Palliative Care and Hospice for Companion Animals

Palliative care for pets at the end of their lives is expanding as veterinary medicine embraces quality-of-life focused care.

Key Facts

Veterinary palliative care aims to maximise quality of life rather than extend life at any cost
Pain management, comfort measures, and emotional support are central to companion animal palliative care
Home visits by palliative care vets allow pets to spend final weeks in familiar surroundings
Quality of life assessment scales help owners and vets make informed end-of-life decisions
Euthanasia is an important welfare tool that prevents prolonged suffering when quality of life becomes poor

Welfare Considerations

Palliative and hospice care for companion animals represents an important advance in veterinary welfare provision. Prioritising quality of life over longevity, managing pain and discomfort proactively, and supporting owners in end-of-life decision-making all improve welfare outcomes for pets in their final months and weeks.

What You Can Do

Discuss palliative care options with your vet when your pet has a life-limiting diagnosis
Use validated quality of life assessment scales to guide end-of-life decisions
Ask about home euthanasia options to allow your pet to die in familiar surroundings
Support veterinary hospice training and palliative care development
Consider your pet's quality of life rather than longevity alone when making treatment decisions