Veterinary Hospice-Enhancing Quality Without Prolonging Suffering.

Abstract

Veterinary hospice provides a compassionate, patient-centered approach to end-of-life care that emphasizes comfort, dignity, and quality of life over curative intent. This article outlines the principles of hospice care, including patient selection, multimodal pain and symptom management, environmental adaptations, and integration with geriatric care. It highlights the importance of proactive communication, quality-of-life assessment tools, and euthanasia planning to guide families through difficult decisions. By supporting both patients and caregivers, veterinary hospice strengthens the human-animal bond and ensures that a pet's final stage of life is managed with empathy, evidence-based strategies, and respect for individual values.