End-of-Life Care & Hospice
End-of-Life Care & Hospice Services
End-of-life care and hospice services focus on keeping pets comfortable, content, and as pain-free as possible during the final stage of their lives. Our goal is to provide compassionate, knowledgeable support to pet parents through in-hospital consultations, ongoing guidance, and trusted in-home care recommendations.
We are here to help you navigate quality-of-life decisions with honesty, empathy, and respect. Saying goodbye to a beloved companion is never easy, and it can feel deeply unnatural. Our team is here to help you honor the love, bond, and joy you share with your pet.
This page is designed to provide helpful information that you can read through whenever you feel ready.
Hospice Services
Hospice care begins with a consultation with one of our veterinarians. During this visit, we will evaluate your pet’s condition and determine whether hospice care is appropriate.
Your veterinarian may recommend:
- Medications to manage pain and symptoms of aging or illness
- At-home comfort strategies and supportive care
- In-hospital treatments when beneficial
We recognize that every pet’s situation is unique. Recommendations will always be tailored to both your pet’s needs and your family’s lifestyle.
At this stage, we may also gently encourage you to begin preparing for future end-of-life decisions and aftercare options so you feel informed and supported when the time comes.
Recommended hospice resources:
- Traveling Veterinarian Dr. Ashley Elia - Columbus Veterinary Acupuncture
- In-home hospice support - Lap of Love
- Kona’s Loving Paws - Quality of Life Consultation
Deciding When It's Time
Determining when to say goodbye is one of the most difficult decisions a pet parent can face. We are here to guide you through quality-of-life conversations with compassion and honesty.
Helpful resources:
Lap of Love
• Quality of Life Scale (printable)
• Quality of Life Diary (printable)
OSU Honoring The Bond
What to Expect: Euthanasia at Our Hospital
Scheduling
Please contact our office to schedule a Quality-of-Life or euthanasia appointment. We will always accommodate same-day requests for established clients when needed.
When You Arrive
A team member will escort you to our Comfort Room — a quiet, private space with a comfortable couch, soft music, and treats. We encourage you to bring anything meaningful that will help make this time special, such as blankets, toys, or loved ones.
A veterinary technician will help you get settled before the veterinarian joins you to discuss your pet’s comfort, health, and quality of life. This is a time for questions, support, and reassurance. We will also review a brief consent form with you that grants the veterinarian permission to proceed with the euthanasia process. At this time, we will take care of the financial arrangements so you can focus fully on spending meaningful time with your pet.
The Procedure
To ensure a peaceful process, we gently place an IVcatheter in your pet’s leg. This allows medications to be given smoothly and comfortably.
When you are ready, a mild sedative will be administered to help your pet feel deeply relaxed and at ease. Most pets simply drift into a restful sleep with their eyes closed. You are welcome to stay with your pet or step out at any time — whichever feels right for you. Your pet will never be alone.
For the final step, the veterinarian administers a painless medication through the IV catheter. This allows your pet to pass peacefully and quickly. As the body relaxes, you may notice natural physical changes such as breathing shifts, small sounds, muscle spasms, or release of urine or stool. These are normal and simply reflect the body letting go.
Afterward, you are welcome to remain with your pet for as long as you need. When you are ready, we will respectfully arrange transport to Faithful Companion, our trusted crematory partner.
Aftercare & Memorial Options
We partner with Faithful Companion for respectful aftercare services. We will help you choose the option that feels most meaningful for your family.
Private Cremation (Ashes Returned)
Your pet’s premium private cremation includes:
- Premium wooden urn with complimentary engraving
- Clay paw print keepsake
- A lock of fur
Optional keepsakes are also available, including ink paw prints and nose prints for an additional fee. You may browse the Faithful Companion website for additional memorial items and meaningful ways to honor your pet.
Your pet’s ashes will be hand-delivered to your home within a few business days.
Cremation Without Return
- Ashes are spread at a peaceful pet memorial site, Pines Pet Cemetery, that is open to the public for visitation.
- Optional memorial items available. Clay paw prints, ink prints, or fur keepsakes can still be requested.
Home Burial
Some families prefer to take their pet home for burial. Please let our team know so we can provide a burial box for safe transport if needed.
Witness Cremation
Some pet parents choose to be present for the cremation process. Faithful Companions offers a private viewing room for a peaceful and intimate farewell experience. Our team can help you arrange this if desired.
Additional Memorial Items
You may visit Faithful Companions’ website to explore additional urns, keepsakes, and tribute options. The standard wooden urn can be opened if you later choose to transfer ashes into another memorial item.
In-Home Euthanasia Services
For families who prefer a home setting, we recommend:
- Lap of Love Lap of Love
- Kona’s Loving Paws Kona's Loving Paws
Grief Support & Ways to Cope
Grieving a pet is deeply personal, and there is no right or wrong way to navigate loss. We are here to support you with resources, guidance, and compassion.
- Chat online: Association for Pet Loss And Bereavement
- Hotlines
- Lap of Love Pet Loss & Bereavement Support PH: 855-352-5683
- Cornell University Pet Loss Support PH: 607-218-7457
- Tufts University Pet Loss Support PH: 508-839-7966
