Preparing your home for your appointment.
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1. Plan ahead
Once your appointment is booked with Rover, begin thinking about the atmosphere that will be most suitable for your pet's end of life journey. Consider:
- Who would you like to be there?
- What items will make your pet most comfortable?
- What location within the house will your pet spend their final moments?
- What aftercare wishes do you have for your pet?
Discuss these plans with the whole family, so everyone can feel as comfortable as possible and knows what to expect on the day of the appointment. -
2. Choose a location
Find a comfortable, familiar area where your pet feels safe. Try to pick a location that is far from distractions and noise, allowing for a serene atmosphere. -
3. Set up a comfortable space
Lay down a soft blanket or your pet’s favourite bedding to create a cozy resting place. Consider adding cushions for extra comfort, especially if your pet has difficulty lying down.Cats: For cats who tend to hide under furniture, please consider placing them in a comfortable carrier or small room until the team arrives.
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4. Gather comfort items
Bring your pet’s favourite toys or blankets to provide familiarity and comfort. Have some special treats available to give them a sense of normalcy and reassurance. -
5. Minimise distractions
Silence TVs, radios, and any devices that could disrupt the peaceful environment. Inform family members to keep the area quiet and limit visits during the appointment. -
6. Create a calm atmosphere
Use soft lighting to create a soothing ambiance. Dim the lights or use lamps instead of overhead lights. -
7. Prepare for family presence
Orientate your pet’s comfortable area with enough space for family members and friends who wish to be present. Our team will also need to be able to access your pet during the procedure.Children: If small children will be present, please consider having an adult helper. This will allow you to focus on your pet in their final moments, and will ensure your child feels supported.
Other Pets: If you do not wish for your other pets to be present, please arrange for them to be placed in another area, out of view of the procedure. We can give them time to say 'goodbye' to their friend before and after the procedure if you wish.
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8. Prepare for the vet team
Make sure there is enough room for the veterinarian and vet nurse to access your pet's leg. Once the catheter is placed, the team will be able to back away to give your family contact time with your pet, if you choose.Please have necessary documents and payment ready when the team arrives. We will ask that you pay for the appointment prior to the procedure in order to give your family time and space once we have finished.
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9. Plan for aftercare
Choose where your pet will go after the procedure (i.e. burial or cremation) and discuss these plans with our team. With your consent, we will have Edenhills contact you to discuss your aftercare wishes. You can find information on their cremation options here and a list of their memorial keepsake options here. -
10. Take care of yourself
It is never easy losing a pet. Please remember to take care of yourself and each other during this time. For Edenhills’ comprehensive grief guide, please click here.