What is Hospice?
Until recently, the choices that were available to people with terminally ill pets were very limited. Some veterinarians now offer hospice as an alternative to euthanasia for aging and ill animals.

Hospice care for pets is very similar to the long-term care available for terminally ill people. With the help and training of a veterinarian or trained technician, pet owners are taught how to administer pain medication, change bandages, provide fluid therapy and perform general nursing duties at home.

Hospice care can last a few days or a few years and owners must be willing to devote the time necessary to make it work.

The hours spent with a pet during the last days of life can be a very special and fulfilling experience.

How Does Hospice Work?
Veterinarians and trained technicians work closely with pet owners who choose hospice care to ensure the pets are kept comfortable and are well cared for. Much of the care and guidance can be provided to the client through telephone conversation The initial instruction of specific nursing procedures that may be required, such as fluid therapy and care of the IV catheter, can be provided at the clinic.

Some owners are uncomfortable with or are unable to perform some of the nursing procedures that their pet may require. For many people, home visits may be the best option. Trained personnel will visit the home and do what is necessary to care for the pet and offer support and guidance for the owner.

Why Choose Hospice?
More and more people view their pets as members of the family. When we choose to share our lives with animals, we see them go from puppyhood or kittenhood to, hopefully, old age.

Hospice care gives families more time with their aging pets and helps them adjust to their approaching deaths. It strengthens the bond between owner and pet and helps prepare the owner for the loss of a special companion. Hospice care allows an aging pet to enjoy the last days of life in familiar surroundings in the the company of loved ones.

Hospice is not a good choice for all pet owners. It requires time and commitment from everyone involved and it can be expensive. However, should you choose hospice care as an option for your pet, it may be one of the most rewarding and special times of your life. It is a small price to pay for the years of devotion and companionship.

Is Hospice the Choice for your Pet?
Choosing hospice care for your pet is not a decision to be made in haste or sorrow. Hospice requires commitment to round-the-clock care.

We suggest families discuss these points before choosing hospice for their terminally ill pets.

1. Do we accept that this is a dying animal and plan to make no further attempts to cure the illness?
2. Are we aware of all the pain medications needed to keep our pet comfortable? Do we know the possible side effects?
3. Can we spend the time and money necessary to care for our pet?
4. Does everybody involved understand the commitment?
5. Will we have enough support from the veterinarian, technicians, grief counselors through our pet's decline?
6. Will somebody be available 24 hours a day to handle emergencies or answer question regarding care of our pet?
7. How will the end likely occur?
8. Who will handle the arrangements after our pet's death?