Yes, you do need to make an appointment. However, please know that if you feel there is not much time left or your pet is in critical condition, our staff will do everything in their power to get you in so that your pet is not suffering for any longer than necessary, even if we are fully booked. 

We still ask that you call before coming in. This is an extremely stressful time for you, your family and possibly for your pet. We don’t want you to have to wait in reception until a vet is available. 

You may like to book in with your regular vet who has a special relationship with your pet. You will need time to sit quietly and say your goodbyes at your own pace in peaceful surroundings. We like to offer you some private moments with your family and pet so that everyone gets to give them cuddles and kisses. If it is a family pet, we recommend discussing your decision with your family so they may spend some time with them or come and say their goodbyes before you come in. This can prevent any bad feelings or added guilt after the euthanasia has already happened.

We recommend calling the clinic on arrival, especially if your pet struggles to stand or walk. This will give us time to clear the way for you to go straight to the consult room or garden and for us to organise a stretcher for your pet if they need it. We want your pet to be as stress-free as possible, not waiting in a full waiting room that can be noisy and overwhelming.

Once in the consult room or garden, one or two nurses will come and ask to take your pet to another room for a few minutes to insert a canula into their leg. If you are uncomfortable with them being taken away, they can place the canula with you in the room. It is just a small needle, but it can sometimes be a little upsetting for some, especially if you don’t like needles. 

We attach an I.V. line extension to their canula so that you have the space to hold and cuddle them and can have other family close too. Your pet is then brought straight back to you so that everyone can have some extra time to have a cuddle and say goodbye. 

Once you are ready, the vet will come into the room and explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have. The vet will ask if you are ready, then they will inject the medication into the I.V. line. This should be completely painless, and your pet should go quietly to sleep surrounded by the ones they know and love. 

The vet will then check that there is no longer a heartbeat or any other signs of life. The vet will then leave you to have some private moments with your pet alone. 

You can leave when you’re ready, and the nurses will take care of your pet. If you are taking them home for burial, the nurses will prepare them for you and bring them to you or your car. The nurses may come to check on you while you are here and remove any bandages or I.V. lines.

• Your pet is struggling to stand up or walk - - - Your pet is no longer interested in going for walks, affection or eating treats 
• Your pet seems to be in chronic pain 
• Your pet is becoming uncharacteristically aggressive towards family members 
• Your pet is no longer able to eat or drink without a helping hand 
• Your pet is suffering from diarrhea or frequent vomiting  

For more information on knowing when it might be time to say goodbye, check out the below resources: 

Quality of Life Assessment  

How Do I Know When Its Time?