End-of-Life Care

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Alphavet are here to help you through this difficult time. Our pets play such an important part in our lives, loving us unconditionally. We strive to ensure that your pet has the best quality of life, from when they first visit us to when the time comes to say goodbye.

We are all able to appreciate the special bond shared between owner and pet. We believe when we say goodbye to a loved one, we are not forgetting them from our lives, but learning to let go of the pain associated with the experience, and treasuring the love that remains through this special bond.

Grief is a natural process experienced by many who have had to let go of someone or something they love. Understanding grief may help you to acknowledge that the intense emotions you are feeling are anticipated and should be embraced and accepted. To grieve is to express the love you feel for the one you’ve lost.

The decision to say goodbye or support your pet through end-of-life care is a difficult one and every person's experience is individually unique. Alphavet are here to provide you with the knowledge and guidance you may need during this very difficult time, to prepare you for an emotional transition that you need not experience alone. Listed below are some helpful sites and resources to support you and your loved ones:

The Ralph Site: www.theralphsite.com

Blue Cross: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-bereavement-support

AWF: http://www.bva-awf.org.uk/sites/bva-awf.org.uk/files/user/awf_saying_goodbye.pdf

Euthanasia is derived from the Greek meaning “good death”. Ending the life of a beloved pet is a difficult and heart-breaking decision, but it is with kindness that we are able to end suffering, with the opportunity to say goodbye peacefully.

Alphavet takes great care in ensuring that your pet has the best quality of life. When the time has come for you to say goodbye to your loved one, we are here to support you and guide you through a treatment plan that will ensure your pet has exceptional care. Whether your loved one is growing older or is suffering from a trauma or unexpected illness, they are a part of your family and grieving for them is a natural process. Our loved ones offer us so much more than companionship. At Alphavet we believe that it is our duty to guide you and support you through this very important stage of your pet’s life.

We will educate you about your pet’s condition and ensure that you are prepared for the journey ahead
We will provide appropriate pain relief for your loved one
We will maintain reliable contact between you and our practice team so that you know we are here to support you
We will endeavour to accommodate your personal needs
We will regularly assess your pet’s progress and make sure their treatment is suited to different stages of their end-of-life care
Petplan won’t increase your premium or excess just because you make a claim

We understand that making the decision to say goodbye is difficult and deeply upsetting. That is why we encourage pet owners that have these concerns to talk to one of our veterinary surgeons or nurses so that you know you are not alone.

Summerleaze Pet Crematorium provide a specialist caring and empathetic service for all animal lovers who wish to lay their loved ones to rest. Alphavet are happy to help you through this difficult time, arranging a service for you through Summerleaze. Alternatively, you are welcome to contact Summerleaze directly who are able to help you with your special arrangements. There are two types of services Summerleaze can offer you:

A private or individual cremation - this accommodates for the return of your pet's ashes to you. You may choose a special urn or casket for your pet to be presented in on return, or you may request for your loved one to be scattered or buried in Summerleaze’s Garden of Remembrance.
A communal cremation - your pet will be cremated with other beloved pets. This service does not offer for the return of your pet’s ashes, however a certificate of cremation can be obtained upon request.

Contact

If you would like to contact Summerleaze directly to arrange your special goodbye, or if you would like to find out more about Summerleaze’s services, please telephone them on 01633 881652 or follow this link to their website.

Alternatively, Alphavet will be happy to help you. You may wish to call or visit us to discuss your preferences.

Home Burial

Alternatively, you may wish for your loved one to be buried somewhere special to you, or in their favourite place. Alphavet can also accommodate for home visits within the Risca and Newport area, to ensure your last goodbye is personal and special to you.