You will first connect with our Hospice Veterinarian for an initial 60-90 minute virtual meeting or in-home visit to discuss many aspects of end-of-life care, including:
- Navigating daily life with terminal illness
- What behaviors might indicate pain, discomfort, anxiety, or distress
- When is the “right time” to euthanize? (Does “THE right time” exist?)
- Quality of Life – what truly makes life worth living for your pet?
- How does a pet show us his or her quality of life?
- How does a pet demonstrate his or her will to live?
- Review of current treatment plan from a different point of view, based on 25 years of end-of-life care focus.
You will then connect with one of our experienced Veterinary Hospice Nurses for an initial home visit and follow-up telehealth assessment. Our nurse will help address many aspects of your pet’s care, including:
- Keeping aware of your pet’s changing needs to best adapt our treatment plans
- How to administer medications at home
- Proper recumbency care, exercises to improve joint range of motion, home hygiene
- Assisting pets’ mobility, use of mobility and supportive devices
- Environmental assessments to help reduce stress and minimize potential hazards
- Nutritional consultations for pets with poor appetite or special needs
- Emotional and mental enrichment activities for pets with limited mobility or cognitive dysfunctions, to help ease boredom and depression
- Family grief support, helping children cope with loss, and resources for continued support
Ongoing support
After your Initial Consultation and nurse visit, you’ll have the option to enroll in one of our personalized Comfort Care Plans, giving you access to our team for ongoing guidance and support as you navigate your pet’s (and your own) changing needs. You’ll have regular nurse home visits and telehealth assessments, 24/7 access to our veterinarians for crisis situations, discounted services, and more. When the time comes for the most difficult decisions, you will be prepared with the resilience and strength that come from a foundation of trusted, specialized, compassionate guidance and support.
