How Does Veterinary Hospice Work?

You will first connect with our Hospice Veterinarian for an initial 60-90 minute appointment in the comfort of your home.  You will 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? 

• • Quality of Life – what truly makes life worth living for your pet?

• • Review of current treatment plan from a different point of view, based on 25 years of end-of-life care focus.

Following this Initial In-Home Consult by the Veterinarian, you will then have a follow-up telehealth with one of our Veterinary Hospice Nurses. This telehealth is included in the cost of your Initial Veterinarian Appointment.  This telehealth is to discuss any changes in your pet since the in-home visit, as well as to develop a relationship with your primary nurse.

At the time of the nurse telehealth, they will schedule the Initial Nurse In-Home Visit.  This is a separate charge.  During nurses in-home visit they will discuss 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

• • Discuss the Hospice Care Plan that would best fit the needs of your pet

Hospice Care Plans