A leaflet produced by the Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) guides pet owners through the often difficult decision making process of putting their pet to sleep.

‘Saying goodbye – the ultimate kindness’ is written by vets to help pet owners understand why putting their pet to sleep may be the most caring thing they can do for their pet and to discuss the choices they have.

The sympathetically written leaflet addresses the emotions owners may go through when deciding to put their pet down, it demystifies what happens during euthanasia and explains what happens next.

Vet Tiffany Hemming, AWF Chairman said: “As vets we often see pet owners struggle with letting their pet go when really it can be the kindest thing for the animal to be put to sleep.

“Guilt may be the strongest emotion owners feel when making this decision and we wanted to guide owners through this difficult time in a sensitive way and encourage them to ask questions and work with the vet to help them come to terms with the end of their pet’s life.”

Owners can download a copy from the AWF website http://www.bva-awf.org.uk/pet-care-advice