Once you've made the decision, it can take its toll emotionally. To help you through what can be a difficult time you may want to consider:

• Taking some time off work to process what's happened

• Explaining the situation to our reception team when you make the appointment – you can often choose a quiet time for your visit to the surgery

• Taking a friend or family member with you for support

• Asking for a house visit or our at home euthanasia service

Putting a pet to sleep is a medical procedure and will take place at one of our surgeries at an arranged time. Home visits are available on request with an additional charge.

Sometimes, your pet will already be hospitalised or under anaesthetic. If your pet is already under anaesthetic, though this may be hard, it may be kinder to agree to euthanasia without waking them up so they are not in pain. Our team are able to help guide you through this decision.

Some of the events described below may be hard to read, but remember that your pet quickly loses consciousness and cannot feel pain from that point onwards.

Before your pet is put to sleep, our team will usually make you sign a consent form. Once this is done, we will begin the process.

• Euthanasia is usually carried out by injecting an optional overdose of anaesthetic into the vein of the front leg, although the injection can be given to other areas of the body as well

• Your pet will be held by a member of our clinical team and a small patch of fur is shaved off. All your pet feels is a tiny prick of the needle – the injection is painless

• They may give a small cry as the injection is given – as with all anaesthetics, there is a brief feeling of dizziness as the drug takes effect

• Unconsciousness follows within seconds, often before the injection is finished

• Death occurs very quickly when the heart stops beating. It may take a little longer if your pet is very ill or has poor circulation.

• In the few minutes after your pet has passed you may see twitching, or hear gasps of air. These are not signs of life; they are reflexes that naturally occur when an animal passes away

• The eyes usually stay open and the bladder sometimes empties

This is entirely your choice, but we often hear that it is comforting for owners to know that they were with their pet at the end. Your pet might also find it comforting to have you with them.

Try not to feel guilty if you feel unable to watch – if you are upset or panicking then this may upset your pet. Your clinical team will do everything they can to look after and comfort your pet as they pass away and you can see your pet afterwards, to say goodbye.

After your pet has passed away, you'll be asked what you would like to do with their body. You can often choose:

• Cremation – When the time comes to part with your loved one, we can organise cremation through the family run crematorium in Aberdeen

• Burial – you can take their body home to bury them.

• Our Partners are also able to take care of your pets remains on your behalf