We are so sorry you have had to make the difficult decision to part with your pet.
Following is some information to help give you an idea of what to expect at this emotional time.

ON ARRIVAL you will be shown into our private, dedicated consultation room and asked to read and sign a consent form for euthanasia. 

You will be asked if you would like to take your loved pet home for burial or if you wish for them to be cremated.

Cremation options available are: 

• Group cremation (with other animals and used medical materials - ashes not returned)

• Private cremation (individual service, with your loved ones ashes returned)

With a private cremation, there are several options with respect to what you would like your pet’s ashes to be held in:

The ashes are returned to RVC approximately 1 week later. We will give you a call when this happens and you can make arrangements for your loved pet to be collected.

Payment is usually taken prior to the procedure; this is a sensitive matter at a difficult time for you. Most clients prefer this option as it then enables them to focus only on their pet and saying goodbye. We have a mobile Eftpos machine that can be brought into the consult room as we understand that privacy is also an important thing at this emotional time for you.

When it comes to the procedure, some owners prefer to stay and others wish to leave at this point. There is no “right” thing to do here, you can choose whichever feels best for you and your pet. If you do opt to leave, please know that your pet will be treated with the same love and dignity that we would all expect for our own beloved animals.  

We usually place an intravenous catheter into your pet (usually a front leg) so we can access their blood stream safely. Some pets may require sedation at this point, your pet’s physical and emotional comfort are what is important. Let us know if you wish to stay whilst this is being done, or if you would prefer for us to do this in another room and then bring them back in to see you.

Once settled, we then give them an anaesthetic drug which sends them into a deep, non-recoverable sleep. They may appear to be a little more alert to begin with before they become sleepy. They may occasionally take a deep breath or muscle twitch after passing away; your pet is unaware of this and it is just the body’s way of shutting down. It is also possible that your pet may empty their bladder or bowels as the body relaxes. We always try and ensure we handle this in a dignified, tidy and sensitive manner.

 Please let us know if there is anything we can do to make this difficult time easier for you. Also let us know if you have any questions or concerns. If you feel that you or a family member (including children) would benefit from bereavement support following the loss of your much-loved pet, help can be gained from the Pet Loss Support Hotline 0800 114421 or: