Langford Vet Practice Saying Goodbye to Your Pet

Euthanasia is a medical procedure used to peacefully and painlessly end a pet’s life. It’s sometimes called “putting to sleep” and is done to prevent further suffering when a pet’s quality of life has significantly declined.

Making the decision to say goodbye is never easy. You may want to ask yourself:

• Is my pet having more bad days than good?
• Are they in chronic pain or dealing with a long-term illness that can no longer be managed?
• Has their behaviour changed due to discomfort or confusion

There are quality of life and pain questionnaires that can help guide your decision and you are not alone; our veterinary team is here to talk things through with you. It can also help to speak with trusted friends or family members.

Once the decision is made, you might feel overwhelmed with emotions, which is completely normal. Give yourself permission to grieve and, if possible, consider taking some time off work to process everything.

Once you feel it’s the right time, please contact us at the practice to book an appointment. We try to schedule these during quieter times of the day for your privacy and comfort. You can reach out:

• By phone
• In person
• Via email (which can be easier for some during emotional moments)

If you would prefer a home visit, please let us know in advance. We’ll do our utmost to accommodate your request, but if we are unable to come to you, we will be able to recommend a trusted external provider who specialises in home euthanasia.

When you arrive at the practice, we will ask you to sign a consent form. We will talk through the options for what will happen afterward - such as cremation or home burial, and whether you would like any keepsakes, for example, paw prints or fur clipping.

•  Your pet may be given a gentle sedative to help them relax.
• A small patch of fur is shaved (usually on a leg) to place a catheter.
• Some pets, especially those who are elderly or unwell, may require more than one attempt or additional clipping to find a suitable vein.

Once everything is ready, your pet will be placed in a comfortable position. A vet and nurse will be there to gently support your pet. You are very welcome to stay and comfort them, but if you’d prefer not to be present, that is absolutely okay too. When the final injection is given, it works very quickly. Your pet will peacefully drift off, and their heart will stop. Some natural responses - such as a final breath, small twitches, or the release of the bladder - may occur, these are normal and not a sign of distress.

Afterwards, you will be given time to say your goodbyes in private.

This is a deeply personal choice. Some people find comfort in being with their pet, others find it too emotional, either way, your decision is okay. If you’re not in the room, rest assured your pet will be held gently and cared for with compassion by the vet and nurse.

There are a few options to consider for your pet’s body, and we’ll help you with whatever feels right for you.

You may choose to keep your pet’s collar, take a paw print, or save a clipping of fur. Let us know if you’d like this done - we can arrange it.

You can bury your pet at home, but please be aware of government guidelines to protect the environment.

We can help arrange cremation through our trusted partner Companions Haven in Pucklechurch, Bristol. You can also choose your own provider. There are two types of cremation:

• Individual Cremation: Your pet is cremated on their own, and their ashes are returned to you in a casket, urn, or scatter box.
• Communal Cremation: Your pet is cremated with others, and a token of ashes is scattered at the crematorium. Ashes are not returned.

You may choose to donate your pet to the University of Bristol to support the training of future vets. There are two options:

• General donation for teaching - Your pet will assist in the teaching of anatomy and how to carry out surgical procedures during the veterinary course. No ashes are returned; the university covers all costs.
• Donation for a teaching postmortem - teaching of anatomy in the postmortem department. After examination, individual cremation can be arranged at your request.

If you need time to decide, we can hold your pet in cold storage for 7 days. If we are unable to make contact with you at the end of that period, a communal cremation will be arranged.

Grieving the loss of a pet can be as intense as losing a family member. It’s important to allow yourself time and space to grieve. Some helpful ideas:

• Talk to friends or family who understand the bond you have with your pet.
• Create a memory book or frame a favourite photo.
• Have a small ceremony when burying or scattering ashes.
• Don’t hesitate to speak to our team - we’re here for you.

Please remember: You’re not alone. This decision comes from a place of love, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Support is also available through the Blue Cross Pet Bereavement Service: