Updated September 25, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: Pet hospice focuses on comfort rather than cure when a pet has a terminal or advanced illness. It includes pain control, nausea and appetite management, keeping pets clean and comfortable, and regular quality-of-life checks. Many vets offer in-home hospice and euthanasia. Planning ahead helps families make calm decisions and give their pet a peaceful end.
Comfort care
- Pain relief tailored to the illness
- Anti-nausea medication and appetite support
- Fluids for hydration if helpful
- Soft, clean bedding and turning for pets who can’t move
- Help with toileting and hygiene
- Easy access to food, water, and litter
Tracking quality of life
- Use a quality-of-life scale, such as the HHHHHMM scale (hurt, hunger, hydration, hygiene, happiness, mobility, more good days than bad)
- Keep a calendar of good and bad days
- Watch for pain, breathing trouble, or loss of interest in favorite things
Planning ahead
- Talk with your vet about what to expect
- Decide on location: home or clinic
- Consider aftercare: burial or cremation
- Plan how family members, including children and other pets, will say goodbye
When to call your vet urgently
- Uncontrolled pain
- Labored breathing
- Seizures
- Not eating or drinking
Sources
- AAHA/IAAHPC End-of-Life Care Guidelines. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2016
- Villalobos A, Kaplan L. Canine and Feline Geriatric Oncology: Honoring the Human-Animal Bond. Wiley-Blackwell
- AVMA: Euthanasia and end-of-life resources for pet owners
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.