When the time comes, we understand how hard it is to say goodbye to your pet because we are pet owners too. We are committed to supporting you, your pet, and your family by providing individual care and helping you navigate the process of euthanasia.
Sometimes you can plan ahead for end of life care, but sadly this is not always possible with emergencies. Our aim is to make the process as calm and comfortable as possible, for all people and pets.
If you would like to stay with your pet while we administer some calming medication and place an intravenous cannula, you’re welcome. If you’d rather we completed this in our treatment room, we can do that too. Our staff will be giving cuddles the whole way through.
In most instances there is no rush for euthanasia. You can sit on the sofa in one of our consult rooms as long as you need, along with family members who want to be present. Sometimes things move more quickly if the patient is very unwell, but please never feel you need to hurry on our account.
The euthanasia itself is painless, and usually quite quick. It most often takes between 30 seconds and a few minutes to administer the medication through the IV cannula, and it doesn’t hurt.
If you don’t want to be present, just say so. This is your choice and we will reassure and care for your pet no matter what.
Afterwards, you are welcome to spend some time with your pet. We understand this is a personal choice, and there is no pressure to stay if you are ready to leave.
When your pet has passed away, we understand that making decisions can be overwhelming. Our staff will talk you through the options and help you choose what feels rights for you.
Here are some of the options for aftercare:
° Taking them home to bury
° Cremation with Possum Ridge
° Communal burial
° Donating remains.
If you’re unsure what to do immediately, we offer compassionate care and can look after your pet for up to a week so you can take the time you need to make a decision.
Losing a pet is a profound loss. We encourage all of our clients to look after themselves and their families. While we are not affiliated with the services below, and we do not receive any sort of reimbursement from them, we offer referral to these services to help you manage your grief during a very difficult time.
At Emergency Vets 24/7 we can offer pet cremation and memorial options thanks to a local business, Possum Ridge Pet Cremations. They provide beloved pets and their families with individual pet and memorial options at their dedicated facility in Mount Sheridan.
Families are able to choose whether they want their pet’s ashes returned in a standard ash container arranged by Emergency Vets, or in one of a large range of memorial Pet Urns.
If you do not wish to have your pet’s ashes returned, there is always the option to have them scattered in the Possum Ridge Pet Memorial Garden.
Possum Ridge is available 7 days a week by phone on 07 4036 0999 or 0434 206 433 to arrange extras like paw prints and memorial urns. They can also collect your pet directly from Emergency Vets. Alternatively, you are welcome to deliver your beloved pet on their last journey to Possum Ridge, where you will be warmly received.
For more information, visit https://www.possumridge.com.au/
After the loss of a pet, you might find it helpful to talk to a professional.
We are proud to refer our clients to Douglas Nicols, a practicing psychotherapist and counsellor since 2013. In 2021, he focused on specialised support for those grieving or anticipating the loss of their companion animals.
The loss of a loving bond is inevitably painful, and this is no different with our companion animals. Doug works with each individual on their own story of loss, but also with the memory and story of a unique animal companion. For many of us, a pet is a best friend, a companion, a family member, a trusted confidant, a source of love, joy, stability, and a supportive and caring figure in our lives.
Doug offers a confidential, professional and compassionate service either in person, or via weblink.
Douglas Nichols
Clinical Counsellor/Psychotherapist-PACFA 23772 BA SocSc, GradDip Couns & PsychTh, AdvDip Logotherapy, Cert Pet Loss Grief Specialist Training
Phone: 0493 259 016
Web: www.kcapservices.com
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