End-of-life care for companion animals has evolved significantly, with growing availability of palliative care, hospice programs, and in-home euthanasia improving the final experiences of ill animals.
End-of-life care for companion animals is increasingly recognized as a welfare priority distinct from curative treatment. Veterinary euthanasia, when well-executed using appropriate sedation followed by pentobarbital, provides a peaceful death that prevents prolonged suffering from terminal illness. The decision of when to euthanize involves quality of life assessment considering pain, appetite, mobility, and enjoyment of life. At-home euthanasia services reduce the fear and stress of the veterinary clinic environment and allow animals to die in familiar settings. Animal hospice programs provide palliative care including pain management, nursing care, and family support for animals in their final weeks. The goal of good end-of-life care is minimizing suffering while respecting the emotional needs of the human-animal bond.