24/07/2026
*Trigger warning*
What happens when you have to say goodbye to your pet? Part 1.
Here at Fife Exotic Vets we believe the passing on of your pet is just as important as any other care we give. We want to guide you through the process so you know what happens as we think talking about death and grief openly helps.
The passing on of a pet can be sudden and unexpected but in some cases it will be a decision based on welfare grounds. Once the difficult decision to euthanise has been made our team will guide you through the process. There will be a form to sign, we will help you fill it in. In the waiting area a lit candle will be on to let other clients know that someone is saying goodbye.
Firstly the vet will sedate your pet, usually by injection, depending on species. This will leave your pet pain free and unaware of what is happening, which makes things stress free for them. Whilst the sedation takes effect you can (if you want to) sit with your pet, hold them or have them with companions. Once they are suitably sedated the vet will administer a second injection to stop their heart. This can be done in the room or if you don't want to be present we can take your pet to another room. Again if you choose you can hold your pet whilst the drugs take effect, this can take longer in some species particularly reptiles.
The vet will check that your pet has passed on, you can (if you want) sit with your pet for as long as you need, alone or with someone. If you pet was part of a group it can be an opportunity for the companions to say goodbye and acknowledge that their friend has passed on. If you have questions please let the vet know.
There is no right or wrong way go through this, we will support you however you feel is right for you. We will always have tissues and a listening ear. It is also perfectly fine to say goodbye and leave your pet in our caring hands and we can deal with the whole process for you.
We know that your animals are an important part of your family and that the death of a pet is a huge loss.
For more support with pet loss www.compassionunderstood.com
The Blue Cross charity runs a Pet Bereavement Support Service which can be contacted on 0800 096 6606 (UK only including Northern Ireland). The support line is open from 8.30am - 8.30pm every day.
In part 2 we will cover what happens next.
