End of Life

Pet Euthanasia

Feel assured that all of us at The Veterinary Hospital understand the special presence a pet brings into you and your family’s life. It is a very difficult decision to “put to sleep” a beloved family pet. Unfortunately most of us who choose to take on the love and joy of owning a companion animal, will inevitably be faced with their pet growing old and coming to the end of their days, and perhaps needing to choose to “put your pet to sleep”.

At The Veterinary Hospital, we aim to help you in making this decision, and making the procedure as comfortable for you and your pet as possible. The process of euthanasia involves giving an injection into the bloodstream. The medication given is similar to an anaesthetic drug and so induces a deep sleep but the dose is much higher than we use in anaesthetics and so follows on to stop the heart. It is not a painful process, insertion of the needle or catheter is the only discomfort and most older patients will be used to regular blood testing.

It is completely normal to feel grief when you lose a pet and we don’t expect you to hide your emotions or feel abnormal for expressing grief. We understand.

Pet Cremation

Many people choose to have their pet cremated after they pass away. At O’Shea, Bramley & Breen, we offer a pet cremation service in conjunction with Earth to Heaven Crematorium.

There are two options regarding cremation of your pet. You can choose to have your pet go for group cremation or individual cremation. With Group Cremation, you will not receive your pets ashes back.

Individual cremation is an option whereby you will receive your pets cremated remains back. There are different options as to how you wish to have the ashes stored. Some people choose a scatter tube and like to scatter their pets ashes in his or her favourite place. Some people like to choose a Tribute Box, with a little inscription and to hold on to the ashes within this box. Everyone is individual in how they want to remember their pet and mark how much your pet has meant to you.

If you are not sure what is right for you, want further information, or would like to discuss payment options, please don’t hesitate to give us a call and we will go through the options with you in more detail.

Honor your pet's memory with a selection of cremation urns from our practice.

For further information, please get in touch and we will happy to discuss your options with you.