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Saying Goodbye

Pet Loss Support

Sadly, everyone who cares for a pet will one day face the loss of his or her beloved animal friend. To help you during this difficult time, we have answers to some questions you may have:

What if my pet dies at home?

You may wish to bury your pet at home or you can bring him/her into the surgery where we can arrange for cremation at Pet Cremation Services.

What if my pet needs to be 'put down' (euthanized)?

An appointment will be made for you at the surgery - we try to book this at the beginning or end of a session to prevent you having to sit in a busy waiting room. Alternatively, a home visit can be arranged either at the end of morning or evening surgery. You may be asked to sign a consent form.

You can take your pet home with you for burial or leave him/her with us for cremation at Summerleaze. If left with us, your pet will be kept in our mortuary and collected by Summerleaze. Collections are undertaken twice weekly. Alternatively, you may choose to make your own private arrangements for cremation.

What happens next? 

There are a few options available for your pet. Our team can discuss these further with you. 

  • You can take your pet home with you for burial or leave him/her with us. 

If you decide to leave your pet with us, your pet will be kept in our mortuary and collected by Pet Cremation Services. Collections are undertaken twice weekly. 

  • Communal Cremation – Your pet will be cremated with other pets. No ashes will be returned to you. 
  • Individual cremation – Your pet will have a private cremation, and will be returned to the practice. Your pet’s ashes can be returned in a sealed casket or a scatter box. 
  • Alternatively, you may choose to make your own private arrangements for cremation. 

Pet Bereavement Support Service

Sometimes it helps to share your feelings with someone who knows from personal experience how distressing the loss of a pet can be and who will listen with both understanding and compassion.

The Pet Bereavement Support Service is a confidential telephone and email support line service that offers practical information on pet loss for anyone experiencing the loss of a pet including friends of family members. The support line is open every day from 8:30am – 8:30pm: call 0800 096 6606.

If you prefer to write about how you are feeling, contact the email support line service: pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk.