Hospice
Honor the lifetime of love you've shared with your pet with support from Stacy Montgomerie, DVM, CHPV, certified by the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care.
What is hospice?
The International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care defines hospice as a providing support and care for patients in the last phases of
an incurable disease, or at the natural end of life. Hospice definitely incorporates all of palliative care, including pain management, symptom management, and resource for psychological, social, and spiritual support. It is defined as a philosophy, a specialized program of care, and in some instances, an actual place for the dying.
When should I consider hospice?
In general, hospice care is appropriate when your pet has been diagnosed with a terminal disease, has a life-expectancy in the range of a few days to months, and your family does not want to euthanize at this time.
How is hospice different than general veterinary care?
The biggest difference between “regular” veterinary care and hospice is that the goal shifts from directly treating your pet's underlying disease to focusing on comfort. Hospice does not mean that we can no longer treat the pet’s primary problem, but we avoid treatment that could have a significant, adverse effect on your pet's quality of life. DoveLewis' Hospice Care team works closely with you, primary care veterinarians, specialist veterinarians, and the rest of your pet's care team.
Can the whole family be involved in our pet's hospice care?
Yes. DoveLewis' Hospice Care is focused on the pet and their family. When decisions are being made, the well-being of your entire family should be taken into consideration. In addition to the Hospice Care team, DoveLewis' Pet Loss Support Program is a vital resource for supporting your family with options for grief support, conversations around quality of life, and more.
What does DoveLewis' Hospice Care service include?
DoveLewis' Hospice care is available for all species and ages and stages of life, and includes support and resource for your whole family.
- Introduction to Hospice and consultation
- In-person and teleheath sessions
- Pain management plans and referral to the Dovelewis Integrative Pain Management department as needed
- Medication recommendations and adjustments as needed
- Home environment modification recommendations to maximize comfort/quality of life
- Conversations and tools for considering quality of life and Euthanasia
- Anticipatory grief support
- Euthanasia and body care options
- Pet Loss Support Group resources
Hospice Care Starts at $500
Memorialize a Pet
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The grief we feel when a pet dies is real and worthy of recognition. Debrah Lee, Director of DoveLewis' Pet Loss Support Program is a guest on the Dougy Center's podcast, Grief Out Loud.
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