Walking the Last Mile: Reflections from a Hospice and Palliative Care Veterinarian

In the world of veterinary medicine, there’s a unique and deeply compassionate role that focuses on the final chapter of a pet’s life. As a hospice and palliative care veterinarian, my day is all about helping families navigate the delicate journey of end-of-life care with empathy, patience, and a focus on quality of life.

The first part of the appointment is often more about listening than anything else. We sit down and talk—really talk—about what pet owners are seeing at home, what they’re worried about, and which aspects of their pet’s condition they’re most focused on. These conversations are the foundation of everything I do, because they help me understand not just the pet’s medical needs, but the emotional needs of the family as well. I see pet owners and their pets at Red Sage but also have availability for virtual visits.

After I’ve taken a thorough history, I gently assess the pet, paying attention to how nervous or relaxed they are. Some pets need a little extra time or special snacks to feel comfortable, and that’s perfectly okay. Once we’re ready, I’ll do a physical exam and then decide on the best comfort measures—whether that’s acupuncture, acupressure, a soothing massage or a variety of other modalities we offer. Each session is tailored to the individual pet, making sure they feel as safe and relaxed as possible.

Typically during the treatments the pets become so relaxed that it provides ample time to have further conversations regarding their pets quality of life. We talk about what signs to look for to see if quality of life is declining and when it might be time to consider euthanasia. These are tender conversations, but they’re incredibly important. We make sure the family feels supported every step of the way, adjusting medications as needed and scheduling regular check-ins. Sometimes these visits are frequent and short-term, other times they’re spread out over a longer period.

At the end of each day, I take a moment to reflect on the pets and families I’ve worked with. It’s emotional work, but it’s also deeply fulfilling. Helping people and their beloved pets through this final stage is a profound honor, and I’m grateful to be able to provide a sense of peace during such a tender time.

Being a hospice and palliative care veterinarian is about more than just medical expertise. It’s about offering compassion, understanding, and a guiding hand through one of life’s most challenging moments. And in doing so, I help both pets and their families find a little more comfort and peace.