End-of-life decisions for companion animals are among the most significant welfare moments in a pet owner's responsibility. Evidence-based quality of life assessment and palliative care options help ensure animals do not suffer unnecessarily near death.
End-of-life welfare decisions are emotionally complex for owners and clinically complex for veterinarians. The welfare obligation to companion animals requires that suffering not be prolonged beyond what the animal can bear for quality of life. Quality of life assessment tools provide structure for these conversations and help owners recognize when declining QoL makes euthanasia the most compassionate option. Anticipatory grief — the fear of loss that leads to delay — is the most common barrier to timely euthanasia. In-home euthanasia, palliative care services, and veterinary emotional support programs are expanding the options for peaceful end-of-life experiences for companion animals.