Hospice care for pets is a supportive approach to care for animals with terminal diseases, focusing on improving their quality of life during their remaining time. This type of care emphasizes comfort and avoids aggressive interventions, although all therapies are considered. Hospice care is a philosophy of caring, and our veterinary team can help you understand your treatment options, including palliative care, and what works best for you and your family.
Hospice care for pets is similar to that of humans, with your veterinary team coordinating medical procedures, prescribing medication, and providing comfort care. However, day-to-day hospice care happens at home with you. The biggest difference is that veterinarians can provide humane euthanasia if the quality of life for your pet becomes unacceptable.
When your pet enters hospice care, our veterinary team will establish benchmarks to measure their quality of life. You and your family will partner with us to determine when and how often to re-evaluate your pet’s condition. If there are changes in your pet’s quality of life, we will work with you to determine the next steps.
Remember, you know your pet best, so don’t hesitate to ask questions to ensure you feel confident in the care you provide. Our goal is to provide your pet with a peaceful and comfortable quality of life at home, surrounded by loved ones. With proper planning and communication with your COTA Veterinary team, hospice care can help your pet transition with dignity and comfort.