veterinary in-home palliative care
What is palliative care?
Palliative care is specialized medical care focused on improving comfort and quality of life for pets living with serious, chronic, or age-related illnesses. Rather than trying to cure disease, palliative care aims to relieve pain, manage symptoms, support mobility and daily function, and help pets enjoy as many good days as possible. Through personalized, in-home care, we work closely with families to ensure their beloved dogs and cats remain comfortable, supported, and cared for throughout every stage of their journey.
When is palliative care needed?
Is your dog taking pain medications but still struggling to get up, climb stairs, or enjoy walks? Does your senior kitty sometimes miss the couch or hesitate before jumping onto her favorite spot? Perhaps your pet seems less interested in activities they once loved, has difficulty finding a comfortable position to rest, or is showing subtle signs that everyday life has become harder. In-home palliative care can help pets living with chronic pain, arthritis, mobility challenges, age-related changes, and other serious diseases by focusing on comfort, quality of life, and support for both pets and the people who love them.
Palliative care can also be appropriate when a dog or cat needs to recovery from surgery or injury (for example, after cruciate ligament surgery). The main focus of palliative care is symptom relief.
Palliative options available:
- laser therapy
- massage by certified canine & feline massage practitioner
- treatments with Assisi Loop
- custom pain medication plan tailored to your pet
- long lasting injections
- subcutaneous fluids for hydration support
- medically necessary nail trims
- supplements, nutrition advice, environment modifications
How It Works:
We have several palliative care packages to choose from. The packages vary in price, services included, and number of visits.
With each package, your initial consultation will be with both Dr. Erin and veterinary nurse Leanne. They will spend 1 to 2 hours with you and your pet, discussing your pet's current diagnosis, quality of life, mobility, pain, nutrition, your pet's home environment, and your goals for your pet. Dr. Erin will perform a full physical exam of your pet and discuss all medications and supplements your pet is currently taking.
At the end of the initial consultation, you will be presented with one or more palliative care packages that Dr. Erin and Leanne think will best help your pet. They will answer your questions and provide you with detailed cost estimates, so you can choose the best package for you and your dog or cat. The treatment packages can be adjusted based on your goals and budget. Most package visits are completed by our veterinary nurse, Leanne, and last 45 - 90 minutes. During the final visit of the package, you will meet with Leanne and Dr. Erin to evaluate and discuss your pet's progress and any future palliative care.