Small animal & equine
End of life care and euthanasia
Gentle, unhurried care when the time comes, at home or at the surgery, done the way we would want for our own animals.
Sadly, times come when our animals reach the end of their natural life through old age or disease.
Pets and small animals
We understand that you will want your beloved family member to be as comfortable as possible until the end, without prolonging their suffering beyond the point where they have a good quality of life. We are lucky to have the option of euthanasia for our animals, allowing them a peaceful end of life and preventing further suffering.
You may want to be with your animal right up to the end, or you may prefer to leave them in our care to make sure they are cared for and peaceful. We always want to do this in the way we would want our own animals to be treated.
We have different options so we can do the best thing for each individual. We are happy to come to your home so your pet can pass away in their own place, or to arrange a quiet time at the surgery.
Sometimes a sedative is given first to relax your animal, then a final injection of an overdose of a barbiturate anaesthetic is given, sometimes through a catheter placed in a vein beforehand.
You can take your animal home for burial, or we can arrange for them to be taken to and cremated at Oback Pet Cremations in Burray or the vet lab in Caithness, with the option of individual cremation and return of ashes if you would like to have them home with you again.
Horses and ponies
We understand that you will want your beloved horse or pony to be as comfortable as possible until the end, but not to prolong their suffering beyond the point where they have a good quality of life. Euthanasia allows them a peaceful end of life.
Sometimes a sedative is given first to reduce their stress, then a final injection of an overdose of a barbiturate anaesthetic is given, sometimes through a catheter placed in a vein.
You may want to be with your companion right up to the end, or you may want another member of our team to be present instead. Whatever you decide, we can assure you they will be cared for in a peaceful manner.