Archives: Services

  • Tele Advice

    Reassurance is just a conversation away

    Talk through what’s changing.

    Connect with a compassionate veterinary professional for practical guidance, thoughtful answers, and help deciding what your pet may need next.

    When you’re not sure what comes next, let’s talk it through.

    Talk with an experienced Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Veterinary Technician from the comfort of home. Get thoughtful guidance on changes in your senior pet, quality of life, care options, and what may come next.

    Book a Virtual Consultation

    201-870-3867

    When you do not know what comes next, talk it through

    Book a Virtual Consultation

    You may find yourself wondering: Is this change something I should be concerned about? Is my pet uncomfortable? What can I do at home? Would an in-home veterinary visit help? Could hospice or palliative care improve their comfort? How will I know when it may be time?

    A virtual quality of life consultation offers a calm and supportive space to explore these questions with an experienced veterinary professional, helping you move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

    From uncertainty to a clearer next step

    Four gentle steps, all from the comfort of your own home.

    Schedule your consultation

    Choose a time that works for your family. Consultations take place by phone or Zoom from the comfort of home, without travel or a waiting room.

    Tell us about your pet

    We begin by listening to your pet’s history, diagnosis, and the changes you have been noticing. Video is optional, though seeing your pet and their surroundings may help us offer more personalized guidance.

    Talk through quality of life

    Together, we consider your pet’s comfort, look at possible signs of pain or decline, and talk honestly and without judgment about what the days ahead may bring.

    Leave with greater clarity

    By the end of the conversation, you’ll have a better understanding of your options and a thoughtful next step. That may mean monitoring at home, contacting your primary veterinarian, scheduling an in-home veterinary assessment, exploring hospice or palliative care, or discussing end-of-life care.

    Meet Erin Coonrod, BS, RVT, CHPT

    Book a Virtual Consultation

    Erin is a Registered Veterinary Technician and Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Technician with more than 20 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She has focused on hospice and palliative care since 2018 and works closely with the Senior Pet Vet veterinary team.

    During your TeleAdvice consultation, Erin will take the time to understand what you're seeing at home, answer your questions, and help you make sense of your pet's changing needs. Whether you're wondering about a new symptom, quality of life, what level of veterinary care is appropriate, hospice support, or end-of-life decisions, Erin can help you understand your options and determine a thoughtful next step.

    Jennifer Winkler

    How a virtual consultation can help

    Every conversation is shaped around your pet and the questions weighing on your family. These are some of the topics we can explore together.

    Navigating changes in your senior pet

    Changes in appetite, mobility, behavior, sleep, bathroom habits, or daily routines can be difficult to interpret. We help you make sense of what you’re seeing and determine what may need attention.

    Understanding comfort & quality of life

    We take a structured look at your pet’s comfort, mobility, appetite, engagement, and daily routines to help you better understand how they’re doing and recognize signs of pain or decline.

    Knowing what kind of care your pet needs

    Sometimes the hardest part is knowing what to do next. We can help you determine whether it makes sense to monitor at home, contact your primary veterinarian, seek urgent care, or consider an in-home veterinary assessment.

    Exploring hospice & palliative care

    For pets living with chronic, progressive, or life-limiting illness, we can talk through ways to support comfort at home and whether hospice or palliative veterinary care may be helpful.

    Navigating end-of-life decisions

    When your pet is approaching the end of life, we can help you understand changes in quality of life, talk through concerns about timing, and guide you through decisions about euthanasia without pressure or judgment.

    Book a Virtual Consultation

    What can we discuss during a TeleAdvice consultation?

    You can discuss changes in your pet’s mobility, appetite, behavior or daily routine, questions about comfort and quality of life, chronic or progressive illness, hospice or palliative care, and concerns about end-of-life decisions. Erin can help you make sense of what you’re seeing and determine an appropriate next step.

    Does TeleAdvice replace a veterinary exam?

