What is Hospice Care for Dogs and Cats?

by Britt

Published: May 7th, 2025

Photo credit: MT-R / Shutterstock.com

The bond we share with our dogs and cats is unique, characterized by unconditional love, playful antics, and a special companionship. So, when the inevitable early signs of aging and declining health begin, it’s natural for our hearts to ache.

Navigating this challenging time can feel overwhelming, filled with difficult decisions and intense emotions. However, within this period, there is an option that is often overlooked or undiscussed – a compassionate pathway to provide our pets with comfort, dignity, and peace in their final chapter: hospice and palliative care.

This isn’t about giving up on your beloved pet; it’s about embracing a different kind of care and prioritizing their quality of life when a cure is no longer within reach.

In this post, I’ll share what hospice care truly means for our dogs and cats, when it may be the most loving choice, and what you can expect as you navigate the emotional decisions during this part of their journey.

Understanding Hospice and Palliative Care

Both hospice and palliative care are about more than just accepting the end; they are about actively ensuring the best possible quality of life for your pet during this chapter. The two have some similarities, but also some notable differences.

Hospice Care

Hospice care shifts the focus away from treating the underlying illness when a cure is no longer possible. At this point, the central goal is to maximize your pet’s comfort and well-being so they can enjoy their remaining time. This involves minimizing pain and suffering, managing distressing symptoms, and providing emotional support to your pet and your family as you navigate this stage. This care and support can be provided primarily in a familiar environment, like your home, rather than a specific facility.

Palliative Care

In contrast to hospice, palliative care can begin earlier during a serious illness, often while your pet is still receiving treatments, and a cure is still possible. The focus of palliative care is the effective management of symptoms to improve your pet’s comfort and overall quality of life at any stage of their illness.

Palliative care aims to improve your pet’s well-being regardless of their prognosis. Think of it as providing ongoing supportive care throughout a challenging illness, helping to manage discomfort and improve their daily life. After all, treatment isn’t always a comfortable or easy process.

Key Differences and Overlap

The main difference between hospice and palliative care lies in the timing relative to their treatment journey. Palliative care can start earlier, while hospice is specifically for the end-of-life stage when treatment is no longer a reasonable option. However, both approaches share a similar fundamental goal – prioritizing comfort, maximizing quality of life, and providing emotional support for the pet and their family as they navigate this chapter.

When Might Hospice or Palliative Care Be the Right Choice?

If your pet is currently dealing with medical challenges, it can be an emotional time. When it comes to deciding if hospice or palliative care might be the right path, there is no universal “right” moment. Instead, you will need to take some time to carefully (and honestly) assess your pet’s overall well-being and quality of life.

With palliative care being an option that doesn’t require you to stop treatment, there is no reason not to prioritize their comfort throughout the process.

Pay close attention to subtle shifts in their physical and mental behavior. Certain indicators can signal that it may be time to have a heartfelt conversation with your veterinarian about your supportive care options.

Changes to Watch Out For

To help you on this journey, here are a few specific changes you might notice in your pet that could suggest it’s time to consider hospice or palliative care:

Changes in Eating and Drinking: Keep an eye out for a loss of appetite, increasing difficulty eating or drinking, or noticeable and unexplained weight loss.
Changes in Mobility and Activity: You might notice your pet struggling to stand or walk, showing a reluctance to move, experiencing increased weakness, or becoming unsteady on their feet and stumbling.
Changes in Behavior and Interaction: Look for signs that your pet may be withdrawing from their usual family life, showing a decreased interest in their favorite activities, hiding more often, experiencing significant changes in their sleep patterns, or showing a reduced desire to interact with you and your other household members.
Uncontrolled Pain or Discomfort: Despite receiving pain medication, your pet may still show obvious signs of discomfort, such as whimpering, excessive panting, restlessness, or a reluctance to be touched in certain areas.
Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control: If your pet is experiencing incontinence that is becoming increasingly difficult to manage and is negatively impacting their quality of life, this is an important consideration.
Difficulty Breathing: Noticeable changes in their breathing, such as persistent coughing, labored breathing, or an increased effort required to breathe “normally,” can signal declining health.
Lack of Response to Treatment: When ongoing medical interventions no longer effectively slow the progression of your pet’s illness and improve their quality of life, it may be time to consider a different approach focused on comfort.

