Hospice and palliative care for companion animals is an emerging veterinary field that prioritizes quality of life and dignified dying for animals with terminal illness.
Companion animal hospice welfare centers on pain management and quality of life assessment during terminal illness. Animals cannot communicate pain verbally, and owners who love their pets may inadvertently prolong suffering by delaying euthanasia to avoid grief. Validated quality of life tools (HHHHHMM scale, Ohio State Quality of Life scale) give owners evidence-based frameworks for decision-making. At-home euthanasia in a familiar environment significantly reduces end-of-life stress compared to clinic settings.