We understand that dealing with the death of a pet is a heartbreaking time. Arranging an appointment for euthanasia can be especially difficult. We want to make the process as easy as possible for you. Here are some frequently asked questions about pet euthanasia and end-of-life pet care.

Do you do home visits for pet euthanasia?   

** There are currently some restrictions on home visit services due to the impact of COVID-19. Please call us to discuss your situation

The RVC Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital team can provide pre-arranged home visits during normal working hours Monday to Friday (visits typically taking place between 10am and 2pm). Unfortunately, we are usually unable to provide same-day visits as we have to organise for sufficient staff cover at the hospital in case of emergencies. If you require an emergency same-day home visit, please do call us and we can provide you with the details of a service to help you.

How much do you charge for a home visit for pet euthanasia or end-of-life care?  

The cost of a home visit depends on how long the visit takes and the distance of the visit from the clinic. It is always best value to attend the hospital with your pet as we have all of the equipment and personnel on-site to be able to treat your pet fully if required, particularly if there are any unexpected findings. This would avoid additional home visits and reduce your costs.

What happens to my pet’s body after they have passed away?   

Some owners will take their pet home to bury, while others will choose a cremation service. In these cases, your pet is respectfully cared for at the hospital and is collected and transported directly to the crematorium.

Am I allowed to bury my pet?    

Pet burials are normally permitted on your own property or in a pet cemetery (usually found at pet crematoria). It is against the law to bury an animal outside these places without permission. If you decide to bury your pet in your garden, it is important to dig a deep grave (1.25m minimum), avoiding cables and watercourses.

Where can I get my pet cremated?    

The RVC Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital works with Surrey Pet Crematorium. We offer both communal and individual cremation services. A communal cremation refers to pets cremated collectively with no return of ashes. An individual cremation means the pet is cremated on its own with a choice of caskets, urns and pouches.

The crematorium is an independent company to the RVC although they do work closely with us to ensure your pet is carefully and respectfully put to rest. They also have a memorial garden that you can visit and are available for direct enquiries.

Can I donate my pet for veterinary research?    

This is possible in some cases. We would ask owners who wished to do this to ask the veterinary surgeon directly. Donating your pet for research after they have passed away can help towards education or future improvements in pet welfare.