All Dogs Go to Heaven, But First Some Go to Hospice

Although it’s a topic no pet lover wants to talk or even think about, at some point, all dogs (and, yes, even cats) must go to heaven. In the past, those with terminally ill, injured, or ailing senior pets had just two choices: to begin costly treatments to potentially extend their pet’s life or to have their pet humanely put down.

Today, pet owners have a third option: pet hospice. Around the country, a growing number of people are seeking hospice care to provide beloved dogs and cats with a less anxious, more comfortable passing. Pet hospice helps relieve the guilt and uncertainty of caring for a dying pet (how can I tell when her pain is too much? is today the day to say farewell?). It also provides crucial emotional support, allowing humans to grieve their beloved companions at home, rather than in a stressful clinic or animal shelter.

For many pet owners, it is often difficult to transport older, more debilitated pets to the veterinary clinic for routine or palliative care. As a result, an estimated 70% of geriatric dogs and 77% of geriatric cats may go without care for the last 18 months of life, with many experiencing unnecessary discomfort. Pet hospice helps bridge that gap, ensuring that pets remain as pain-free as possible during this time.

Now more than ever, people are recognizing and appreciating the human-animal bond. As more folks work from home due to COVID, many report feeling more connected to and aware of their pets’ emotional and physical health. A 2020 survey found 84% of pet owners felt more attuned to their pets’ needs, and 67% planned to make changes in how they cared for their animals post-pandemic. For many, this may eventually include sensitive, humane end-of-life care.

The hardest part of loving a pet is knowing someday we will lose them. Pet hospice is one gift we can give our beloved companion animals, helping them – and us - face that final goodbye with grace and kindness.