Quality-of-Life Consultation & Care
Compassionate In-Home Hospice Care For Your Aging & Ill Pets
We know how hard it is to watch your pet grow older or when you have a sick pet. That’s why we offer Quality-of-Life Care services with one of our veterinarians – compassionate end-of-life consultation and hospice care planning that provide extra support for your aging or terminally ill pet.
Same-day or next-day availability in most locations
What is Quality-of-Life Care?
Quality-of-Life Care, also called pet hospice care, is focused on keeping your pet as comfortable as possible for as long as possible at home while maintaining the bond that is so important to both of you.
A Quality-of-Life Consultation includes a thorough review of your pet’s medical history and an in-depth conversation with one of our mobile veterinarians. We will outline any available treatment options for your pet and offer feedback on their quality of life. Our goal is to provide you with a better understanding of your pet’s overall condition with peace of mind about how to move forward. “Quality of life” is a phrase that refers to your pet’s comfort level on a day-to-day basis. Since pets cannot use words to tell us how they are feeling, our compassionate veterinary professionals will work with you to determine what kind of care they need. The comfort measures your local BetterVet team can provide include
- Pain Management
- Nutritional Changes
- Subcutaneous Fluids
- Disease Process Education
- Mobility Aid
- Incontinence Management
Another component of pet hospice care is education - providing you with important information about your pet’s specific illness or disease process. Having a better understanding of the disease cycle and how an illness progresses can help us, and you as their caregiver, offer them more individualized care, while also preparing for what lies ahead. We will also teach you the signs to look for when we can no longer keep them comfortable, so you are at peace when deciding to help them cross the rainbow bridge. Should you decide the time has come to consider a humane euthanasia solution, we will be here to support you every step of the way.
Quality-of-Life Assessment for Dogs and Cats
Gain a better understanding of your pet’s quality of life with our helpful tool.
Complete the Assessment
Consider the Results
Make the Best Plan
Frequently Asked Questions
An in-home euthanasia appointment typically lasts 20-45 minutes, which allows us to go forward at your pace without rushing through any part of the process. If you feel comfortable we encourage you to stay with your pet during the entire procedure. You can also have other family members present part or all of the time.
One of our compassionate veterinarians will let you know how the procedure works every step of the way, and make sure you are comfortable moving forward. If you are worried about what to expect, your vet will be available to answer all your questions. Your pet will first be given a sedative, which will help them to relax.
Once your pet is completely relaxed or has fallen asleep, we place a pad underneath them to protect your floor or furniture, as some pets may pass urine or stool as they cross the rainbow bridge. Your veterinarian will then administer the final injection intravenously. The entire procedure is peaceful and painless and is much like falling into a deep sleep.
