Frequently Asked Questions

How will I know the time has come?

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• Does your pet have more good days than bad?

• Are they still interested in eating, walking or playing?

• Do they want to interact with you or are they going off by themselves?

• Are they showing signs of pain that medication cannot control?

• Are they able to toilet independently and with dignity?

• If your pet is poorly, is treatment available, affordable and likely to

improve their quality of life?

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What happens when my pet is put to sleep?

In most dogs and cats, it is an injection which is given into a vein, usually in a
front leg. We will clip a small patch of fur from the injection site and either
inject directly into the vein or we place a cannula into the vein first and inject
into that. The injection that we use is an overdose of anaesthetic which is quick
and painless. Your pet will usually fall asleep within a few seconds of the
injection being given and they have often passed away by the time the vet has
finished injecting. If your pet is particularly anxious or nervous the vet may
suggest sedating your pet first, but they will discuss this with you at the time.
The process for other species may vary slightly and the vet will be on hand to
discuss the process with you.

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What should I expect after my pet has passed?

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After the vet has finished giving the injection, they will listen to your pet’s
chest with a stethoscope to confirm that your pet has passed. As the body
relaxes you may notice muscles twitching, they may pass urine or faeces and
they may take a big gasp. These are all completely normal and your pet will be
completely unaware of them happening. Pets’ eyes do not close when they
have passed away so they will remain open.

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Do I need to stay with my pet while they are put to sleep?

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It is a very personal decision, but most people do choose to stay with their pet.
We will get your pet settled and ensure the vet can access the vein then allow
you to either hold or stroke your pet as they are put to sleep.
Some people feel unable to stay with their pet and that is understandable.
Please be assured that regardless of your decision, your pet will be treated
with the same level of dignity and respect.

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What are my choices for afterwards?

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There are a few different options for what you may like to do with your pet’s
body afterwards.
Home burial – You can take your pets body home with you to bury in the
garden.
Cremation – We work closely with Lincolnshire Pet Crematorium, and they
offer a few different cremation options.
 

We understand that pets are part of the family and when they leave us it can
trigger a whole range of emotions which can be difficult to deal with.

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Please be assured that we are here to help and support you but if you need further
support then there are a few different places which offer confidential pet
bereavement support, for example the blue cross or the RSPCA.