Valuable tools to guide and determine the right time for additional pet care:

• The HHHHHMM Quality of Life Scale

• Feline Grimace Scale

• The Ohio State University “Assessing Quality of Life for Your Companion Animal and Making End-of-Life Decisions” Guide

• Quality of Life (online) Calculator

• Quality of Life (family situation and patient considerations) Scale

• Blue Pearl BEAP Pain Scale for dogs

• Quality of Life Daily Diary

FAQ by Brian VanHorn, DVM, and Jennifer Sawyer, RVT
Golden Gate Veterinary Home Hospice and Euthanasia practice

Q: How is home hospice different from veterinarian care?

Hospice care is veterinary care. However, this care has a different scope. Hospice usually comes with a unique set of goals which differ from wellness care or therapies/treatments used to cure disease in pets. With hospice care, the focus is on palliating clinical signs of disease or illness, not curing illness. It is about making the remaining days in life the best we can.

Q: Is there a rule of thumb to time euthanasia—is there such a thing as doing it too soon?

A rule of thumb in euthanasia is to minimize suffering and stress associated with the dying process. Better to euthanize a day “too soon, than a day too late.” Too soon is not necessarily always a bad thing—especially where euthanasia is concerned.

Q: People often believe if your pet is still eating, it's still doing okay and not ready for euthanasia.

It is a common misunderstanding that can be cause for pause and consideration. Many animals will eat despite tremendous discomfort and pain. We often will support and even encourage helping a pet with euthanasia before they stop eating—especially if eating is a big part of the pet's quality of life.

Q: Will my pet feel pain?

No, not specifically related to the euthanasia protocol. We give a sedation injection which is not too much different than a vaccine in terms of medicine volume and needle size. Many patients are already experiencing pain due to their condition or disease process. This sedation medicine will abolish any existing pain. We will take time to describe the euthanasia protocol and what to expect, and discuss aftercare options.

Q: What is my role during the procedure?

To help provide your beloved pet with a kind and dignified death as is possible. To help minimize fear, pain, stress and maximize love and kindness for your pet.

Q: Should other pets or family members be present?

We encourage family members (both animal and human) to be present. Special consideration needs to be taken for young human family members (under 5-6 years of age) as well as comfort/stress levels in animal and human family members.

Q: If I feel the need to leave, is that ok?

Absolutely. It is okay and we encourage you to step away if you are feeling overwhelmed.

Q: What happens to my pet’s body?

There are a number of options for clients, However, if clients elect for us to handle aftercare, we assist in your pet being transported for cremation or burial services.

Q: What is a common mistake you see pet owners make in the final weeks/days of their pet’s life?

Waiting too long. Often companion animals die without the help of euthanasia. It is worth noting: Natural death can be an arduous and often long process.

Plan ahead. Consider an end-of-life gameplan: Where do you want euthanasia to take place? When? Who does or doesn't want to be involved? Special considerations for animal human family members that shouldn't be involved or in the household. Get grief help and support if you need it. TAKE TIME TO GRIEVE & SELF CARE.

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“Make A Pact”
by Lisa Fromer Valenzuela, DVM