Common Questions
I know that making arrangements for your pet to be put to sleep can be a daunting experience. That’s why I’ve tried to answer as many of your questions as possible about my home pet euthanasia services in Exeter, Torbay and East Devon. I hope that you will will find the answers to the questions below useful but if you have any queries you can contact me.
Before your appointment
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I know that deciding when to put your pet to sleep is never an easy decision. I believe the decision is all about quality of life for your pet. This is something that you can assess with advice from your usual veterinary practice. Your vet or nurse can carry out a quality of life assessment which may help you decide when the time is likely to be right for you and your pet.
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No. I am a registered veterinary practice and you are welcome to use me for a home visit if you would like to. I work closely with local practices and trust that you've carefully considered all your options when deciding the right time for you and your family. I am also here to help if you have any questions or want to discuss anything.
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Yes. I, Sara, am an experienced vet with over 17 year's experience as a practicing veterinary surgeon. I understand how much our pet's mean to us-they're family. Saying goodbye is never easy, but I’m here to provide compassionate and gentle care during those final moments. Find out more about me here.
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I generally recommend booking an appointment a few days in advance. My service is for pet owners who wish to plan in advance for when the time comes. I usually have appointments available a few days ahead but please check availability on my booking page. If your pet becomes unwell before your appointment you will need to contact your usual veterinary practice and take their advice about whether your pet will need to be put to sleep by them. I do not offer an emergency or urgent euthanasia service, although I may occasionally have same day appointments available.
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I have appointments available throughout each week and at present these are primarily on Tuesdays and Thursdays. My appointments do get booked up so it’s best to plan a little bit in advance. You can view my available appointments when you book online.
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Unfortunately I don’t have evening or weekend appointments available. This may change in the future.
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Yes, you may reschedule or cancel your appointment at any time, without charge.
So long as your appointment is more than 24 hours away you can change your appointment as many times as you need yourself.
You can do this online by clicking the change appointment button in your confirmation email.
You can change your appointment to any available appointment slot.
You cannot reschedule an appointment if it is less than 24 hours before the time of your appointment.
If it is less than 24 hours to your appointment and you no longer wish to go ahead or wish to reschedule, please get in touch with me directly. I do understand that things change, and I will do my best to fit in with your needs.
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No. If you think that your pet needs to be put to sleep urgently or outside of the normal working day you should call your usual veterinary practice and ask for their advice.
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At this time my service is available for dogs and cats only.
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There is no specific preparation which you will need to carry out. However, you may like to spend some extra time with your pet in their final days. Some owners find comfort in creating memories such as photographs or videos. You could also help them to get comfortable in the place where you will say your final goodbye by giving them treats nearby.
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I recommend feeding your pet as you would normally do and please give medications as you’ve been giving if possible. You may wish to have some of their favourite treats available during the appointment.
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When you complete your booking, you can specify whether you would like to use Culm Valley Pet Cremation in the Blackdown Hills for your pet’s aftercare. All cremations are guaranteed individual cremations. If you choose this option, I will arrange your pet’s cremation directly with Culm Valley on your behalf and confirm your choices for aftercare at the appointment. You may wish to look at Culm Valley’s website to choose how you would like your pet’s ashes returned with the style of urn or casket.
Pricing and Payment
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When you book online you can pay with a debit, credit card or Apple Pay. If you book over the phone, you can pay by debit or credit card or I can send a payment link for payment by bank transfer, apple pay or debit or credit card. All payments must be made in full at the time of booking.
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No. Cremation is charged separately by your chosen crematorium. If you choose to use my recommended crematorium, Culm Valley Pet Cremations, you can see the options for cremation and the prices on their website. I will bring their paperwork with me to the appointment and ask for your choices for aftercare. Your invoice for their services will be with your beloved pet’s ashes.
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I understand that you may need to cancel your appointment in certain circumstances.
If it is more than 24 hours until your appointment, you can cancel online by following the link in your booking email.
If it is less than 24 hours to your appointment you will need to cancel by phone.
If you cancel your appointment you will receive a full refund within 5-10 days.
You can also reschedule your appointment so long as it is more than 24 hours before your appointment time.