Noticing one or two of these signs doesn’t automatically mean it’s time for hospice or palliative care. The decision to take this step isn’t “black and white.” Instead, these signs of decreasing quality of life should lead to an open and honest conversation with your veterinarian. They can provide valuable insights into your pet’s prognosis and help you assess the situation with realistic expectations. This discussion will help you make the most loving and informed decision for your best friend.

Photo credit: Jaromir Chalabala / Shutterstock.com

What to Expect from Pet Hospice and Palliative Care

The decision to begin the hospice or palliative care journey will have a significant impact on both you and your pet. Understanding this process can help you feel more prepared for what’s to come and supported in taking these steps confidently.

Veterinary Involvement

Your vet will play a central role in both hospice and palliative care. While your pet likely won’t have to stay at the clinic under constant supervision, you can expect to make regular trips for appointments to check on your pet’s well-being and assess their comfort and pain levels. This is important as your vet may need to make minor tweaks and changes to your approach along the way to ensure your pet’s needs are being met and address any concerns that may arise. Medication management is another key aspect. This will focus on providing effective pain relief, anti-nausea medications if needed, and any other treatments necessary to alleviate specific symptoms that may cause discomfort.

Additionally, your vet will be a source of information and guidance as you consider the possible changes that should be made to your home to better suit their needs, including both comfort and safety. This may include changing their bedding setup or limiting their access to certain areas of your home.

They can also provide nutritional advice to help ensure your pet is getting the nourishment they need in a way that is manageable for them. For example, if they have difficulty chewing, they may need a softer and easier-to-eat type of food.

In short, your vet will be a source of knowledge and ongoing support for you and your family every step of this journey. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, share concerns, and always keep the lines of communication open.

In-Home Care vs Clinic-Based Support

One of the most comforting parts of hospice and palliative care is that much of it will happen in the most familiar place to your pet, their own home. This allows your pet to stay in a safe and comfortable space, surrounded by the people they love, avoiding the stress and anxiety of being put into an unfamiliar environment.

Depending on your location and the services available, you may even have the option of having home visits from a vet or specialized hospice nurse to provide any necessary medical care in these familiar surroundings. However, even if those options are available, there may be times when clinic visits are necessary, such as for specific treatments that can’t be carried out properly at home.

There is no black and white answer to the balance between in-home care and clinic-based support. Instead, you and your vet team will work together to decide on the best approach for your pet’s individual situation.

Focus on Comfort and Quality of Life

The primary goal of hospice and palliative care is to maximize your pet’s comfort and overall quality of life. To meet this goal, you will need to use a range of strategies that are customized and tailored to your pet individually (after all, no two pets are the same).

Some common considerations during this stage of life include:

Providing comfortable bedding that relieves any pain or pressure, such as an orthopedic bed, and helps your pet maintain a comfortable body temperature, like self-heating mats.
Gentle grooming may help them feel better and address any hygiene concerns. Grooming wipes can be helpful for spot cleaning easily without disrupting your pet too much.
If your pet has mobility issues, your vet can make recommendations to help them safely and comfortably. This may involve using special equipment like a simple lifting sling or a more elaborate support harness.

During this time, you should try to create and stick to a predictable routine, allowing your pet to continue enjoying their favorite things as much as possible. By letting them learn and adjust to a routine that fits their new “normal,” you can help make things more comfortable and less stressful, meaning a better overall quality of life.

Emotional and Practical Support for YOU

As I mentioned earlier, this journey isn’t only going to impact your pet. This is going to take an emotional toll on you, too. It’s important to remember that hospice and palliative care also extends to you as the pet parent.

