Ann P. McClenaghan, BS, CVT

Mention the word hospice and the term alone evokes varying degrees of emotion in people. If this is a service that you have had the opportunity to be involved with personally it can stir up some powerful emotions of loss. And, depending on the circumstances, it can either conjure up peaceful and grateful feelings or a negative and adverse reaction.

Implementing a prosperous and successful pet hospice care program in a veterinary practice is, unquestionably, beneficial to the terminally ill pet, the caregiver and veterinary staff. Palliation is the component to hospice care that allows the terminally ill pet to function more comfortably.

To further understand the loss and need for support after a pet or patient dies, the veterinary professional must have an understanding about the human-animal bond. This relationship between humans and pets dates back to the beginnings of civilization. The benefits to owning a pet can be emotional, social and physical.