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Hensol Vets

Home Euthanasia

when the time is right

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COVERING ALL OF SOUTH WALES

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When the time is right, our experienced team will assist you and your pet during the End of life appointment. These appointments are never rushed and we take as much time as needed to answer any questions you may have and to explain the whole process. The appointment is carried out in a relaxed and familiar environment for your pet and it can take place in any room of the house where your pet is most comfortable.


Our Home Euthanasia appointments are ALWAYS carried out by both veterinary surgeon and veterinary nurse, which means that you can focus entirely on your beloved pet.

If It Should Be...

At Hensol Vets, we understand how difficult can be to make the decision to say goodbye to our loyal companions. We have gone through exactly the same experience with our pets over the years and it can be complicated to put ourselves in our pets' position and look at their world with their eyes.


This anonymous poem can help with this, and it can also ease a bit the hard load we carry on our shoulders when we are considering giving this step.

Quality of Life Assessment

When thinking about our pets' quality of life, unfortunately, eating and drinking are not indicators of a good quality of life, since they are instincts our pets follow for their survival.


There are, however, several tools that can be of help in order to assess objectively our companion's days. You can keep track of your pet's good and bad days by using ticks/crosses or smiley/sad faces in a calendar.


Alternatively, questionnaires can give us an accurate idea of their Quality of Life...

please click here to download one designed by the Ohio State University

Please, get in touch with us if you need further help and support with the decision-making process

If it should be

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain does keep me from my sleep.
Then will you do what must done
For this – the last battle – can’t be won.


You will be sad I understand
But don’t let grief then stay your hand
For on this day, more than the rest
Your love and friendship must stand the test.


We have had so many happy years
You wouldn’t want me to suffer so
When the time comes, please let me go.


I know that in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me
Although my tail its last has wagged
From pain and suffering I have been saved.


Don’t grieve that it must now be you
Who has to decide this thing to do
We’ve been so close – we two – these years

Don’t let your heart hold any tears.

How Does Home Euthanasia Work?

During the appointment, we will first have a conversation about your pet's health and the reasons for a euthanasia. 


We will then ask you to sign a consent form which will legally allow us to proceed with the appointment and give you the opportunity to choose between the option of euthanasia only (home burial) and cremation (communal or private).


We will clip a little patch of fur on one of your pet's legs (can be either front or back leg) in order to place a small intravenous catheter. This is a port that will give us a safe and secure access to your pet's bloodstream in order to ensure a quick and smooth administration of the medication that will put your pet to sleep. 


This feels like a slight pinch on the skin (it is a small needle) and most pets tolerate it well. In some cases, a gentle restraint is needed which can be carried out either by yourself (if desired) or our experienced veterinary nurse. Generally, there is no need for sedation, however, if a pet becomes very stressed or anxious, is aggressive, painful or uncomfortable when is being handled, an option of a sedation injection is available.


The medication that will put your pet to sleep is a drug that was used as pre-anaesthetic medication in the past and will make your pet to fall deeply asleep and will halt their respiration and heart functions within a few seconds.


This is a completely painless and peaceful process. Once the vet has finished the administration of the medication, she will carry out heart auscultation in order to confirm that you pet has passed away.

Our support does not end up here, since we understand the process of grieving. We are always only a phone call away if you need reassurance or to have a chat. We can also provide you with the numbers of free Pet Bereavement Support Services that can help you and your family to deal with the loss of your companion.


Please contact us if you have any questions
euthanasia

Areas We Cover

Areas we cover in South Wales:

Cardiff, Newport, Pontypridd, Bridgend, Porthcawl, Caerphilly, Blackwood, Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf
Chepstow, Cwmbran, Pontypool, Tredegar, Abergavenny, Merthyr Tydfil, the Vale of Glamorgan, Neath and Swansea

Prices

End of Life Appointment

We understand how sudden our pets health can deteriorate so we are ALWAYS able to accommodate Home Euthanasia appointments on the same day.

Home Euthanasia
Only

Cats & Small Dogs: £240.00

Medium Dogs: £280.00

Large Dogs: £320.00

Extra Large Dogs: £360.00

Giant Dogs: £400.00

  • Home Burial
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Home Euthanasia with Cremation

Cats & Small Dogs: £280.00

Medium Dogs: £325.00

Large Dogs: £380.00

Extra Large Dogs: £420.00

  • Communal Cremation
  • No ashes returned
Enquire Now
Home Euthanasia With Private Cremation

Cats & Small Dogs: £450.00

Medium Dogs: £495.00

Large Dogs: £550.00

Extra Large Dogs: £590.00

  • Individual Cremation
  • Ashes returned for collection in a scatter box
  • Selection of alternative vessels available. Please, ask us
Enquire Now

These prices are based on appointments during our opening ours (see our opening hours below).


We are ALWAYS available over the phone 24/7 for emergencies. Appointments during Out Of Hours and Bank Holidays will have an extra cost.

home euthanasia

Frequently Asked Questions

At Hensol Vets, we understand that home euthanasia can be a difficult decision for pet owners. That's why we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions to provide you with the information you need. From understanding the process to addressing concerns, we're here to support you every step of the way.

  • Do I need to assist you while my pet is being put to sleep?

    Our veterinary nurse is always present to support our veterinary surgeon so you only need to focus on your pet's comfort. Some owners feel happy or prefer to hold their pets during the placement of the intravenous catheter. The level of participation is entirely up to you.

  • What will happen with my pet after the appointment?

    There are three different options. If you have a private garden, you could arrange a home burial. Alternatively, we could take the body afterwards and arrange cremation, either communal (no ashes returned) or private (ashes returned).

  • What is the difference between communal and private cremation?