Take time to explore the emotional support resources available, such as grief counseling or support groups where you can connect with others who understand what you’re going through. If you’re unfamiliar with any such groups in your area, ask your vet or search for an online option.

You can also expect practical advice from your vet throughout the process on many decisions you’ll face, including end-of-life planning. The team is there to answer your questions honestly and compassionately and offer a steady hand to help guide you through the process. There are no “silly” questions – they have likely heard any questions you have many times before!

End-of-Life Care

When the time comes and your pet’s journey nears its end, the focus will continue to be on giving them a peaceful and comfortable path to travel. You may notice a gradual decline in their energy levels and responsiveness. Just continue to be there, supporting them and showing them love.

The topic of euthanasia, while incredibly difficult, is an important consideration. It’s a peaceful and humane option to relieve suffering when your pet’s quality of life can no longer be maintained despite all efforts from you and your vet team. Please know that choosing this option is often the ultimate act of love and compassion for your pet. You are freeing them from their pain and discomfort.

Depending on what is available in your area, in-home euthanasia may be an option. This would allow your pet to pass away peacefully in their familiar surroundings, surrounded by your love. We recently chose this option for my senior dog, Daviana, allowing her to pass comfortably with her head in my lap in the living room she knew so well.

Healing After the Loss of a Pet

While your pet’s pain and suffering may be over, this isn’t the end of your emotional journey. It’s important to acknowledge the depth of the pain and grief you are feeling over your loss. Please know that whatever you are feeling is valid, and it’s okay to grieve deeply for the best friend who has touched your life so significantly.

As you work through this difficult time, don’t hesitate to reach out to your support system, including friends and family who understand your bond with your pet. You may also find comfort in connecting with support groups or considering grief counseling. But remember that YOU are an important priority.

Remember that the love and the beautiful bond you shared with your pet will forever be a part of you.

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Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 3 cats – Pippen, Jinx, and Theia. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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There are many strategies you can use to find a pet who has gone missing, and most people start with the basics like posting flyers around town and posting about their lost pet online. Also, if your pet is microchipped, the hope is that, if they are found by someone, they will be taken to a veterinarian or animal shelter and be scanned so you can be contacted right away.But what if your pet gets lost and no one is able to find them, even though you’ve put the word out and have looked everywhere? Well, a drone with thermal imaging technology might be just what you need.

Relic the German Shepherd Named 2025 Rescue Dog of the Year

In a heartwarming tale highlighting the power of patience, training, and a loving foster home, a six-year-old German Shepherd named Relic has been named the Pedigree Foundation’s 2025 Rescue Dog of the Year. Relic’s journey from a stressed and nervous shelter dog to a beloved family member is a true happy ending. It’s a testament to the commitment of dedicated shelter workers like those at East Bay SPCA and the impact of a loving foster home. Relic’s story began at the East Bay SPCA in Oakland, California. When he arrived at the shelter, he was already showing signs of shelter stress – a bad omen for many in overcrowded shelters waiting for their forever home. But, the shelter staff saw potential in Relic, creating a plan of action that would set him up for success and keep him from being another statistic. This plan included moving him into a private setting for specialized care and training while searching for the ideal foster home where he would thrive with personalized support. Finding the right foster home was easier than they anticipated. A couple who had recently lost their beloved cat of 15 years had contacted the shelter with the intention of fostering, opening their hearts and home to Relic and his ongoing care. “The house felt empty without him (the cat), but we weren’t quite ready to open our home to another pet,” the couple shared in a firsthand account of Relic’s story on the shelter’s website. “We thought fostering at the East Bay SPCA might be a nice way to have pets in the home without committing to it full-time and be able to provide a needed break from the shelter for a deserving pet.” They thought they were only taking Relic home for a week or two, but the Universe clearly had other plans… Despite having no prior experience with a reactive dog, the couple quickly learned, with the support of shelter staff and an in-house trainer, how to work through the challenges. Under their care, the once-nervous dog began to blossom, and a playful, affectionate personality emerged – a personality the couple quickly fell in love with. In fact, they fell so in love with the newest addition to their home that they couldn’t let him go, making the decision to adopt him. “Relic is a loyal, good natured dog who is well behaved around the house and a sweet cuddler when we let him up onto the bed with us,” the couple described. “He takes up a lot more space in the house than our cat did and it took some adjusting to, but we love having him around now and can’t imagine our home without him.” Today, Relic is living his best life in his forever home. He enjoys cuddling on the bed and playing with his favorite toys. The couple says he has befriended the neighbor’s dog, enjoying regular walks together. To celebrate Relic’s crowning achievement, the Pedigree Foundation has created a limited-edition plush toy in his likeness. It’s available for purchase at the Dogs Rule store, with a portion of the proceeds supporting their efforts to provide rescue grants and help dogs find loving homes through the organization's ongoing work. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Rescue Dog Joins Oh Norman! As Chief Treat Officer

