Companion Animal Hospice and Palliative Care

Companion animal hospice and palliative care provide frameworks for supporting the welfare of terminally ill pets while respecting owner relationships and ethical principles around death.

Key Facts

Companion animal hospice care focuses on comfort and quality of life rather than curative treatment
Pain assessment and multimodal analgesia are central components of palliative care for companion animals
The International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC) provides training and standards
At-home hospice care allows animals to remain in familiar environments during their final period
Quality of life scales help owners and vets assess welfare and guide euthanasia timing decisions
Anticipatory grief support for owners is an integral part of holistic hospice care
Palliative sedation is available for animals with uncontrolled pain or distress at end of life

Welfare Considerations

Companion animal hospice and palliative care represents a welfare-centred approach to dying that prioritises comfort, dignity, and quality of remaining life. It is neither prolonging death nor hurrying it, but supporting the best possible welfare through the final period. Access to palliative care expertise - through IAAHPC-trained vets or specialist services - dramatically improves end-of-life welfare for companion animals.

What You Can Do

Discuss palliative care options with your vet when a companion animal receives a terminal diagnosis
Use validated quality of life tools to assess your pet's welfare and guide end-of-life decisions
Seek out vets with IAAHPC training or palliative care expertise for terminally ill companions
Consider at-home hospice care as an option that allows familiar environment and reduced stress
Support the IAAHPC in developing palliative care standards and training for companion animal practice