    In Communal cremation, pets are cremated alongside other pets and there are no ashes returned. In Private cremation, pets are cremated individually and their ashes are collected and returned to their owners in a vessel of choice.

  • My dog is very anxious/fearful. Could he/she be sedated?

    Of course. You can ask your practice to dispense some oral sedatives that can help as preparation for the appointment.

    Alternatively, we also carry with us the medication necessary to administer an injection, if necessary,  that will relax your pet and help us to proceed with the appointment peacefully. Thankfully, this is rarely necessary.

  • How will I know the ashes returned are my pet's?

    We use one of the most reputable and long-lasting cremation services in South Wales. They have been accredited through the IAOPCC (International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories) which ensures the highest of standards of quality and integrity. We have visited their premises and witnessed the cremation process ourselves and we trust them fully.

  • What is your availability for this appointment?

    We are ALWAYS able to accommodate Home Euthanasia appointments within the same day. Depending on the time of contact, we might not be able to ensure the appointment falls within our normal working hours and would need to be treated as an Out of Hours emergency (which would carry an extra charge of £144).

  • What happens if my pet gets worse before my appointment?

    Please, give us a call immediately. We understand how suddenly our pets can deteriorate, so we are available at all times and will endeavour to arrange an appointment as soon as possible.

  • What happens if my pet gets worse overnight?

    Please, give us a call immediately. We cover our own Out of Hours. If your pet deteriorates during the night, we can help. Get in touch with us and we will be able to assist you. Please, bear in mind there is a surcharge for emergency appointments required during our Out of Hours (£240 during the night).

  • How much notice do I require to give?

    We understand how sudden health changes may happen, so we are always able to accommodate a Home Euthanasia on the same day. However, we encourage our clients to arrange these appointments with as much time as possible in order to avoid the stress of trying to arrange them in a rush.

  • Will my pet be sedated?

     Most of the pets tolerate the placement of the intravenous catheter without the need of sedation. We keep the option of sedation available for special cases such as extremely anxious pets, pets that don't tolerate to be handled or cases of reported aggression. This medication is intended to be used with healthy pets and could trigger unpredicted reactions when used.

  • Can I be with my pet during the appointment?

    Of course you can. You can also hold your pet while our experienced team make all the preparations needed. In the same way, if you feel it becomes too difficult for you, it is perfectly fine not to be present during the appointment.

  • I have other pets in the home, what should I do?

    We always encourage for the other pets to be present during our Home Euthanasia appointments (as long as they are not disruptive). Pets, like us, can grieve. That is why it is always advisable for them to be present and to see their companion once they have passed.

  • What is used to put pets to sleep?

    This drug was utilized in the past as a sedative and anaesthetic medication. It makes pets to fall into a very deep sleep causing their breathing and heart to stop. It also causes unconsciousness. There is no pain whatsoever.

  • Will it be painful?

    The word “euthanasia” comes from the Greek words “eu” (good) and “thanatos” (death). It means to alleviate your pet from further suffering. The administration of the medication that will put your pet to sleep is painless and causes unconsciousness. The pinch on the skin when placing the intravenous catheter is the only potentially "uncomfortable" moment. It feels like like a small scratch.

  • Will my pet be treated with respect?

    We take our work with the uppermost respect. It is a great responsibility and we treat every pet as our own every step of the way. Furthermore, the cremation services we use are IAOPCC (International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories) accredited, which means they have the highest standard of integrity. We appreciate your trust in us and will live up to your expectations to the best of our abilities.

  • How will I know my pet has passed away?

    Once the medication has been administered, our veterinary surgeon will perform a chest auscultation to check that the heart has stopped and confirm that your pet has passed away.

  • Could my pet be cremated with his/her bed?

    Unfortunately, in order to reduce unnecessary emissions, we are not able to take pets with their bedding. However, can take a small toy or teddy if your pet had a favourite one.

  • How long does it take for my pet's ashes to be ready?

    The ashes are returned to us some time between 2-3 weeks. As soon as we receive them, we will contact you by either a phone call or text message to let you know and to arrange their collection from us.

  • I would like my pet to be in the Remembrance Wall. How do I do it?

    Please, send us a photo of your pet and a text about him/her via email or Whatsapp and we will make sure your pet is there to be remembered.

  • I have a place where I would like to bury my pet, can I do it?

    Of course you can. There are some minimal requirements: You must own, not rent, the land where the pet is buried; it must not be near any water sources; there must be two feet of earth above the pet in heavy soils, and three feet in lighter soils. The pet's remains must not be hazardous to human health.

  • Am I making the right decision?

    To put our pets to sleep is the most painful decision we have to make as pet owners and it is normal to have doubts. Our experienced team will be by your side to answer all your questions, guide you and reassure you through this difficult times. We offer Quality of Life Assessment appointments dedicated to discuss this precise concern.

  • Is there any bereavement support?

    The departure of a beloved pet is the same as to lose a member of the family or a close friend. Grief is a long and complex process that we all deal with differently. If you or a member of your family struggles, please, contact us and we can help directing you to free pet Bereavement Counselling Support services.

  • What area do you cover for Home Euthanasia?

    We cover a large area of South Wales, including Cardiff, Newport, the Vale of Glamorgan, Bridgend, Rhondda, Cwmbran and surrounding areas.

  • Do you accept pet insurance?

    Yes we do. Insurance claims related to End of Life appointment don't carry any extra charge. Insurance claims related to other conditions are subject to £24 administration fee. Please note that currently we don't accept Direct Claims and all fees need to be covered fully either prior or during the appointment.

  • Do you offer payments plans?

    Unfortunately currently we don't offer any payment plans and all fees need to be covered fully either prior or during the appointment.

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