Saying goodbye to a much-loved pet is one of the hardest decisions we ever have to make.
At Cockburn Vets, we understand just how important your pet is to you and your family, and we’re here to support you with compassion, kindness and understanding at every stage.
When the time comes, euthanasia offers a peaceful and dignified way to prevent further pain or suffering. Our team will take the time to talk you through what to expect, answer any questions you may have, and help make your pet’s final moments as calm, comfortable and gentle as possible.
We understand that every pet and every family is unique, which is why we offer you the choice of where and how you wish to say goodbye.
An appointment at the practice
You are welcome to come into the practice and wait in our waiting room until a member of the team is ready to see you. Alternatively, if you would prefer some privacy before your appointment, you are welcome to wait in your car. Simply let us know when you arrive, and a member of our team will collect you.
An appointment at home
If you would prefer your pet to remain in familiar surroundings, we can arrange a euthanasia appointment in your own home during our normal practice hours, allowing you to say goodbye in a peaceful and familiar environment.
What to expect
We are here every step of the way
What happens during a euthanasia appointment at the practice?
Appointments for euthanasia at our practice are 30 minutes long, so you won’t feel rushed. We will talk you through what will happen and give you time to ask any questions you may have.
If you would like your pet to be sedated beforehand, or if our veterinary team feels that sedation would help them to feel more relaxed and comfortable, this can be given before the euthanasia.
Throughout the appointment, our team will be there to support you and make your pet as comfortable as possible.
Information on prices can be found here.
After your pet has passed away
You can choose what you would like to happen afterwards. There is no right or wrong choice, and we can gently talk you through the options if you are unsure.
You may choose to take your pet home with you and make your own arrangements for their aftercare.
Alternatively, you can leave your pet in our care and we can arrange cremation on your behalf. There are two options:
Standard cremation
Your pet will be cremated alongside other pets, and their ashes will be respectfully scattered in the crematorium’s meadow.
Individual cremation
Your pet will be cremated individually and their ashes returned to you. You can choose to have their ashes presented in a scatter tube, dark wood casket or light wood casket.
A keepsake to remember them by
Some families find comfort in having a small, lasting reminder of their pet. If you wish, we can arrange a nose print or paw print, with paw prints available in either ink or clay.
There is no need to make these decisions alone. Our team is here to explain the choices available, answer your questions and support you through every step, with kindness, dignity and compassion.
What happens during a home euthanasia visit?
Choosing to say goodbye to your pet at home can allow their final moments to take place somewhere they know and feel comfortable, surrounded by the people they love. We understand that this can be an incredibly emotional time, so our team will support you throughout the process and make everything as peaceful and dignified as possible. Information on prices can be found here.
Arranging your visit
When you contact us to arrange a home euthanasia, you can request a particular vet if there is someone you and your pet know especially well. We will always do our best to accommodate your request, subject to their availability.
A trained member of our team will speak with you over the phone before the visit. They will gently talk you through what to expect and ask about your wishes, including whether you would like your pet to be sedated beforehand and what you would like to happen afterwards.
We can discuss options such as keeping your pet at home, communal or individual cremation, and keepsakes including clay or ink paw prints and nose prints.
We will also explain the cost of the services you have chosen and take payment over the phone to secure the appointment. We do this beforehand so that, once you have said goodbye, you don’t have to think about payment or practical arrangements at what can be a very difficult time.
When we arrive
At the arranged time, your vet and veterinary nurse will visit you at home. Before anything happens, they will check the arrangements you have made, explain the process again and give you as much time as you need to ask questions.
We may suggest that your pet rests on a favourite bed, blanket or towel. As the body completely relaxes after death, pets can sometimes pass urine or faeces. This is entirely normal, and having something underneath them can help you feel prepared.
You can stay with your pet throughout if you wish, talking to them, stroking them or simply sitting beside them. If you would prefer not to be present for the procedure itself, that is completely fine too. You can step out and leave your pet in the care of our vet and nurse.
Sedation
If you have chosen for your pet to have sedation, the vet will give this first, usually by injection. We will then allow time for your pet to become sleepy and relaxed before proceeding. This generally takes around 10–15 minutes, although every pet is different.
This can give you some quiet time together while your pet becomes settled and comfortable.
Saying goodbye
When you are ready, the vet will usually clip a small patch of fur from one of your pet’s front or back legs. They may place a small cannula into a vein, or the final injection may be given directly into the vein using a needle.
The medication allows your pet to become unconscious before their heart stops and they peacefully pass away.
Occasionally, you may notice a deep breath, small movement or muscle twitch after your pet has passed away. Although this can be unexpected, these are normal reflexes that can occur as the body relaxes and do not mean that your pet is conscious or in pain.
Our team will give you time with your pet afterwards, so there is no need to feel rushed.
What happens afterwards?
If you have chosen for us to arrange your pet’s cremation, our vet and veterinary nurse will gently take your pet with them when they leave.
We work with Kings Hill Crematorium, which offers a range of cremation and memorial options. If you would like something particularly personal to remember your pet by, we encourage you to look at the Kings Hill Crematorium website before your appointment. If you see a special memorial or keepsake you would like, please let us know and we can arrange this on your behalf.
If you have chosen an individual cremation or keepsakes such as paw or nose prints, these will usually be returned to us within approximately two weeks. We will let you know when they are ready for you.
Above all, please remember that there is no single ‘right’ way to say goodbye. Our team is here to listen to what feels right for you and your pet, answer your questions and help make their final moments as peaceful, comfortable and dignified as we can.