Hospice Care
What is hospice care for animals?
Hospice care for animals is end of life care that is modeled after the human hospice care philosophy. It involves compassionate nursing care provided to patients with terminal illnesses and supports them both physically and psychologically. Throughout the hospice process, support is also provided to the families of our animal hospice patients assisting them during their pet's illness and during the bereavement process.
When is it appropriate to seek out hospice care for your pet?
This is a difficult decision to make and should be made with the guidance of your primary veterinarian in conjunction with a veterinarian familiar with hospice care. It is usually for pets that are given a poor long term prognosis with less than 6 months to live. It is for families that have accepted their pet's fate and have elected not to pursue heroic measures to "cure" their pet which could involve chemotherapy, radiation, extensive surgery, hemodialysis, prolonged hospitalization, frequent visits to a vet clinic, etc. Instead, these families are seeking ways to improve or maintain their pet's quality of life while strengthening the bond shared with their pet; and building wonderful memories of quality time shared together.
Pre-Need Counseling
This consult is available for people who have a pet with a terminal illness and can foresee the potential for hospice care in the future.
- What you could expect in the future with your pet's particular condition and potential complications
- When is it time to abandon heroic measures in an attempt to "cure" your pet and elect the hospice care philosophy
Topics discussed during Pre-Need Counseling:
Hospice Counseling
This consult is available for people who have a pet that is in need of hospice care.
- how to improve/maintain your pet's quality of life
- recognizing pain and ways to treat it
- ways to improve your pet's appetite
- maintaining your pet's weight through assisted feedings
- supporting your pet's immune system
- how to effectively administer medications and fluids
- side effects of medications and how to treat them
- how to enjoy the time with your pet during the final days or months
- determining when it is time to euthanize your pet
- memorializing your pet
Topics discussed during Hospice Counseling: