Dignified end of life care
Let us join you on your grief journey. Your pet has enriched your life immensely , and how we deal with the end of life of our loved one testifies to the intensity of our bonds. At the time of separation we understand this priority for pet parents. We can support you and your pet gently with all the respect we owe them.
Caring for your elderly pet
Elderly life care maintains the bond between animals and their families by placing emphasis on the physical and psychological well-being.
We will consider with you:
Quality of Life
Thanks to a complete clinical examination followed by an interview to find out about your animal’s lifestyle habits, its pathologies, its needs and yours, we will be able to establish an assessment of one’s physical, social and emotional well-being a care and follow-up protocol, including pain management.
Nutrition Consultation
The specific nutritional intake of an aging or end-of-life animal, coupled with a sometimes more capricious appetite and gastrointestinal disorders, leads to significant difficulties when it comes to feeding. We offer nutrition consultations adapted to senior animals.
Decision Making
Discussing when to say goodbye to your pet represents the most delicate conversation a vet clinic will have in our interactions with families. Talking about death is a skill that requires empathy, open-mindedness, non-judgment and compassion.
How do you know it’s time?
When an animal experiences persistent suffering despite the care and treatment provided, loses its joy of living and its quality of life is greatly impaired, it may be time to consider euthanasia. Being supported by the expertise of a veterinarian in this crucial choice can be of great support.
Quality of Life Scales
Tools, particularly for assessing pain and quality of life, exist. Used with the help of a professional, they can prove essential in facilitating ethical choices and making informed decisions before euthanasia.
Step-by-step Support
The decision to euthanize is a joint decision with the veterinarian. This end-of-life decision-making support service includes one or more telephone or video exchanges which can be offered throughout Ireland.In our area, we can also do them in your home.
Bereavement Assistance
Having someone listen to you when you are grieving can be valuable and unique. Please get in touch with the clinic if you require this service.
How to remember your pet
Going through losing a pet is one of the hardest things we have to face; I know anyone who will be reading this will agree with me on that one. It’s important to remember that this experience is different for everyone, and that grief affects us in different ways.
I wanted to talk about “memorialising”. Maybe it’s a word you are already familiar with, maybe it’s not. When we go through something as heart breaking as losing a beloved pet, it can be helpful to remember the beautiful things about them, and the beautiful moments. Whether doing this on your own or with others. Memorialising can be part of this.
To memorialise a pet that we have lost means to pay tribute, or to honour them. It can be a way to channel our feelings of loss and to remember someone that’s no longer with us.
There are many ways to memorialise… it could involve doing something, creating something or having something made for you. It could be a small or a big project, eco-friendly, a ritual or a gathering.
Why collaborate with us?
Collaborating with us can provide valuable benefits to the animals you follow and their owners.
Support for the entire family is essential when the animal is experiencing its last moments, from caring for the animal to emotional and educational support.
However, a lot of veterinary teams in structures may lack resources and time for end-of-life care, emotional support and extended home visits.
Collaborating with us allows your families to benefit from personalized and attentive care, a gesture for which they will always be grateful.
Caring for your elderly pet
Support your senior friend’s physical social and emotional well-being.
Euthanasia at Home
Allow your pet to leave surrounded by family in the comfort of its own home.
After death
Respect the body of your deceased pet as part of honoring its life and what it meant to us.
Caring for your elderly pet
We can offer 2 different types of Elderly consultation
Quality of life consultation
The consultations are held at your home and concern exclusively quality of life. Routine care, blood tests, complementary exams, diagnostics and surgeries for your animal’s illness are covered by your veterinarian.
Thanks to a complete clinical examination followed by an interview to know the habits of life of your animal, its pathologies, its needs and your needs, we will be able to establish an assessment of their physical, social, and emotional well-being. Pain is best assessed in a pet’s familiar home environment. Our vets use gentle examination techniques and engage in open conversations with you to understand your pet’s daily reality and uncover any hidden pain.
This will allow a care and follow-up protocol, including pain management.
Nutrition consultation
The specific nutritional requirements of an aging or dying pet, coupled with a sometimes more capricious appetite and gastrointestinal disorders, can lead to significant challenges when it comes to feeding your companion. We offer nutrition consultations tailored to senior pets.
Euthanasia at Home
We are sorry you have found yourself in the position where you are considering euthanasia for your beloved dog.
Together with you, our hospice vets will make sure these last moments are the best they can be by taking into consideration all aspects of your dog’s personality and their condition. If you are at a stage where you need support with the process of decision making, please reach out to us.
We also have the following information which can offer guidance and support.
What does a visit for a dog euthanasia at home involve?
Every bond is unique, so feel free to be as open and direct as you wish about your wishes. We understand this is a challenging time, and we are here to support you. Below, you’ll find a guide outlining what to expect when we visit.
When you book your visit, we send you relevant information to your email address. Please read it carefully and ask us any questions you might have. The vet will let you know when they are on the way to you and arrive in a car or a van (some with a discrete logo).
Once all questions are answered and a plan is in place, the vet sedates your pet to make them comfortable and relaxed. This ensures your pet experiences relief from any pain and passes peacefully.
The vet can also offer your pet is deeply sedated before administering the euthanasia injection. In some cases, the vet may remove fur to access the area. Your pet might tremble or take a final breath during the process. The vet confirms the passing by listening to your pet’s heart.
After death
At the end of the veterinarian’s visit and euthanasia, your hospice vet can either transport your pet away for cremation. The vet can help you decide on the best aftercare options for your situation.
Please consider your preferences regarding cremation or burial in advance if possible as it can be very stressful on the day. Your pets will be respected with dignity and will keep them safely in line with the legislation. Please include blankets and their favourite toys or teddy bears if you desire during this journey. These blankets and toys will be returned to you. If you have any questions or concerns, please tell us as soon as possible.
For most pets there is no charge for vet transport after a euthanasia visit. If you wish the vet to take your pet directly to the crematorium, then this will require an additional charge.
If you have any queries about the cremation or have preferences you haven’t already told us about e.g., viewings, pawprints and fur clips you must tell us immediately.
