Pet Bereavement Support at Ivy Lodge Vets
At Ivy Lodge Vets, we understand that saying goodbye to your beloved pet is one of the hardest moments any pet owner will face. Our compassionate team is here to help guide you through this difficult time with the care and support you and your pet deserve. We strive to ensure that the process is as peaceful and comforting as possible.
When the Time Comes – Saying Goodbye
We know how difficult it can be to say farewell to a loyal companion, so we aim to make the experience gentle and respectful. To support you through this emotional time, we dedicate extra time to these appointments, allowing for an unhurried and peaceful process.
We have a private room at Ivy Lodge Vets, designed to provide a comforting space where you can say goodbye to your pet in privacy. The room has a separate entrance and exit to ensure complete discretion, helping you and your pet avoid any unnecessary stress.
We want to make the environment feel as homely as possible, so we provide soft, dimmed lighting, candles, and a comfortable, welcoming bed for your pet to rest on. Our aim is to help make this final farewell as peaceful as possible.
Complete Privacy and Respect
To maintain your privacy during this time, a sign will be placed in the reception area to inform other clients of the situation. It reads:
“If this candle is lit, someone is saying goodbye to their beloved pet. We ask that you speak softly and with respect during this difficult time. Thank you for your patience and kindness.”
This ensures that the atmosphere remains calm and respectful, providing you and your family the space and quiet needed to say your goodbyes.
Memorial Keepsakes: Ink Prints and Hair Clippings
At Ivy Lodge Vets, we understand how much a lasting memory of your pet can mean to you. That’s why we offer free ink prints of your pet’s paws or nose, as well as hair clippings, lovingly placed in a small glass vial. These beautiful keepsakes provide a tangible way to remember your beloved companion.
If you would like to request these keepsakes, simply let us know during your appointment. They will be prepared and ready for you to collect on the next working day, at no extra charge.
Cremation Services
For those who wish to arrange cremation, we partner with Resting Pets, a trusted and family-run cremation provider. Since 1991, Resting Pets has supported pet owners through the loss of their beloved animals, offering sensitive and compassionate care during this challenging time.
Based at Wood Farm, Resting Pets offers two cremation options, including individual cremation, where you can choose from a variety of urns. For more information on the available urns and services, please visit Resting Pets.
Why Choose Resting Pets?
Resting Pets is a family-run business with a small, caring team who understand the deep bond between you and your pet. Like you, they are pet owners, and they truly empathise with the heartbreak that comes with saying goodbye. Their compassionate approach ensures your pet will be treated with the utmost dignity and respect throughout the cremation process.
Support During Bereavement
Losing a pet is more than just losing an animal – it’s losing a family member and a source of unconditional love. Whether due to death or separation, the grief can feel overwhelming and can affect people in many ways. That’s why it’s important to have support during this time.
The Blue Cross Pet Bereavement Support Service offers free and confidential help for anyone struggling with the loss of a pet. Their dedicated team is available via phone, email, or webchat to provide compassionate support, so you never have to face this pain alone.
To learn more about their services or to access support, please visit Blue Cross Pet Bereavement Support Service.
Why Choose Ivy Lodge Vets for Pet Bereavement Support ?
At Ivy Lodge Vets, we are committed to providing not only the best medical care for your pets but also emotional support for you during one of the hardest times a pet owner can face. We aim to create a peaceful, private environment where you can say goodbye with the dignity and respect your pet deserves.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of this process, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to provide guidance and support in any way we can.