    No. TeleAdvice provides education, guidance and support but does not replace an examination by a veterinarian. Erin cannot diagnose conditions or prescribe medications. If your pet needs veterinary evaluation, diagnostics or treatment, she can help guide you toward the appropriate level of care.

    How much does a TeleAdvice consultation cost?

    A 30-minute TeleAdvice consultation is $85, with no additional fees.

    What if my pet needs more care after the consultation?

    Erin will help you determine an appropriate next step based on your pet’s needs. This may include monitoring at home, contacting your primary veterinarian or an emergency hospital, or scheduling an in-home visit with a Senior Pet Vet veterinarian for further assessment and care.

    Can TeleAdvice help me decide if it’s time for euthanasia?

    Yes. Erin can help you talk through changes in your pet’s quality of life and the concerns you’re seeing at home. She can provide guidance and help you organize the factors that may inform your decision, without pressure or judgment.

    Questions about the tele advice program

    Honest answers about what a virtual consultation can and cannot offer your family.

  • Senior Care Plans

    CARE FOR THE YEARS AHEAD

    Help your senior pet stay comfortable, healthy, and connected to the life they love.

    Aging brings change, but you don’t have to navigate it one problem at a time. With regular veterinary care and a team that gets to know your pet over time, we can help you make thoughtful decisions throughout their senior years.

    A better way to care for your pet as they age.

    Senior Care Plans provide ongoing veterinary care for older pets in the comfort of home, with regular exams, proactive health monitoring, and care that evolves as their needs change.

    Explore Senior Care Plans

    201-870-3867

    Regular Check-Ins — In-home exams + routine virtual check-ins

    Simple Monthly Membership — Predictable payments for ongoing senior care

    Preventive Diagnostics — Routine testing to identify changes early

    Small changes can tell us a lot.

    Explore the Plan

    As pets age, changes in their health can happen gradually. A little more difficulty getting up, changes in appetite or weight, drinking more water, sleeping differently, or simply seeming “not quite themselves” can all be meaningful. Regular senior-focused veterinary care helps us identify these changes earlier, follow them over time, and make thoughtful recommendations to support your pet’s health, comfort, and quality of life.

    And because we see your pet at home, we see more than we might in an exam room. We can observe how they move through their environment, where they sleep, how they navigate stairs and flooring, and the everyday details that can have a meaningful impact on an older pet.

    Ongoing care

    Care that keeps pace with your pet.

    No two senior pets age in quite the same way. Our Senior Care Plan provides ongoing veterinary support shaped around your pet’s health, habits, and individual needs.

    Rather than waiting until something is wrong, we stay connected throughout the year—giving us opportunities to recognize changes, address concerns, and adjust recommendations as your pet ages.

    Limited enrollment

    To preserve the time, availability, and continuity of care each enrolled pet deserves, a limited number of Senior Care Plan memberships are available.

    Check Plan Availability

    Personalized senior care

    A care plan built around your pet.

    A closer relationship through every change

    We get to know your pet at home and stay connected throughout their senior years, making it easier to notice subtle changes early and respond with care that fits their needs.

    The plan provides a foundation of regular visits and proactive screening, with room to tailor monitoring as your pet’s health evolves.

    Includes:

    Quarterly in-home senior veterinary exams

    Quarterly virtual check-ins

    Proactive bloodwork screening, including lymphoma screening

    Annual blood pressure evaluation

    Annual blood parasite screening

    Ongoing monitoring of health, comfort, mobility, and quality of life

    Care recommendations tailored as your pet’s needs change

    Coordination with your family veterinarian as needed

    When appropriate, we can customize your pet’s care with additional diagnostics such as routine radiographs for arthritis, cardiac disease, or other conditions needing ongoing monitoring, and treatments such as cryosurgery for appropriate small masses.

    More veterinary care can happen at home than you may think.

    We bring comprehensive care and diagnostics directly to your home, so your pet receives a thorough senior evaluation in the environment where they feel most comfortable.

