What To Expect During Visit
When the vet arrives, they will take a moment to meet you and your pet and answer any question you may have. This is your time, and your wishes guide the entire experience. Family and friends, including children, are welcome to be present if they wish, and calm pets can also be included in the farewell. For more energetic or younger pets, it may be best for them to say goodbye afterward, depending on their temperament.
The process begins with gentle, calming sedation. Your pet can relax in your arms or in their favourite spot, with you close by—or at a comfortable distance if that feels best for you. Over several minutes, they will become calm and peaceful, ready for the next step. When the time comes, I will administer the euthanasia injection slowly and gently, allowing your beloved companion to drift peacefully into eternal rest.
To create a lasting memory, the vet will leave you with a small fur clipping if you wish. The visit usually lasts 30–60 minutes, moving entirely at your pace, ensuring that every moment is calm, loving, and dignified.
Is It Time?
We all want our pets to live long, happy lives filled with the things they love most. To truly understand their happiness now, it helps to reflect on what brought them joy when they were younger. Did they love chasing a ball, going for long walks, or running alongside you? Or perhaps their greatest joy came from curling up with the family, enjoying a good meal, or simply being by your side.
As pets age, their ability to do the things they once loved can gradually decline. For highly active dogs, a loss of mobility may impact their happiness more quickly. For pets who always enjoyed a quieter lifestyle, their needs may change more gently. Thinking about what your pet has always loved most—and whether they can still do and enjoy those things—is one of the kindest ways to assess how much joy they continue to find in life.
Please see the detailed guides below
Grief And Pet Loss Support
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy, and it’s natural to feel a wave of deep and sometimes overwhelming emotions during this time. The grief we feel when parting with a cherished companion is very real and can be just as profound as the grief of losing a human family member. Please remember—there is no need to hide or minimise your feelings. Your bond with your pet is unique and beautiful, and the love you shared deserves to be honoured with the space and tenderness that grief requires.
If you find yourself struggling, please know that you don’t have to go through this alone. Support is available, and reaching out can bring comfort and guidance as you navigate your loss.
✨ These resources are here whenever you need them, whether now or later, to help you feel supported through your grief.
Pets and People
Everybody deals with grief differently and in their own time. View our tips and support for guidance on dealing with the loss of your beloved pet.
Specialised Support For Pet Loss Grief
Has Your Companion – Left Earthside? Is Terminally Ill? Ageing? Had to be Re-Homed?
Grief Counselling and Pet Loss Support
Dealing with terminal diagnosis and loss during this most difficult time.
