VETS at Medivet Faringdon have been given Platinum accredited status, for the support they give pet owners trying to cope with loss.

The award - the highest offered - means the team, based not far from Wantage, are trusted to offer practical advice on protocols to make a pet’s end of life 'as smooth and compassionate as possible'.

READ AGAIN: Witney vet suspended for 'disgraceful conduct'

Following a training course, head nurse at the Coxwell Road centre, Emma French, explained: “We are pet owners ourselves so know only too well that losing your pet can be a devastating experience. We care passionately about our patients and saying goodbye to a much-loved family pet is unfortunately one of the more difficult and sad aspects of our work.

“The course gave us some new insights into handling end-of-life discussions and patient care both compassionately and sensitively. We have already introduced some of what we learned into practice.”