End of Life Care
“When will I know it’s time to consider quality of life or euthanasia?” While it is so hard to even have that thought about our beloved pets, we understand that the timing of euthanasia is a very personal decision based on your pet’s health concerns and other factors. We take the utmost care to ensure that end of life care is as peaceful and pain free for your pet with the most compassion possible for grieving pet owners.
It is so hard to know when it is time to say goodbye and that is one of the hardest questions you have to consider as a pet owner. We can help walk you through any questions or concerns you have, including an honest evaluation of your pet's quality of life. There are several good resources to help you gauge your pet’s quality of life at home: Lap of Love Quality of Life Scale, Ohio State Vet School Quality of Life Scale, HHHHHMM Scale.
At Aurora Animal Hospital we have a dedicated comfort room with a couch rather than an exam table to provide a more comfortable, less clinical experience for end of life appointments. All pets are given a sedative or anesthetic first to ensure they are comfortably asleep before the last step. You are always welcome to remain with your pet for as much of the process as possible.
In home end of life care options are also available through Caring Pathways and Lap of Love. These mobile providers are able to perform home euthanasia and body care services and generally have good flexibility in timing.
Please contact us if you would like an evaluation of your pet’s quality of life or if you would like to discuss end of life care further.