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Time To Say Goodbye

Letting go is difficult, we do understand

We have all had to suffer the loss of a pet at one time or another. This is never easy, and we all understand how very difficult it can be. Sometimes we need to have our loved pets put to sleep, perhaps to spare them suffering, or to relieve distress, or perhaps because their quality of life has deteriorated so badly that nothing else can be done. We can arrange things in whatever way you feel is best for you and yours. It is always very difficult to decide when is the best time to let go, we can help advise you at this time. Arranging euthanasia is always emotional. We understand.

We can arrange a home visit, or a quiet time at the clinic, or you can simply leave your pet with us. Please do not feel you must be present – for some people, even though the act itself is painless, and the passing is peaceful, simply being there is unnecessarily distressing. We can arrange cremation for all pets who have died or been euthanised. The pets ashes can be returned for collection if you so wish. We do advise against home burial of bodies or ashes these days, as many people end up moving house, and then face the wrench of leaving their pet behind a second time.

All pet owners have to face losing their pet at some time or other. The loss of a loved pet can be absolutely devastating. For some, the pain of the bereavement can persist for a long time. Guilt at having been involved in the decision to euthanise can be overwhelming.

Talking helps – please speak to us – we do understand. Our whole practice team are very sympathetic: we have all lost pets of our own, and have been there for bereaved owners too. Discussing the ins and outs of what happened, and why, can be immensely helpful.

For those who prefer, the Blue Cross offer sensitive pet bereavement support also. They can be very helpful too.

When The Time Comes To Say Goodbye

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO AFTER-DEATH SERVICES FOR PET OWNERS

When a dear companion animal dies, it can leave you feeling sad and alone. And while you will no doubt feel distressed at losing a pet who was a valued member of the family, it is important to take a little time to think about how you wish to offer a final service in terms of burial or cremation.

Some people prefer to leave everything in the hands of the vet, whilst others want to make their own arrangements or employ the services of a private concern. Time spent considering this beforehand, perhaps in discussion with all members of the family, can help prevent regrets later.

What follows are a few pointers to help you consider the different options that are available.

Cremation

Communal cremation, where several pets are cremated together, means you cannot have your pet’s ashes returned. However, you can ask your vet to arrange for an ‘individual cremation’. This means that you can have the ashes returned to you to bury in your garden, to scatter in a favourite place you had shared with your pet or to keep in a casket or special container. Alternatively, you can contact a private pet crematorium which offers a similar service and which may also have a Garden of Remembrance − a peaceful place for you to visit in quiet contemplation and fond memory of your companion animal. This service is usually more expensive.

Burial

You can ask your vet for some practical advice on pet burial, however, here are a few useful tips. The law only allows people to bury their pets in grounds which they own (unless there are local by-laws against this), and therefore most people prefer to use their own garden. The whole family may wish to be involved in preparing the ground and finding a suitable stone or plant to mark your pet’s final resting place.

It is wise to prepare a burial site at least four feet deep, and afterwards to place a large stone over it to maintain its integrity. You can wrap your pet’s body in a blanket or sheet (biodegradable is best if possible), or you may prefer to obtain a small coffin.

Many families often consider burying their pet in their own garden. Especially for larger pets, and even more especially in colder weather when the ground is hard, it may be a more practical option to bury the pets' ashes. We can arrange your pets' ashes to be in a biodegradable scatter/burial tube designed for this purpose, or alternatively we can now arrange for a Next Life Biodegradable Urn, which provides a living memorial to your pet. You can find out more at nextlifeurns.com.

Other Considerations

Post Mortems

Occasionally your vet may advise for a post mortem, or pet insurers may require this. There are important considerations to discuss with your vet, one of these being that you may not be able to bury or cremate your pet’s remains afterwards.

Ceremonies and Memorials

This is, of course, a matter of personal choice and belief. Children often naturally arrange a pet funeral in their own way and select special stones, flowers, plants and mementos for a site in the garden. It can be an excellent way for the family to come together to make a mark of respect and remembrance, and to recognise their mutual grief. Even when the body or ashes of your pet cannot be buried for any reason, having a particular place of remembrance in the garden can bring comfort in the days to follow. Pet crematoria and cemeteries sell engraved plaques and stones, as do some of the private concerns who offer after-death services.

Very Large Pets

For larger animals, such as a pony or horse, you can seek the advice of your vet to find out what services are available. Naturally the cost involved is higher and facilities may be less easy to access; however, your vet should be able to guide you.

After-death Services

The Association of Private Pet Cemeteries and Crematoria (APPCC) provide important information and definition of after-death services for pets. They advise pet-owners to look beyond the glossy marketing presentation of private firms, to ensure that the standard of care delivered, matches that which is advertised.

They can be contacted at:

APPCC, Nunclose, Armathwaite, Carlisle, CA4 9TJ - www.appcc.org.uk - tel. no. 0300 199 019 - email: contact@appcc.org.uk

And Afterwards..

There are many ways to create a memorial for your beloved pet. People sometimes like to make an album of pictures and poems, or plant a tree in a special place in the garden.

It is perfectly natural to go through a grief process at the loss of a companion animal, and it can help to talk to someone who understands how you feel. Pet bereavement support services can be of valuable help.

The above information has been produced by EASE (registered Charity No: 1089160). All information contained within this document is intended to be supportive only, and should not be interpreted as prescriptive or advisory, nor should it be seen as an alternative to medical care from your doctor when required. EASE offers this support service without charge and will not be held liable for any misunderstanding that may occur to a recipient who chooses to read it - www.ease-animals.org.uk

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