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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


‍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.

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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
Complete the Assessment
A starting place to learn more about your pet’s quality of life.
Consider the Results
Consider the Results
Your results are meant to serve as a guide for you and your vet.
Make the Best Plan
Make the Best Plan
Based on your results, you and your vet will make the best plan for your pet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I help my dog pass away peacefully?
In-home euthanasia is a humane process that allows you to spend quality time with your pet during the entire procedure. Rather than being transported to a clinic, your pet can stay in the comfort of home, surrounded by loved ones. If you're concerned about your pet's quality of life and want to discuss end-of-life care or schedule an in-home euthanasia, our compassionate veterinary doctors and nurses are here to help.
Can dog euthanasia be done at home?
As a mobile veterinary care practice, we do offer in-home euthanasia services, where your pet is most comfortable. It is your choice whether you want to stay in the room with your pet during their final moments.
How will I know if it’s time to euthanize my cat?
Deciding when to euthanize your cat is an incredibly difficult and personal decision. During a Quality-of-Life Consultation, one of our veterinarians will discuss your cat’s current health condition and comfort level with you, as well as recommendations for hospice care or humane euthanasia.
How long do dogs live in hospice?
How long a dog lives with a hospice care plan depends on their medical condition and quality of life. A Quality-of-Life Consultation will help you to determine what kind of support your pet needs to live comfortably. When a dog is receiving hospice care services, we will continue to evaluate your dog’s comfort level based on questions such as, are they able to move around freely and without pain?
Is letting my cat pass away naturally better than euthanization?
This question is best addressed with your veterinarian during a Quality-of-Life consultation. Your veterinarian can help you decide which path is the right one for your cat, based on their level of comfort and mobility. If your pet is not in serious discomfort and seems happy, we would recommend a hospice care plan to support your cat for as long as possible.
What happens when a dog is euthanized at home?

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.


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