Founded by popular actress Kaley Cuoco in 2023, Oh Norman! is dedicated to supplying pet parents with high-quality, eco-friendly, and affordable dog products. The brand is quirky in its marketing, with product names like “Stop Effing Itching!” and “Calm the Eff Down!”But recently, the company made what we believe to be one of their best business decisions to date – the appointment of their new Chief Treat Officer, Hoagie.The selection process started with an open job posting, inviting interested canine candidates (or their families) to submit their applications.Primary job responsibilities of the Chief Treat Officer include testing and reviewing all of Oh Norman!’s new products and innovations before they are sent to market and promoting the brand across social media. For this, they asked that candidates have a keen sense of taste and smell – skills necessary for assessing and identifying only the best goodies for pups everywhere.“As we’ve continued to build out the Oh Norman! team, it’s become evident that we need to bring in an expert,” Cuoco explained. “By bringing in a dog to serve as our chief treat officer, we are ensuring that every dog has a voice in the process.”Applications were accepted from June 13 to September 13, 2024. It included filling out an online application and submitting a 30-second video explaining why the interested pup was the best fit for the role.Over 5,000 pups showed interest and applied for the role. After a public vote, Cuoco herself selected the “top dog” from the front runners. The company excitedly announced the winning candidate, Hoagie.A year ago, he was rescued from Mutt Scouts in San Diego by his loving family, Emily Reas, and Julia Ptasznik. Before his adoption, the sweet boy had been passed from foster to foster, but the journey was well worth it when he realized how loved and cared for he was in his new forever home. The fun-loving dog is a massive fan of tasty goods, making him an expert in treat-tasting. His favorites include sardines and carrots, but there are very few (if any) treats he doesn’t love.“I’m so excited that Hoagie will be joining the Oh Norman! team as our new chief teat officer,” Cuoco announced. “After reviewing thousands of applications, it became clear that he was the perfect fit for the position and stood for everything our company represents. Oh Norman! was created to make a difference in the lives of dogs and raise awareness for the rescues who are making a difference on the frontlines. We’re thrilled to be able to partner with a dog and a family that upholds those values. We can’t wait to see what Hoagie does as our chief treat officer.”To follow Hoagie’s working life, you can find him on his Instagram account @hoagieshaus or through his appearances on the Oh Norman! company profile. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Yes, Your Pet Wants an Advent Calendar This Year!

(photo credit: Lillya Kulianionak / shutterstock.com)From ugly sweaters to holiday-themed jackets and headgear… if there’s a fun way to incorporate our pets into the holiday season, we’re all in, right? But once you’ve lined up the requisite snap with Santa and ordered those cozy new winter booties for your pet, what next? I mean, we’ve still got weeks to go and are seriously busting to introduce the same sense of joyful anticipation we held as children, to our fur kids.Enter the advent calendar. Nope, not the cardboard versions we used to open in the days leading up to Christmas. Delightfully loaded with cheap chocolate and the thrill of knowing each reveal meant one less sleep before the big day. No, my friend, these advent calendars have been packed with fun treats and toys that will appeal to the four-legged kid in your household whether they be of the canine or feline persuasion.

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