All of us at Dignipets have the vocation to make pet hospice recognised and available in the UK. Busy practices often struggle to provide the support they would like for end-of-life cases, and owners, in a state of anticipatory grief, are some times giving consent to procedures they, in hindsight, regret.

It is no surprise that many of our clients get in touch having had a previous difficult experience with their last pet and dread going down the same route again. With an emphasis in veterinary training on curing rather than on caring and communication there is often a dichotomy between aggressive treatment on the one hand, and early euthanasia (just to be on the safe side) on the other. This ignores the fact that in most cases, with skilled clinical judgement and support, owners can be empowered to make good and timely decisions for their pet. Moreover, there is no better nurse for an elderly or terminally diagnosed pet than their owner and no better place for a pet to receive palliative treatment and a peaceful passing than at home.

Nature is unpredictable so we realise the importance of providing a 7 days a week support for pet carers.
Our aim is for every pet and their families to have this as an option. And for every bricks and mortar practice to be able to refer their clients to us 7/7.
Our plan is consistent growth with quality services for pet owners nation wide

We create paid time where team members can offload and communicate freely and safely.
Timely transparent communication about upcoming events or changes is paramount.
Next to that we have mental health advisors who advise us on pet bereavement in general but also compassion fatigue which is very important for anyone working in the field of hospice.

We make sure everyone knows there is always someone available they can talk to 7 days a week. We also collaborate with vetlife and have a standard operating procedure for all members of staff when it comes to safeguarding mental health.

Every 3 months we have a check in meet during work time where we check in and make sure working hours and the career path and duties are still in line with expectations.

A lot of our community work is visited by employees and joint venture partners alike. No matter what your role is it is sometimes great to be able to support someone beyond what you get paid for. Whether that is because you walk with them in memory of the pet you helped preparing a peaceful good bey for or you are setting up a buddy line for 2 elderly home bound pet carers who both lost their pet at the same time. Team building and being a part of your community and doing good can have a powerful effect on a team. This doesn't mean we do not do free bars and food btw! We do those too ;-)..