    Comprehensive senior exams

    A thorough nose-to-tail examination with special attention to the changes that matter as pets age—including weight, mobility, pain, cognition, appetite, behavior, and overall comfort.

    Preventive diagnostics

    Blood and urine testing allow us to establish important baselines, monitor trends over time, and identify changes that may not yet be obvious at home.

    Mobile digital X-ray

    Our mobile digital X-ray equipment allows us to perform radiographs in your home when needed, expanding the level of diagnostic care we can provide without requiring your pet to travel.

    Cryosurgery

    Cryosurgery can be performed in the home for appropriate small masses, offering a minimally invasive option for select skin growths when clinically indicated.

    Quality of life & mobility

    We consider comfort, mobility, appetite, behavior, engagement, and other meaningful changes throughout your pet’s senior years—not only at the end of life. Seeing your pet in their own environment also allows us to assess how they navigate stairs, flooring, sleeping areas, and everyday routines.

    When hospitalization, advanced imaging, emergency treatment, or specialty care is needed, we’ll help coordinate the appropriate next step.

    Schedule a Consultation

    Senior care made simple.

    Four simple steps to ongoing senior care at home.

    Tell us about your pet

    Share your pet’s age, health history, current concerns, and what you’re hoping to accomplish. We’ll help determine whether a Senior Care Plan is appropriate and how to shape it around their needs.

    We come to you

    Your veterinarian visits your pet at home for a comprehensive senior evaluation, with time to discuss the changes you’ve noticed and the things that matter most to your family.

    We create a plan

    Together, we’ll identify priorities for your pet’s health and comfort and establish recommendations for monitoring, diagnostics, treatment, or supportive care.

    We stay connected

    Regular veterinary visits and virtual check-ins allow us to follow your pet over time and adjust their care as their health and needs change.

    Stories from families we have had the honor of supporting

    Bringing compassionate care to your doorstep

    We provide mobile veterinary care throughout Bergen County, New Jersey and Rockland County, New York, bringing expert senior care to your pet in the comfort of their own home.

    Does a Senior Care Plan replace my family veterinarian?

    No. Senior Pet Vet works alongside your family veterinarian, providing an additional layer of senior-focused care in the comfort of home. With your permission, we can share our findings and recommendations and coordinate care when additional services or specialty care are needed.

    Does my pet need to be sick to enroll?

    Not at all. Senior Care Plans are designed to be proactive. Regular exams, virtual check-ins, and preventive diagnostics help us establish what is normal for your pet, follow changes over time, and identify concerns as they arise.

    How is a Senior Care Plan tailored to my pet?

    We start with your pet’s age, health history, existing conditions, and the changes you’re seeing at home. Regular visits and screening give us a foundation, while additional monitoring, diagnostics, or treatments can be recommended as their needs evolve.

    What veterinary care can be provided at home?

    A great deal. We can perform comprehensive physical exams, blood and urine testing, quality-of-life assessments, and many treatments—including cryosurgery for appropriate small masses—right in your home. We also have mobile digital X-ray equipment, allowing us to perform radiographs at home when needed. If your pet requires hospitalization, advanced imaging, emergency treatment, or specialty care, we’ll help coordinate the appropriate next step.

    What happens if my pet becomes sick between scheduled visits?

    If you notice a new or concerning change, contact our team and we can help determine the appropriate next step. Depending on your pet’s needs, that may include a virtual check-in, an additional veterinary visit, evaluation by your primary veterinarian, or emergency care. Senior Care Plans are not a substitute for emergency veterinary services.

    What if my pet’s needs become more advanced?

    One of the benefits of ongoing senior care is that we get to know your pet and can recognize when their needs begin to change. If routine senior care is no longer enough, we can help transition your pet into a more individualized palliative care plan focused on managing symptoms, maintaining comfort, and preserving quality of life. When appropriate, our team can also provide hospice and end-of-life care, allowing for continuity as your pet’s needs evolve.

    Is enrollment limited?

