Managing pain effectively in companion animals approaching end of life improves quality of life during final weeks and months, making the transition more comfortable and dignified.
End of life pain management represents a final welfare responsibility to companion animals that have shared our lives. Animals approaching death from cancer, organ failure, or progressive neurological disease experience pain that is often under-recognized and undertreated. The welfare obligation is clear: every animal deserves to be as comfortable as possible throughout their final period regardless of prognosis. Palliative care that focuses on comfort rather than cure is appropriate when treatment cannot restore acceptable quality of life. Hospice veterinary care that supports comfort at home in familiar environments represents the welfare-optimal approach for many animals. The welfare goal is a final period of quality life followed by peaceful euthanasia at the appropriate time, not prolonged suffering from inadequately managed pain.