Proactive end-of-life planning for companion animals reduces suffering by enabling timely, peaceful euthanasia decisions.
Animals that suffer through prolonged end-stage disease because owners cannot make euthanasia decisions experience unnecessary suffering. Quality of life assessment tools create a framework for discussing decline with veterinarians. Home euthanasia services enable peaceful death in familiar surroundings. Proactive conversations with veterinarians about end-of-life options before crisis occur improve decision-making quality.