Compassionate In-Home Care
Hospice and In-Home Euthanasia
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest moments we face, and no one should have to navigate it alone. We provide gentle hospice support and peaceful in-home euthanasia to help you honor your pet’s life with dignity, comfort, and love. Our goal is to guide you through each step with clarity, compassion, and unwavering care.
What does hospice care look like for a pet?
Whether your pet has received a devastating diagnosis or is simply nearing the end of their twilight years, pet hospice provides support not only for the patient but also for the people who love them. Our team strives to optimize your pet’s quality of life for the time that they have, keeping them as active and engaged with the family as possible. This can look like: education about the disease process, providing pain medication, administering fluids for hydration, appetite stimulants, supplementary nutrition, management of incontinence, mobility support, and regularly checking in on the family and the patient.
Our team will help you navigate the difficult conversations surrounding end-of-life care with compassion and empathy.
How do I know it’s time to seek hospice care?
There are a variety of reasons you may be interested in learning about pet hospice. With its origins in human hospice care, this service looks similar for our four-legged companions. Usually an animal has either received a terminal diagnosis or their aging body is beginning to show signs of decline. Regardless of the time frame involved, we are here to support you and your friend as long as is needed.
Why is pre-planning for end-of-life care important?
Education is an investment for the future. Our pets live in the present and do not think about death the same way that we do. So, thank you for being here despite how uncomfortable and devastating it may be to think about planning end-of-life care for your beloved family member. We are always ready and willing to discuss any concerns or questions that may arise, regardless of how far in the future the need for these services may be.
Aftercare: What to do after a pet passes?
Choose the aftercare plan that best suits the needs of your pet and family. Some options include, but are not limited to: burial, private cremation with return of cremains (ashes), and group cremation without return of cremains. We partner with and provide transport of pets to Major Street Pet Services (located in Salt Lake City) for cremation services. To learn more about what they offer, please visit www.majorstreetpetservices.com.
How do I assess my pet’s quality of life?
This is a dynamic process that changes from day to day, and week to week. For those who prefer objective measurements, these tools may be helpful from our friends at Lap of Love: https://www.lapoflove.com/our-services/veterinary-hospice
In the end, you know your pet better than anyone else. It is an honor to talk through your pet’s wonderful life with you, so please do not hesitate to reach out to discuss your and your pet’s specific circumstances.
What happens during a euthanasia?
Our goal is to ensure this process is as smooth and peaceful as possible for everyone involved. Most dogs and cats are given a subcutaneous (just beneath the skin) injection of pain medication & sedative. This helps to relieve any pain or anxiety the animal may be having. Once the animal is comfortable and sleepy, we are able to shave a small area of fur on either a front or hind leg so that a small intravenous catheter can be placed. Through this catheter, the final medications can be delivered smoothly. These medications allow our four-legged friend to drift easily and comfortably off to a deep sleep, the heart slowing gently until it stops. At any point during this appointment, the family can take as much time as they need to spend with and say good-bye to their beloved companion.