Dr. Amir Shanan, DVM, Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Veterinarian
Animal Hospice Pioneer, Visionary and Leader
Dr. Shanan has been in private practice in Chicago since 1985. He is the owner and founder of Compassionate Veterinary Hospice, offering in-home medical and consultation services for geriatric and seriously ill companion animals. Dr. Shanan has helped thousands of pets and their families make the end of life a meaningful and cherished experience by providing information, nonjudgmental support, and guidance in making the most difficult decisions.
Described as a “mix of philosopher, ethicist, counselor and veterinarian”, Dr. Shanan is recognized nationally and internationally as a pioneer and leader in the emerging field of animal hospice and palliative care. “After several years of practicing veterinary medicine, I realized that many loving pet parents had nowhere to go for the care and support they needed when their cherished companions approached the end of life,” says Dr. Shanan. “Fulfilling this need became my life’s calling.”
Dr. Shanan is the Founder of the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care. Under his leadership, end of life care practice guidelines for the veterinary profession have been written. A training program for veterinarians and veterinary technicians seeking advanced end of life care skills was also developed, called the Animal Hospice and Palliative Care Certification Program. He is the main editor of the first textbook on animal end of life care, “Hospice and Palliative Care for Companion Animals”, published in 2017.
His passions are hanging out with his wife and 3 sons and daughters-in-law, Mediterranean cuisine, a good game of rubber bridge, and doing his very small part in making the world a better place.
