What is Veterinary Hospice?

Veterinary hospice and palliative care for dogs and cats is a medically supervised service that focuses on the entire family and is designed to prioritize the comfort and quality of life for terminally ill or senior pets. It focuses on living life as fully and comfortably as possible, helping pets maintain happiness and dignity until a natural death occurs or the family chooses euthanasia.

Modeled after human hospice, this type of care is dedicated to managing symptoms and providing palliative support, rather than seeking a cure. Veterinary hospice aims to strengthen the bond between you and your pet while offering education on providing comfort and end-of-life care. This kind of care offers a unique approach to managing your pet’s needs at the end of their life, focusing on maintaining their well-being, comfort, and happiness for as long as possible.

Veterinary hospice discussions may include:

• An assessment of the home environment

• Identification of pain and pain relief

• Supporting mobility

• Providing appropriate nutrition

• Addressing any concerns about toileting/elimination

• Managing symptoms

• Assessing behavior and cognitive changes

• Education about disease processes