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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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

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

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

Hand-painted-rainbow-scaled.jpg

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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            - Author Unknown -

Burial

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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.

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Individual Cremation 

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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.

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Communal Cremation

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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

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