Specialist Euthanasia vets

[Hemlock]

Sad subject, I know.

My dog has cancer and is having palliative care only. She might go on comfortably for a while yet, but it will be sudden once this is no longer appropriate. Normally we have a home visit for euthanasia, but with covid my usual vet practice will not do this, or allow owner presence in the surgery, or any other system where the owner can be with the dog. My dog is a gentle soul, easily frightened, and there is no way she is going to die surrounded by strangers and in an environment she fears.

I know there are companies whose vets specialise in home euthanasia, but having googled, there are so many to choose from. Does anyone have first-hand recommendations? I live on the south east coast UK and I need to get this right.

 

[lurcherman]

Sore point for me at this present moment, I know a women with a 10 yr old gsd who’s back legs have totally gone, the lady who’s 85 took her dog down to be put down, the vets changed her mind which in my view was totally wrong and £153 later a total scam, well the dog is gone now yesterday, all I will say do the right thing and end your dogs life at the right time, and not your time the dogs right time, many people just hang on far to long for their own benifit. I hope you find it in your heart to find the right time.

 

[JudyN]

Hemlock, I've no advice, but I'm so sorry to hear this

 

[Tinytom]

So sorry to hear this ...i live in hampshire near portsmouth and i know our vets are letting people be with their dogs whilst they go to the bridge ...shame on the vets who dont allow this ...with PPE and if you wear a mask why wouldnt they .....

 

[JoanneF]

Again, I can't help but wanted to add my best wishes.

 

[Flobo]

Really sad to hear this also..a tough time made harder by covid. Not sure where you are on the south east coast and how easy it is to change vets at this time but my surgery is 'Coastway' and they also allow you to be with your pet at this sad time, wearing a mask, etc... also for consultations they have a clear full length sheet of plastic between you and the vet and you can go in wearing a mask.
There is one pet home euthanasia service I found that still does home visits during this time, with precautions, it is 'Vets2Home-peaceful pet goodbyes', I don't know anyone who has used them but it may well be worth giving them a call and having a chat with them and see how you feel...

 

[Hemlock]

Thanks to all who said kind things, and thank you Flobo for the suggestion.

 

[Josie]

Sorry to hear this @Hemlock having recently gone through this myself I really feel your pain and made even harder with what’s going on at the moment :-(

Our vets wouldn’t allow us inside and instead had set up a closed gazebo outside where we could be with him. It was actually very peaceful and he didn’t have the stress of being in the vets itself. It was nice to hear the rain and be surrounded by grass (we took his bed to lie on)

I’m very surprised that your vets expect you to not be there for your dog until the end or at least allow you the opportunity (I guess some people do not) to be there. Can you find another vets that will?

 

[Biker John]

As others have said I am sorry to hear this, the thought of not being with my dog at the end is horrible.

 

[merlina]

So very sorry- as though losing them isn't bad enough. I've no experience with specialist services but wonder if you could discuss this with your vet (or another humane local vet) there may be practical ways around the problem. We have a wonderful vet. When our elderly corgi collapsed in the garden we didn't have to move him but were able to sit on the lawn with him while our vet eased his passing. Would your vet consider this? Outside they will be at a negligible risk- and you and your dog will be in familiar surroundings.

 

[Hemlock]

Sadly, my usual vet is still on the summer sabbatical he has every year, and the other staff are adamant. I'm just hoping my dog remains with good quality of life until lockdown is over. I know when she gets to the time , it will be sudden, so I wanted to have alternatives in place.