Veterinary Hospice Care
Traditional veterinary medicine does little to accommodate pets that are coming to the end of their lives. Although we have made great advances with respect to our ability to diagnose and treat disease, little has changed in decades when we have to make the most difficult decision in our companion’s life. The decision to euthanize one’s companion is never easy and as a pet owner I have agonized over this with my own pets as well as clients whose pets were facing this final journey. As a result, I have dedicated myself to providing a hospice unit at the Henrietta Animal Hospital. Our goals are simple…we want to be able to counsel our clients about their pet’s overall medical condition and long term prognosis, review the options and determine what needs can or cannot be met for the patient. We target pain control, nutrition, hygiene, and hydration while the owners can take time to assess their options. Companions are almost always sent home in the evening where they can be surrounded by their family.
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Veterinary Hospice is about:
- facilitating healthy living and graceful aging for the animals who enhance our lives
- recognizing and supporting our animal companion's interests
- caring for animal companions in the comfort and familiarity of hom
- alleviating pain and preserving quality of life
- appreciating each day as a gift
- sharing a journey
- guidance for making health care choices on behalf of an animal companion
Veterinary hospice can be either in clinic or in your home.
How do you know it is time for hospice?
The chances are that if you are asking yourself this questions you are probably ready to consider hospice care for your pet.
- Does your pet have trouble keeping him or herself clean or do you have trouble keeping your pet clean?
- Is your pet able to move around with ease?
- Has your companion’s mood changed?
- Does your companion eat and drink the same way?
- Has there been a change in weight or body condition?
- Do you as a caretaker worry about your pet’s life journey coming to an end?
- Do you have questions about end of life decisions?
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Services offered
| Regular Check Ups | Pain Management |
| Email/Phone Support | Drugs |
| Physical Therapy | Palliative Cancer Care |
| Medications | Hygiene and Grooming |
| Fluids | Injections |
