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Our Compassionate Care Commitment
Providing compassionate guidance and support as you navigate this difficult moment.
At our clinic, we understand that considering euthanasia for your beloved pet is one of the most heart-wrenching choices a pet owner can face. We acknowledge the emotional distress you may be feeling and are here to support you.
We treat pets and their families with the utmost kindness and respect, ensuring you feel heard and supported at every step.
Remember, you are not alone; we are here to provide the compassionate care and understanding you deserve.
Our Compassionate Care Commitment
Providing compassionate guidance and support as you navigate this difficult moment.
At our clinic, we understand that considering euthanasia for your beloved pet is one of the most heart-wrenching choices a pet owner can face. We acknowledge the emotional distress you may be feeling and are here to support you.
We treat pets and their families with the utmost kindness and respect, ensuring you feel heard and supported at every step.
Remember, you are not alone; we are here to provide the compassionate care and understanding you deserve.
Helping You and Your Family Cope with the Loss of Your Beloved Pet
As your local emergency vet, we understand how heartbreaking it is to lose a cherished member of your family. We’re here to support you and your loved ones during this difficult time.
Losing a pet can bring a mix of emotions—sadness, confusion, and even guilt. It’s important to remember that grieving is natural, and everyone experiences it differently.
Here are some ways we can help you cope with your loss:
Encourage family members, especially children, to discuss their feelings. Sharing memories and expressing emotions can be healing for everyone.
Consider ways to honour your pet’s memory, such as planting a tree, choosing a custom urn, making a scrapbook, or holding a small memorial service. These acts can provide comfort and a sense of closure.
Grief has no set timeline. Allow yourself and your family to grieve at your own pace. It’s okay to feel a range of emotions as you navigate this journey together.
If your grief is overwhelming or persistent, remember that professional support is always available. Counsellors and support groups that specialise in pet loss can provide guidance during this tough time.
Grief and Bereavement Support Services
Understanding that grief doesn’t end with the procedure, here is information on local support groups and resources to help you navigate your emotions in the following days and weeks.
Need to Talk?
Are you feeling stressed or just need someone to talk to? Are you feeling down or a bit overwhelmed? Do you know someone who is feeling out-of-sorts or down?
Soul Friends
As the end of a pets life draws closer it is very common to worry about when is the right time, and what is the right thing to do. Simple tips to ease that transition.
What's Up
We’re here for all children and teenagers in New Zealand. No issue is too small or too big for our trained counsellors – reach out if you need to be heard and would like some support to deal with what’s on your mind.
Mental Health Foundation
Grief can be an extremely painful process. You may experience all kinds of emotions and physical reactions. You may feel you will never recover from the loss, or that you don’t know how you are going to carry on.
Depression.org.nz
We’re here to offer understanding, validation and practical advice for those navigating depression and anxiety. Our mission is to lessen the impact of these challenges on New Zealanders’ lives by promoting early recognition, encouraging help seeking and fostering supportive communities.
The Ralph Site
The Ralph site is a not-for-profit website that provides support to pet carers around the loss of a beloved companion.
Anxiety NZ
It’s normal to feel intense grief and loss at the passing of a pet. Many young people share a deep bond with animals. Pets can give your life purpose and add structure not to mention they provide us with endless love and joy.
How to Support Your Children After Losing a Beloved Pet
We know that losing a family pet can be very hard for everyone, especially for children who may be experiencing grief for the first time. Below are some frequently asked questions, and we hope that these answers will help you navigate this challenging time.
How do I explain to my child that their pet has passed away?
Remember, honesty is the best policy when explaining the loss of a pet to your child. Use simple, straightforward language that your child can understand. Gently explain that their pet has died and won’t be coming back while reassuring them that feeling sad, upset, or even confused is completely normal.
How long will my child grieve, and how can I support them?
Remember, grief is a personal journey that differs for every child. Some may be sad for a few weeks, while others may move on more quickly. Be patient and keep checking in with them. It’s important to keep talking about the pet and their feelings and remind them that missing their companion is okay.
Should I involve my child in saying goodbye to the pet?
If appropriate, letting your child say goodbye can help them find closure. Whether being there for the final moments, holding a small memorial, or choosing a keepsake or urn, involving your child can help them understand and process the loss.
How do I explain to my child that their pet has passed away?
Remember, honesty is the best policy when explaining the loss of a pet to your child. Use simple, straightforward language that your child can understand. Gently explain that their pet has died and won’t be coming back while reassuring them that feeling sad, upset, or even confused is completely normal.
How can I help my child express their feelings?
Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and let them know it’s okay to cry, ask questions, or even feel angry. Some children might prefer to express their emotions in other ways, such as drawing pictures of their pets, writing letters, choosing an urn, or making a memory book. Let them decide what feels right for them.
When should I be concerned about my child's grief
While grief is a natural part of loss, it’s important to be aware of any drastic changes in your child’s behaviour. If they seem withdrawn or anxious, or their sadness seems to last for an extended period, seeking professional support from a counsellor or therapist may be helpful. Every child processes grief in their own way, but early support can make a big difference.
How can I help my child keep their pet's memory alive?
Paw prints as a memorial can be a beautiful memento for children and all the family. We can arrange for both ink paw prints or claw paw prints. Children sometimes like to frame ink paw prints and have them in their room as a way of remembering their beloved pet.
Is it normal for my child to ask a lot of questions about death?
Yes, it’s completely normal. Children are naturally curious and might have many questions about death and what happens next. Answer their questions honestly and gently, keeping your explanations appropriate for their age. It’s also okay to let them know there are things to which we need to have all the answers.
Supporting your child through the loss of a pet requires time, patience, and plenty of love. By being there for them, encouraging open conversations, and honouring the memory of their pet together, you can help them through this difficult period while holding onto cherished memories. If you need further guidance or professional help, consider reaching out to a pet loss support group or a child psychologist.
Handcrafted Urns and Momentos
We understand that choosing the right way to honour your pet’s memory is deeply personal. Our caring staff is here to help you explore our range of memorial products, including urns and keepsakes, tailored to your needs. Feel free to contact us anytime to discuss the options; we’re always here to offer guidance and ensure you find something special to remember your beloved pet.
DARK STAIN (WALNUT)
ROSEWOOD STAIN
LIGHT STAIN (RIMU)
PAWS ON MY HEART
PAW PRINT
FOREVER LOVED
Frequently Asked Questions
Euthanasia
Putting Your Pet to Sleep
As your emergency vet, we understand that the decision to euthanse a beloved pet is one of the hardest choices you may ever have to make.
Euthanasia is a sensitive topic, and we understand that making this decision for your pet can be incredibly difficult. We’re here to provide you compassionate support and clarity during this difficult time. Here are some frequently asked questions that can help guide you through this process.
What is euthanasia, and why is it done?
Euthanasia is a humane way to relieve a pet from suffering due to terminal illness, severe injury, or a diminished quality of life. It’s a compassionate choice to ensure your pet doesn’t endure pain when their condition becomes unbearable. One of our qualified veterinarians performs it using a medication that induces sleep and then stops the heart gently.
How will I know when it's time to consider euthanasia?
Determining when it’s time can be challenging. Look for signs that your pet is suffering, such as persistent pain, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, or decreased interest in activities they once enjoyed. It’s essential to have an open conversation with our vets, who can help assess your pet’s condition and quality of life.
What happens during the euthanasia procedure?
Euthanasia typically involves administering a sedative so that your pet is relaxed and comfortable followed by an overdose of anesthetic, allowing your pet to peacefully fall asleep and pass away without pain. We strive to create a calm environment so you can be with your pet throughout the process.
Can I be with my pet during the procedure?
You are welcome to stay with your pet during the entire procedure. Being present can comfort both you and your pet. Our team will ensure the experience is as gentle and compassionate as possible.
What should I expect after the euthanasia?
After your pet has passed, we can help you arrange aftercare, such as cremation and order a custom urn or memorial.
Taking pets home for burial is also an option if cremation is not preferred. Some people may even choose to take their pet home for a few hours or the night for all family members to have some time to say goodbye before then arranging cremation the following day. Decisions do not have to be rushed. If you are undecided on what to do, we can look after the pet at the clinic until you decide what you would like to do. Getting this decision right is important, so it’s perfectly fine to take some time.
How will my other pets react to the loss?
Pets can sense loss and may exhibit changes in behaviour, such as sadness or withdrawal. Give them time to adjust and provide extra love and attention. Maintaining routines can help them feel more secure during this time.
What support is available for me and my family?
Grieving the loss of a pet is a personal journey, and it’s essential to seek support when needed. Talk to friends or family members who understand, and consider reaching out to pet loss support groups or counselling services that can offer additional help.
Can I honour my pet's memory after euthanasia?
Absolutely. Many people find comfort in creating a memorial for their pet, whether it’s planting a tree, making a photo album, choosing a custom urn or simply sharing stories with loved ones. These acts can help you celebrate your pet’s life and keep their memory alive.
Making the decision to euthanise a pet is never easy, but we’re here to support you through the process with compassion and understanding. If you have any further questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Your pet’s comfort and your well-being are our top priorities.
