Understanding Pet Hospice Care
What hospice care actually looks like for pets—and how to know if it's right for yours.
When my dog's cancer came back, the oncologist mentioned hospice care as an option. I didn't even know that was a thing for pets. It felt like giving up—but it wasn't. It was choosing comfort over treatment. Here's what I learned.
What is pet hospice care?
Pet hospice focuses on comfort and quality of life when curative treatment isn't possible or wanted. It's not about giving up—it's about making your pet's remaining time as good as possible.
Hospice care can include:
How is this different from just 'waiting'?
Hospice is active care, not passive waiting. The goal is to manage symptoms so your pet isn't suffering, while letting the disease take its natural course.
Without hospice: Pain might go unmanaged, symptoms might worsen, and you might not know how to help.
With hospice: A vet helps you manage pain, teaches you what to watch for, and supports you in knowing when it's time.
Is hospice right for my pet?
Consider hospice if:
Hospice might not be right if:
What does pet hospice cost?
Costs vary widely depending on what's needed:
Some families spend $200-$500 total over a few weeks. Others spend more over months. Discuss realistic costs with your vet upfront.
How do I find a hospice vet?
Not all vets offer hospice-focused care. Look for:
Your regular vet can also provide basic hospice support if specialty care isn't available.