End-of-life care
Saying goodbye to a pet is one of the hardest things you’ll do. We work by appointment, so we can give you time, explain each step and let you choose the aftercare that feels right.
What’s included
- Time to talk about whether it’s the right time
- A calm, unhurried appointment
- The choice to stay with your pet throughout
- Communal cremation, or individual cremation with the ashes returned to you
- A woodland scatter tube or an oak casket for the ashes
- The option to take your pet home to bury
- Prices that include euthanasia and the aftercare you choose
What to expect
Talk to us
Call us when you’re ready. If you’re not sure it’s time, we can see your pet and talk it through honestly.
Before the appointment
You can choose the aftercare beforehand, so there’s less to think about on the day. Bring a favourite blanket or toy if you’d like.
The appointment
The vet gives an injection, usually into a vein in the leg. Your pet falls asleep and passes away peacefully, usually within a minute or two.
Afterwards
You can spend some time with your pet. We’ll take care of the aftercare you’ve chosen and let you know when any ashes are ready.
Aftercare choices
- Communal cremation: your pet is cremated with other pets and the ashes aren’t returned. £60 for small pets, £90 for cats and £85 to £120 for dogs.
- Individual cremation: your pet is cremated on their own and the ashes are returned to you. £85 for small pets, £170 for cats and £185 to £220 for dogs.
- Woodland scatter tube or oak casket: your pet’s ashes are returned in your choice of either. A scatter tube costs the same as individual cremation, and an oak casket is £95 for small pets, £190 for cats and £198 to £230 for dogs.
- Taking your pet home: if you’d like to bury your pet yourself, the price is the communal cremation price less £20.
Prices
Prices include euthanasia and the aftercare you choose. If you would like to take your pet home to bury, the cost is the communal cremation price less £20.
| Pet | Communal cremation | Individual cremation | Woodland scatter tube | Oak casket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog under 10kg | £85 | £185 | £185 | £198 |
| Dog 10 to 30kg | £95 | £195 | £195 | £225 |
| Dog over 30kg | £120 | £220 | £220 | £230 |
| Cat | £90 | £170 | £170 | £190 |
| Other small pets | £60 | £85 | £85 | £95 |
From our October 2026 price list. See every price.
Questions
How much does euthanasia cost?
Our prices include euthanasia and the aftercare you choose. With communal cremation, it’s £85 to £120 for a dog depending on size, £90 for a cat and £60 for other small pets.
What happens during euthanasia?
The vet gives an injection, usually into a vein in the leg, often after a sedative so your pet is calm. Your pet falls asleep and passes away peacefully within a minute or two. Afterwards their eyes may stay open and there may be a twitch or a last breath, which are reflexes your pet isn’t aware of.
Can I stay with my pet?
Yes, if you’d like to. Some owners stay throughout and some prefer to say goodbye beforehand. Either is fine.
How do I know when it’s time?
Signs include pain that can’t be controlled, not eating, struggling to get up or to breathe, and more bad days than good. If you’re unsure, book a consultation and we’ll talk it through honestly.
Can I take my pet home to bury?
Yes. The price is the communal cremation price less £20, so for a cat it’s £70.
Is there support for grief?
Losing a pet is hard, and grieving is normal. Blue Cross runs a free, confidential pet bereavement support service if you’d like someone to talk to.
Related
Out of hours
During opening hours, call us first: we can sometimes see urgent cases. When we’re closed, please call Vets Now (Essex) on 01206 842224 or Mead Vets Centre (Kent) on 01322 223311.