Your pet is special. No one understands that more than our team of veterinary professionals. We will always work to keep your pet comfortable. And when the time comes that we cannot maintain their quality of life, we are here to help you with their final care.
We promise to honor you and your pet’s dignity through this entire process. Below we give more detail about how we engage with you and your pet during this difficult time.
Quality Of Life
This consultation is a time of open and honest conversation with our clients. For some families, this is after their pets have endured a chronic disease process. For others, their “family member” has lived a long wonderful life and now there are concerns about their quality of life.
In some circumstances, the family leaves with a much better understanding of what their pet is going through, and realize that she is comfortable. Other times, we make adjustments in treatments that help keep their remaining days enjoyable and pain-free. And unfortunately, in other situations, we all agree that she has lived a great life and it is time to allow them to pass with dignity.
We have all grieved the loss of pets in our lives. We will walk with you through every step in this process. When you have decided it is the time for them to cross the rainbow bridge, our compassionate staff will escort you and your beloved companion to our comfort room. We will administer a series of medications that will allow them to fall asleep comfortably, then allow them to peacefully pass. Finally, we will help you with body care decisions and if any memorable keepsakes are appropriate.
This is the saddest part of our jobs, but we are committed to serve our clients in the best times and the most difficult times. If we can be of assistance during this difficult time, please contact us.
What to Expect from Hospice and Euthanasia at Acorn Hill
The end of a pet's life is one of the hardest moments a family will face. Our role is to make it as gentle as possible — for your pet and for you. We've walked thousands of families through this, and there is no part of the conversation we haven't heard or are uncomfortable having.
Pet hospice care is for pets in their final weeks or months — when curing the disease is no longer the goal, but comfort still is. Hospice may include pain management, anti-nausea medication, appetite stimulants, gentle laser therapy, and ongoing check-ins so you can read your pet's quality of life clearly. We help families track day-to-day comfort using a quality-of-life scale, so the decision about timing isn't made in isolation or in a moment of panic.
FAQs for End of Life Care
Most families know but want permission to say it out loud. We use quality-of-life assessments that look at appetite, mobility, pain, hygiene, and "more good days than bad." If you're asking the question, it's the right time to talk to us.