For pet owners who prefer to manage their pets’ end-of-life care in their own homes, the growing national trend of pet hospice programs provides support and care. These programs work with animals who have terminal diagnoses and less than three months to live, and also generally offer in-home euthanasia services, owner emotional support and, occasionally, cremation services. Working in tandem with veterinary care, pet hospice focuses on making pets comfortable and managing pain to give them a dignified and peaceful passing.
There are only a few full-service pet hospice offerings in Colorado, though many mobile vets provide similar care. Places that serve Boulder County include the VCA All Pets Animal Hospital in Boulder, Beside Still Water, Home to Heaven, and At Home and At Peace Veterinary Euthanasia Services. For additional information, ask your veterinarian about palliative-care options to see if it’s a correct fit for you and your pet.
—Eli Wallace
