OUR MISSION

To provide comfort and care for our companion animals when cure is not possible.

To honor the bond they share with their families. 

To ensure that end of life occurs with compassion, dignity, and solace.

 

 

So, just what is Veterinary/Pet Hospice?  

• Pet Hospice is the option you now have when your pet has been diagnosed with a life limiting illness and you’re not ready to say goodbye.

 

• Pet Hospice is a way to eliminate hospital visits and hospital stays and have caring professionals provide that compassionate care in the comforts of your home.

 

• Pet Hospice is a way to extend more good days than bad days with up to date knowledge in palliative care and in that way maximizing Quality of Life.
  

 

• HOSPICE IS HOPE for a pet parent that is trying to cope with the idea that they’re losing someone they love very deeply.

 

Thoughts for pet parents considering hospice…

 

My pet has been diagnosed with a terminal illness…now what?   

First of all, realize YOU ARE NOT ALONE.  Your veterinarian has possibly given you the option of a treatment plan.  Or, perhaps your veterinarian has told you the condition is so serious there is no treatment option.  Sometimes, the phrase “there’s nothing we can do” is said.  Your veterinarian has also possibly spoken to you about euthanasia.  Recognize that it is normal to feel completely overwhelmed.  It is normal to feel shock, confusion, fear and helplessness.  Please consider talking with one of our Veterinary Hospice Caregivers.  They have the expertise to guide you through this decision making process to make a plan that’s best for YOU and YOUR PET.  And, if Hospice Care is what you’re seeking, your Veterinary Hospice Team will assist you through the transition of comfort care and Quality of Life to a death with dignity.  A referral from your primary care doctor is not required.  You give your family pet love, we will give them peace.

When is it time to explore hospice care for my pet? 

One of the biggest obstacles we face with this question is people thinking they must wait to have their pet in the active dying process before seeking out hospice care.  It’s not unusual to hear a person say, “ S/he doesn’t need hospice yet.  S/he still feels good.”  This is PRECISELY the time to seek Hospice Care.  Hospice and Palliative Care can extend those ‘good’ days and assist you in strengthening and deepening the bond you already have as well as help you assess the quality of life for your pet.  Hospice and Palliative Care can help you answer those terrifying questions such as ‘How will I know when it’s time?’ ‘How can I tell if my pet is in pain?’ and many others.

So, the time to explore Hospice Care for your pet is:

If your veterinarian has diagnosed your pet with a life limiting illness and you’ve made the decision not to pursue treatment to attempt to cure.

 

Anytime you would like a comprehensive, professional circle of care, much like human hospice, for you and your pet during the transition between life and end of life…with access to this care provided 24 hours a days, 7 days a week.

 

                                                  When you would rather care for your pet at home until the time comes to say ‘goodbye’ without trips and/or overnight stays at the hospital guided by a caring and compassionate team of professionals.

 

 

 

Can my primary veterinarian be involved?  

The Healing Heart Pet Hospice (HHPH) honors and respects your special relationship with your primary care veterinarian.  As veterinary professionals, we see ourselves as an extension of your primary care facility and want you to feel that same trust.  Much like human hospice, we keep your primary care doctor ‘in the loop’ of everything that is taking place with your care and involve your doctor as much or as little as permitted.

 

 

 

 

 

Who makes up the Veterinary Hospice Team? 

The HHPH Team is comprised of veterinarians and certified veterinary technicians dedicated to compassionate End of Life care.  They bring many years of experience with them to be able to ensure that you are getting the very best in palliative care by veterinary hospice specialists.  Your Veterinary Hospice Team meets directly with you and your family to discuss a specialized care tailored for you and your pet and are at your access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  The HHPH Team wants you to know they are pet parents too and understand how difficult this can be!