End of Life Care (Home Euthanasia)

Decision Making

The decision to euthanise a pet is never easy and can be discussed with family, friends and your primary veterinarian. There are numerous markers and end points for making this final decision, many of which differ between individuals. If you are still unsure, it can sometimes be helpful to approach the situation from a more reflective or objective point of view (more information here: Veterinary Partner, Assessing Quality of Life; PDSA, How Can I Tell If It’s Time; LSU, Quality of Life Assessment). If in any doubt or for any general queries, please feel free to get in touch.

How it Works

Following general inquiries, we will always make an effort to chat over the phone in the first instance. If you decide to make an appointment, further in-depth details regarding the process and any terms and conditions can be provided. Please see below for a general breakdown of the steps involved:

  1. General inquiry received, phone call arranged for introduction and opportunity to discuss/ask any questions before going ahead;

  2. Appointment day and timeslot booked, decisions regarding cremation/home burial made, specific requests discussed (ideally these should be made in advance of the procedure, but can be considered on the day too);

  3. Further information and a booking form will be emailed across, including details regarding payment;

  4. On the day of the appointment, a text to confirm estimated time of arrival will be sent;

  5. Following arrival, introduction and conversation, a consent form will be signed, and as much time will be given as needed before proceeding;

  6. A first intramuscular injection (sedative) is given to make your pet relaxed and possibly fall asleep, followed by placement of an intravenous cannula and then a second injection, which will painlessly euthanise your pet (sometimes this injection is given directly into the body if venous access is difficult in unwell pets);

  7. Once confirmed, a quiet exit will be made to allow you to grieve in private, if you have requested aftercare transport/cremation from JARVS then as much time will be given as needed before proceeding.

Aftercare & Cremation

Aftercare transport and cremation (including the return of any ashes) can be arranged directly through us - J. A. Robinson Vet Services is partnered with Pet Cremation Services. Please see below for prices.

Please take careful consideration before making arrangements. Decisions you will have to make may include:

  • Individual vs communal cremation: individual means you will get only your loved one’s ashes returned to you, communal means they will be cremated together with other pets and spread on the crematorium’s own grounds/gardens (which can be visited).

  • Scatter tube vs casket/urn: a scatter tube may be simplest if you are planning to scatter the ashes upon return or as the most cost effective option, though if you wish to keep them close, you may prefer a casket/urn (a small container).

  • Additional options: there are often extra items to consider at your own discretion, e.g. keepsakes, jewellery, photoframes, engravings, memorials, and more, either from PCS directly or from a separate third party following the return of any ashes.

Please see here Pet Memorial Gifts and Keepsakes for further information. If you would prefer to use a crematorium of your own choosing please let us know.

We would also like to gently remind anyone considering home burial that it is technically illegal to bury a pet anywhere except the home where they lived, on private land or at a registered pet cemetery. For scattering ashes, UK laws and regulations state that you do not need permission to scatter ashes on your own land or over a body of water. If you wish to scatter ashes over public or other private land, you should ideally request permission from the landowner (if you require further guidance, please see Gov.uk; animal burials; cemeteries and burials).

Pricing

End of Life Care (Home Euthanasia):

  • Exotic Species, Small Mammals & Rabbits - £100

  • Cats & Small Dogs (<10kg) - £120

  • Medium Dogs (10-30kg) - £140

  • Large Dogs (30-45kg) - £160

  • Extra Large Dog (>45kg) - £180

Visit Fee Surcharge:

  • BAND A - £15 (SG1, SG2, SG3)

  • BAND B - £45 (SG4, SG5, SG6, SG7, SG11, SG12, SG14, SG15, SG16, SG18, AL4, AL6, AL7, AL8, AL10, EN11)

  • BAND C - £75 (SG8, SG9, SG10, SG13, SG17, SG19, AL1, AL2, AL3, AL5, AL9, LU1, LU2, LU3, LU4, MK45, CM17, CM18, CM19, CM20, CM21, CM23, CB11, WD4, WD5, WD6, WD7, WD17, WD24, WD25, EN1, EN2, EN3, EN4, EN5, EN6, EN7, EN8, EN9, EN10, IG10)

  • BAND D - £105 (LU5, LU6, LU7, MK10, MK40, MK41, MK42, MK43, CM6, CM16, CM22, CM24, CB2, CB3, CB22, CB23, HP1, HP2, HP3, HP5, HP8, PE19, PE29, WD3, WD18, WD19, WD23, IG4, IG7, IG9)

  • BAND E - £135 (MK1, MK2, MK3, MK4, MK5, MK6, MK7, MK8, MK9, MK11, MK12, MK13, MK14, MK15, MK16, MK17, MK44, MK46, MK77, CM1, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM12, CM13, CM14, CM15, CB1, CB4, CB5, CB9, CB10, CB21, CB24, CB25, HP4, HP6, HP7, HP9, HP10, HP15, HP16, HP22, HP23, PE27, PE28, IG1, IG2, IG3, IG5, IG6, IG8, IG11)

Post code not listed? Please inquire within.

Aftercare Transport & Cremation

  • Individual Cremation (ashes returned)

    • Dogs - from £125

    • Cats/Rabbits - from £95

    • Small Mammals - from £75

    • Extra Large Pet (>40kg) Surcharge - +£30

  • Communal Cremation (no ashes returned)

    • Dogs - £60

    • Cats/Small Mammals - £45

There is no additional charge for aftercare transport if cremation is arranged through us. If you would like your pet transported to an alternative service, this would be subject to availability and an additional surcharge dependent on mileage. Please note, most alternative services offer home collection. You are also able to deliver your pet personally if you wish.

Bereavement Support

Please see here for further information and guidance regarding support for grief and bereavement.

Still have questions or worries? Please do not hesitate to contact us.