation, please request at the time of euthanasia if possible.
There are additional costs for these alternatives so please do speak to the team if this is your wish.

If you need more time to make your decision, please let us know- we know it is a very emotional time and can be

difficult to decide in the moment.

Payment for individual cremations is required before your pet can be released for cremation.

Communal Cremation

This is an economical and straightforward option. Pets are taken from our surgeries to the crematorium. Several pets are cremated at the same time and, unfortunately, ashes cannot be returned following this service.

Burial

Individual

Communal

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Park Hill Veterinary Clinic Limited - Company Registration Number 08839270 – Registered Office: Lower Yedbury, Pennymoor, Tiverton, Devon EX168LH