Frequently Asked Questions
This is a deeply personal decision and can only be made by you. If your pet’s quality of life is severely compromised, choosing home euthanasia sooner rather than later can prevent unnecessary suffering. Our veterinarians are here to provide guidance and answer any questions to help you make the best choice for your pet.
- Changes in appetite or drinking habits
- Withdrawal from activities, hiding, or reduced interest in play
- Behavioural changes, such as confusion, irritability, or unusual reactions
- Difficulty standing up or moving around
- Increased incontinence during the day or night
- Changes in sleeping patterns – either more or less than usual
- Vocal changes, such as excessive noise or sudden silence in normally “talkative” pets
Some owners prefer not to know the specific details. However if you would like more information, you can find a full description on our pet euthanasia page, or we’re happy to answer your questions personally. Once the home euthanasia has been completed, we can take your pet away straight away for cremation, or you may prefer to spend a little time with them before the collection.
No, the process is peaceful and free of pain. Your pet will gently drift into unconsciousness and will not feel any pain. Aside from the tiny prick of the injection, there is no discomfort. The key benefit of home euthanasia is that your pet remains stress free during the process, which is not always the case if you need to visit your veterinary practice.
There any many reasons, the majority of pets do not like the Vets and will get anxious and stressed, allowing your pet to stay in their own home environment creates no stress or anxiety for them and they are surrounded by the people they love. You do not have to worry about leaving your pet in cold room and walking out of a vets practice when you are heartbroken.
Yes you can, you can choose anywhere to do this, inside / outside, in a favourite place etc. This is completely your choice and this service is designed to make you and your pet as comfortable as possible
On average the process takes around 30 minutes.
We do not provide treatments for elderly or ill pets, as we do not know their history or have access to their records. If you have chosen home euthanasia, please ensure you are comfortable with this decision and if required, have pursued any treatment options.
No, only a simple consent form is needed to proceed.
What to expect?
When your pet first passes, you may find it difficult to handle their remains and you may want your pet to be collected immediately. Alternatively, you may want to stay with your pet for a while. It is normal to experience a range of feelings and each person will handle this differently.
Your Pet may still show signs of ‘life’ like twitching, expelling air, and release of bodily fluids and gas, these are just natural bodily functions that may continue after a pet dies naturally. Being prepared for this will help, as this can be difficult to navigate.
If you choose to remain with your pet for some time, your pet should be left in a cool room for no longer than 24 hours. You should also be aware that rigor mortis – the stiffening of joints after death – can begin to set in from anywhere from 10 minutes to 3-4 hours after death.
Sadly death is unpleasant and decomposition will begin shortly afterwards. Depending on your collection wishes – We would suggest if possible placing something underneath your pet and also wrapping them in a blanket or something similar.
If you have a cool place it is a good idea if possible to move them there until you have arranged collection with Beloved Pets
Try not to leave your pet on a carpet or sofa to prevent fluid stains.
Place a towel under the tail and mouth of your pet. This will protect flooring and furnishings. If your pet dies with their legs stretched out, gently fold them in closer to the body if they haven’t already stiffened. This will make it easier to move your pet and also gives off the impression your pet is asleep and peaceful.
If you have other pets do allow them to smell as it will help them to understand what has happened and they can start to grieve.
Pet cremation is a process that involves the respectful and controlled burning of a deceased pet’s remains to reduce them to ashes. The ashes are then typically returned to the pet owner.
There are two main types: Individual or Communal cremation. ALL Cremations that require a return of the ashes to the owner will be conducted Individually, We guarantee that you receive only your Beloved Pets ashes.
Yes we are able to handle any pet up to approximately 70KG, Beloved Pets only cremate Domestic Pets.
It is entirely up to you, your pets ashes will be returned in the package that you choose, i.e. a Bespoke Urn or Scattertube, or you may decide to keep them just as they are. You may want to scatter them in a meaningful location, or even incorporating them into memorial jewellery or art.
Sorry we do not provide this facility as it is a distressing time
We guarantee that you will only ever receive your pets ashes, we provide a Individual Certificate of Cremation for every pet. We also keep a detailed log of all cremations.
Cremation is generally considered a more environmentally friendly option than burial, as it doesn’t involve chemicals or the use of land for burial plots. However, there are eco-friendly cremation options available as well.
The cost of pet cremation varies depends on the size of the pet and additional services/products you may choose. All of our prices are available on the website.
Yes Beloved Pets is a fully licensed Cremation Service and is regularly inspected so you can feel comfortable knowing that we only conduct our cremations correctly and ethically.
Yes you can gather any special items you would like us to include with your pet, such as a collar, blanket or a favourite toy. If you are not sure just ask us. This is a very emotional time for Pet Owners and can be difficult to prepare for this, our staff are there to advise and help you
No, Beloved Pets will collect your Pet from your home or any Vet.
Firstly everyone at Beloved Pets is a pet lover and have suffered the pain that you feel when you lose your pet possibly even your best friend. You can prepare a list of questions to ask us and any special requests you might have. This is a sensitive and emotional time, so it’s essential that you feel confident we will handle your pet with respect and care.
Yes, your vet plays an important role in the aftercare of your pet. Once you choose us just let your Vet know that Beloved Pets are carrying out your wishes, we will contact them and make all the arrangements.
Lives are transformed by the love and companionship pets bring. So, saying goodbye to one – whether due to death or separation – is always sad, difficult and often traumatic. It affects people in many ways. If you are grieving for a pet, or facing loss we have provided some support sites and helplines below:
The Pet Bereavement Support Service (PBSS) provides free and confidential support by phone, email or webchat. Support is provided by trained volunteers. You can contact their support line on 0800 096 6606. The support line is open from 8.30am – 8.30pm every day. All calls are free and confidential from a landline. If calling from a mobile phone, some phone networks may charge. Email support is also available by contacting pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk
For further information visit https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-bereavement-support.
The Ralph Site – a not-for-profit website that provides support to pet carers — offers help to those who are struggling with the loss of a pet. The site is dedicated to all the animals that have touched and continue to touch the hearts of so many people.
For further information visit https://www.theralphsite.com/
We hope in the near future to create a bereavement support group where you can chat and share stories with other Pet lovers.
Not all pet insurance plans cover euthanasia or cremation, in some cases coverage is an option for which you’ll pay extra. Some plans only reimburse for euthanasia or cremation, not both, or may not cover your entire cost, leaving you to pay the remainder. For example a policy might only reimburse you up to a maximum amount of £100 for costs related to euthanasia and cremation.
When there is cover to help you with end-of-life costs for your pet, it varies significantly across pet insurance companies.
We have included a selection of insurance companies just to give you an idea of the market – Please note these where correct at the time but may change – We would advise that you have a look at your policy to see what you are covered for
4Paws – n/a
Agria Costs for cremation, burial and a house visit by a vet to put your pet to sleep up to £150
Argos Cremation up to £100
Asda Pet Insurance Review Euthanasia up to £100
John Lewis Pet Insurance Review Cremation up to £100
Lifetime Pet Cover – n/a
PDSA Euthanasia up to £100
pet-insurance.co.uk – n/a
PetPlan – n/a
Pet Protect Euthanasia up to £50
Scratch & Patch – n/a
Tesco (Standard, Extra or Premier) Up to £200 to have your pet put to sleep and cremated or buried
VetsMediCover Euthanasia covered if necessary on humane grounds
