A VETERINARY practice has launched new services to help recently-bereaved owners or those struggling with the decision to euthanise their pet.

White Cross Vets in Coulby Newham has introduced several initiatives to help ease the pain and anxiety surrounding both death and euthanasia, including a dedicated pet ‘forever in our hearts’ memorial page on its website, where owners can post tributes to their pets.

The veterinary group has also created a step-by-step guide to euthanasia, explaining exactly what happens before, during and after, which has been viewed more than over 125,000 times on YouTube.

In addition, White Cross Vets has introduced a new service which allows clients to take a bespoke paw print and always gives owners the option of a bespoke keepsake box too, handmade by one of the vets.

Vet Rob Reid said: “Nobody wants to think about the worst case scenario for their pet, but we all believe the less mystery surrounding it the better."

He added: “Dealing with end-of-life in a compassionate and supportive way is really important to all of us. There’s lots of support available when friends and family members die, but this doesn’t extend to pets, even though they are such an important part of the family."