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I offer a bespoke home visit service to ensure that you and your pet have the best possible experience when the time comes to say goodbye. I take as much time as you and your pet need and are never rushed. This extra care and attention generally costs more than if you visit your vet to have your pet put to sleep. Your vet may offer a home visit service themselves but this will often have to be fitted around their other appointments and not necessarily at a time that’s convenient for you. My home visit prices are likely to be comparable to your own vet practice if they offer this level of service. I have made sure to offer a fixed price for complete transparency and certainty.
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Your pet insurance may cover the cost of the euthanasia itself but is unlikely to cover the cost of the home visit. If you wish to claim on your pet insurance please let me know and I will work with your insurer to ensure your claim is processed for you.
At your appointment
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I generally allow around an hour for your appointment but sometimes it will take less time and sometimes more. I do have several appointments available in a day but I leave plenty of time between them to ensure that I am never rushed.
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On arrival I will introduce myself to you and your pet and decide what will happen based on your pet’s circumstances and your wishes. A small sedation or anaesthetic will be given to help your pet fall asleep over a short time. The final injection will then be given when you are ready. I will talk you through what’s happening at every stage, answering any questions you may have.
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I know that some pets are not comfortable with strangers or people coming into their homes. If your pet is likely to be nervous, please let me know at the time of booking as I may arrange for some medication to be given before the appointment. Usually, offering a small treat is all that is needed to distract for the sedative injection and I may ask you to help me by holding your pet. Most pets are more comfortable within their home than when in the veterinary practice and often don't have the same fear reaction that you may see in a practice setting. Having been a vet for many years, I am used to dealing with challenging situations and will do everything possible to make your pet feel as calm and content as possible.
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I encourage you to stay with your pet during your appointment but you are not required to do so. I want you to be able to say goodbye to your pet and if you are there when I put them to sleep it will help them feel calm and relaxed. You can change your mind at any stage of the appointment.
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I will be guided by you as to how other pets will be during the appointment. They are welcome to be present if you feel this is best. I would encourage your other pets to say goodbye before your pet is taken away. It is not known whether pet's experience grief in the same way as people but it is felt that by allowing other companions to say their goodbye's we can help them cope with their loss too.
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To make your pet feel calm and comfortable I will administer a sedative or anaesthetic before I give the final injection to put your pet to sleep. They may feel the sedative injection a little or not at all, similar to their routine health check injections. Once sedated and peacefully asleep, they will not be aware or feel anything for the final act of compassion.
After your Appointment
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If you have opted to use my recommended cremation service at Culm Valley Pet Cremations in the Blackdown Hills, I will take your pet after the appointment and they will be transported to the crematorium the same day. If you have decided to make your own arrangements for cremation or home burial, I will leave your pet with you.
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Rainbow Bridge Vets only provides home visit pet euthanasia services. However, I have partnered with Culm Valley Pet Cremations in the Blackdown Hills to provide a guaranteed individual cremation for your pet.
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I have chosen to work with Culm Valley Pet Cremations because they only carry out individual cremations and share my commitment to making the experience at the end of your pet’s life as compassionate as possible. They are a family run business led by husband and wife team Diana and Steve and you will receive a personalised service according to your needs. Culm Valley Pet Cremations aim to carry out your cremation within a few days, allowing you to have your beloved pet home with you as soon as possible. You can find out more on their website.
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Many owners like to collect their pet’s ashes from Culm Valley Pet Cremations where they have a dedicated quiet room of rest. If you prefer not to do so I can arrange to take your pet’s ashes to your usual vet practice for you to collect from there but this may take a little longer to arrange. You can let me know which option you'd prefer at the appointment.
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Please check with your local authority but in general, you can bury small domestic pet animals such as a dog or a cat on your own land, for example in your back garden. More information on what you need to do can be found here. I would advise any pet owner that preparing the space for your pet to be buried can be emotionally challenging and to seek support where needed.
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I understand that having something to remember your pet by can bring comfort after pet loss. Through Culm Valley Pet Cremations you can choose to have an ink or clay paw print or fur clipping. Other memorial ideas include pet portraits, jewellery or personalised memorials.
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I know that losing a pet can be a life changing event and sometimes owners need support. I would highly recommend the Blue Cross Pet Loss Support service. Run by trained volunteers they offer free and confidential help at this difficult time. You can access their services by call, chat and email here.
My three simple steps for your peaceful home pet euthanasia in Exeter and surrounding areas of Devon, Torbay and Somerset…
Choose and book a convenient appointment online here.
I, Sara, will come to your home at the time of the appointment and calmly and serenely put your pet to sleep.
