Veterinary palliative care for companion animals has developed significantly, allowing management of pain and quality of life in seriously ill or elderly pets.
The development of veterinary palliative care represents a significant welfare advance for companion animals with serious illness or age-related decline. Rather than the binary choice between aggressive treatment and euthanasia, palliative care enables a period of managed, comfortable living before death. Quality-of-life assessment tools help owners and vets make informed decisions about when palliative management is no longer sufficient and euthanasia becomes the kindest option.