Navigating End Of Life
Hospice, Palliative & Euthanasia Care for Pets
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy. At Northwest Animal Hospital, we’re here to provide gentle, compassionate end-of-life care that prioritizes your pet’s comfort, dignity, and emotional well-being while supporting you every step of the way.
What’s the Difference Between Hospice and Palliative Care?
Both focus on improving quality of life, but there are key differences:
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Palliative Care: Supports pets with chronic or terminal conditions by managing pain and symptoms. It may still include life-prolonging treatments.
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Hospice Care: For pets nearing the end of life, focused entirely on comfort not cure. Care is often provided at home, in a calm, familiar environment.
Both options aim to keep your pet comfortable while helping you navigate this stage with support and guidance.
Gentle Pet Euthanasia
When the time comes to say goodbye, we offer humane euthanasia services—either in our clinic or in the comfort of your home. We walk you through every step with care and sensitivity, giving you time to say farewell in a peaceful way.
Is It Time?
We understand how difficult this decision is. Please see the following support guide.
If your pet is:
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In constant pain
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No longer eating, drinking, or enjoying life
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Struggling to move or breathe comfortably
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Diagnosed with a terminal illness
…we’re here to help with a compassionate, honest assessment.
If you’re unsure what the right path is, we offer quality-of-life consultations to help you make informed, loving decisions.
Considering Euthanasia?
When you’re ready to make that decision, our veterinarians will be with you every step of the way, and our staff can help with recommendations for aftercare.
We know it won’t be an easy call to make, but please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if we can assist you with end-of-life care for your pet.
Scheduling Your Appointment
Arranging an animal euthanasia appointment is never easy, and for some, it can lead to feelings of guilt. These feelings are valid and normal. When you work with Northwest Animal Hospital, we ensure that a compassionate team member will help you schedule a date that works for you. Morning or afternoon appointments are available.
Take some time to view the catalog of memento items, and decide if you'd like to add any to your order. These items can be selected anytime up to the day of your pet's passing. If you have any questions, Dr. Hollenbach will be happy to answer them at the time of your animal euthanasia appointment, or you can check out our frequently asked questions page.
We work with Forever Friend: Pet Cremation and Memorialization for crematory and Life Services.
Crematory calls the client directly within 24-48 hours of the pet's passing
The Appointment
When you arrive, one of our nurses will assist you in understanding the process and get your pet prepared for the procedure. When Dr. Hollenbach comes in, she will have everything she needs to be sure you have a stress-free experience. She will explain the medications used and the timing of each step to everyone present at the appointment. Once final decisions for Mementos or aftercare options are completed, all attention is on you, your family, and your pet. Other pets are welcome to participate as well.
The goal is a peaceful, painless, fear and anxiety-free passing, surrounded by family. Dr. Hollenbach will assess your pet's anxiety level and emotional needs during the first few minutes. Pets may be fearful, protective, or overly friendly when they arrive. No worries! Dr. Hollenbach brings a peaceful, calm demeanor that will help to soothe fearful babies and put them at ease.
The Procedure
Medications are chosen based on your pet and their specific health needs.
After The Passing
Our Crematory service offers a hair clipping, and if you have opted for private cremations, a free paw print as well, which allows you to keep a small memento of your pet while you wait for the delivery of the more permanent options you may have selected. We then respectfully and gently prepare for transportation by carefully wrapping your baby in a blanket and swaddling them for this final trip. We will then allow you and your family a few minutes to say your final goodbyes.
If you have selected a private or communal cremation, your baby will be transported to the morgue to await their final procedure by the staff of Forever Friends. Forever Friends offers viewings and attended cremations as well - if you would like to be present, arrangements can be made directly with Forever Friends.
Make Your Last Moments Special
At Northwest Animal Hospital, we do everything in our capacity to make euthanasia as comfortable and peaceful as possible. We know this procedure is never easy, but rest assured, when you partner with our caring team, you will feel at peace with the passing of your beloved pet. If you’re interested in our services, we are here to help. Simply connect with us at (614) 451-4772 to begin the process.