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Bereavement Support

Pet Bereavement Counselling

We regret that from June 2021 we will no longer be able to provide our bereavement counselling service with Victoria. 

Our team has undergone specialist training with Compassion Understood, a company that has been formed with the sole premise of providing support and advice for bereaved pet owners and those who work in the veterinary industry. 

We hope to be able to help you at this very difficult time and to offer you our understanding and support. Please don't hesitate to talk to our team if you need any help. Get it touch.

  

“Everyone copes in different ways, don’t be afraid to ask for help.” 

- Victoria, Customer Care Advisor & Bereavement Counsellor 

Dedicated bereavement & support room

We have a dedicated room away from our main waiting area so that you can talk to a member of our team in private in a relaxing environment, as well as a number of other comfortable spaces we can provide to you. 

Dealing with Pet Loss, Trauma & Illness

  • Talk to us about how you are feeling
  • Coping with trauma & illness
  • Making the decision to let your pet go
  • Understanding end of life care
  • Planning ahead can really help
  • Choosing your options ahead of time
  • Sudden loss support
  • Remembering your pet

Talk to us about how you are feeling

With her knowledge of pet health and treatments, Victoria is ideally placed to support you through this difficult time and we encourage you to talk to her about how you are feeling. 

Coping with trauma & illness

When our pets suffer a trauma or become very ill, it can be almost as upsetting as losing them, sometimes more so. Feelings of hopelessness, anger and guilt are very common. 

Accidents happen every day and pets can become sick for a variety of reasons. Even if the pet makes a full recovery, negative feelings can sometimes linger, even though the trauma or illness was no-one’s fault. 

Talking about how you are feeling can really help you come to terms with what has happened and what needs to happen next, whatever that may be. It can also be a huge comfort just to start talking to someone. 

Making the decision to let your pet go

If your pet has been suffering from ill health or has experienced a trauma, making the decision to give your pet a peaceful goodbye and end any suffering they may have been going through, is often the kindest and bravest thing you can do for them. 

Understanding end of life care

Understanding what happens to your pet when it’s time to say goodbye can be really comforting to you and your family. Visit our end-of-life care page and find out how we will care for your pet, and the choices you can make. 

Planning ahead can really help

Some people find it helpful to prepare well in advance of needing end of life care for their pet so that when the time comes, they are better equipped to go through the experience and don’t have to deal with the difficult decisions on the day. 

Victoria can talk you through everything that will happen, explain what options you have and provide comfort and support for you and your family with this sensitive subject. 

Choosing your options ahead of time

Choosing ahead of time where you wish your pet’s end of life care to take place and what you would like to happen afterwards can free your mind from such worries and allow you to be wholly there for your pet on the day. 

Sudden loss support

Losing a pet suddenly can rock your world whatever their age or the situation. You can be affected by shock and grief in many different ways. Whether you can’t stop crying or can’t cry at all, whether you are angry or feel hopeless, the important thing is to start dealing with your feelings as soon as possible. 

Book an appointment with Victoria and let her help you start to unravel your thought process, or if you aren’t ready to talk, write down how you feel in an email to her. The important thing is to start somewhere. 

Remembering your pet

Finding special ways to remember your beloved pet can be a great comfort to you and your family. Victoria can talk to you about keeping a lock of your pet’s hair or a paw print or perhaps having their ashes placed in a lovely picture frame, as well as doing things together as a family such as planting a flower or shrub. 

We have created a special place at our Bromsgrove practice for you to come and remember your pets. Your pet’s name and a message can be engraved on a brass plaque and added to our Memorial Pathway & Garden, where you can come and spend as much time as you would like. 

Return to End of Life Care
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