Americans widely view pets as part of their family. In fact, a recent Forbes article stated that 97% of pet owners thought that way. As the role of pets in our lives has evolved, so has the care we provide them. While many of us strive to ensure our four-legged companions receive the best care throughout their lives, often overlooked is the care we provide as our pets approach their geriatric years.
Veterinary hospice and palliative care have emerged as vital fields in veterinary medicine over the past 15 years, with many practices and concepts derived from human medicine. Here’s a brief overview:
Palliative care is specialized medical care focused on relieving the symptoms and stress of chronic illness, aiming to improve the patient’s and family’s quality of life. It is appropriate at any stage of a chronic illness and can be provided alongside curative treatment.
Hospice care is delivered to terminally ill patients who no longer receive curative treatment and typically have less than six months to live.
With palliative care, the goal is to achieve the best possible quality of life for patients and their families. The care can continue for months or, in some cases, years.
Hospice care requires a shift in mindset — from seeking a cure to focusing on the patient’s comfort. It is often considered a third option between continuing aggressive treatments and euthanasia. If we can manage a patient’s symptoms and pain while maintaining the human-animal bond, we allow families and pets to experience the best possible end-of-life journey together.
Pet hospice programs are designed to help pets enjoy their final months and days in comfort, surrounded by the people they love. Almost all hospice programs, including the one I lead at BluePearl Pet Hospital, provide in-home care options, which remove the stress of being in an unfamiliar environment for both pets and their families.
With end-of-life care for pets, each experience is unique, and communication with the family is crucial. I find it vitally important to discuss with families what they want the end-of-life care to look like. Some families choose a planned euthanasia before a crisis occurs, while others wait until a crisis arises. Many families hope for a natural passing without euthanasia, but after learning about the disease’s trajectory, they may reconsider. Being open to discussing all possibilities ensures that hospice care centers on the patient and the family’s goals and wishes.
Pets are cherished family members. It is our responsibility to ensure their final moments are filled with the same love they experienced throughout their lives. Veterinary palliative and hospice care programs provide pets with the comfort and dignity they deserve during their final journey.
STORY ARCHIVE
Veterinary teams are redefining the euthanasia experience for the better. Read Dr. Angela Beal’s “A Good Goodbye,” published in the October/November 2025 issue, at go.navc.com/goodbye-TVB.