    Yes. Senior Care Plan enrollment is intentionally limited. Because these plans include ongoing veterinary care and regular follow-up throughout the year, limiting enrollment allows us to preserve the time, availability, and continuity of care each enrolled pet deserves.

    How do the monthly payments work?

    Senior Care Plans are offered as a monthly membership, allowing the cost of your pet’s included care to be spread into predictable monthly payments. Our team can help you understand what is included and discuss any additional care recommended for your pet’s needs.

    Questions about senior care plans

    Gentle and honest answers to the questions families ask most often about this service.

    More ways we can help

    Gentle medical care that helps ease pain, nausea, anxiety, and other symptoms so your pet can continue enjoying the moments that matter most.

    Personalized pain and symptom management

    Mobility and appetite support

    Quality of life assessments at each visit

    Hospice care begins with an in-home Quality of Life Consultation to understand your pet’s comfort, symptoms, and needs. From there, we create an individualized plan to support your pet and family at home.

    Quality of Life Consultation

    Personalized hospice and symptom-management plan

    Ongoing guidance as needs change

    When the time comes, we provide gentle, compassionate euthanasia in the comfort and privacy of home, allowing your pet to remain in familiar surroundings with the people they love.

    A gentle, unhurried experience

    Care centered around your pet and family

    Aftercare options and continued support

    A gentle, drug-free therapy that can help manage pain, improve mobility, and support comfort and quality of life in senior pets.

    Helps manage pain and stiffness

    Supports mobility and function

    Can complement traditional medical and palliative care

    Talk one-on-one with an experienced veterinary professional about changes you’re noticing, questions about quality of life, or what type of care may be appropriate next.

    Talk through changes you’re seeing at home

    Get guidance around quality of life and difficult decisions

    Understand when an in-home veterinary visit may be appropriate

  • Acupuncture

    Gentle support for greater comfort

    Help your pet feel more like themselves.

    Acupuncture can complement your pet’s care by easing discomfort, supporting mobility, and nurturing their overall well-being.

    Gentle relief. Better mobility. More comfortable days.

    Veterinary acupuncture can help relieve pain and stiffness, support mobility, and improve comfort and quality of life—all in the familiar surroundings of home.

    Schedule a Consultation

    201-870-3867

    Ancient technique, modern comfort

    Schedule a Consultation

    Veterinary acupuncture uses hair thin needles placed at specific points to encourage the body’s natural pain relieving and anti inflammatory responses. Many pets become visibly relaxed during their sessions, and some even doze off.

    Provided at home by a veterinarian with advanced training in small animal acupuncture, this gentle therapy pairs beautifully with palliative care and may help reduce reliance on medication.

    What acupuncture can help with

    A gentle option when medication alone is not providing enough relief or when a lighter approach may be helpful.

    Joint comfort and mobility

    Acupuncture may help ease arthritis, hip and back discomfort, and stiffness related to aging, supporting greater comfort when your pet rises, walks, or climbs.

    A complement to palliative care

    Acupuncture can work alongside pain medication and other palliative treatments. For some pets, it may allow the care team to adjust medication needs, which can be especially helpful for seniors with sensitive kidneys or livers.

    Neurologic & mobility support

    Acupuncture may be helpful for pets with weakness, nerve-related discomfort, or changes in mobility associated with neurologic disease, supporting comfort and function as part of a broader treatment plan.

    Schedule a Consultation

    Our partnership

    Acupuncture — now available two ways.

    In-home acupuncture

    Your veterinarian comes directly to your home, where your pet is most relaxed. Sessions happen in familiar surroundings with no travel stress — ideal for seniors who find car rides difficult or who simply do better in their own space.

    A good fit when:

    Pets who are anxious away from home

    Senior or mobility-limited dogs and cats

    Families preferring a calm, private setting

    Pets already receiving in-home palliative care

    Canine Wellness Center acupuncture

    For dogs enrolled in the Canine Wellness Center Social Club, acupuncture can be incorporated into their regular Social Club day—no extra trip or separate appointment needed. Your dog receives treatment in a familiar environment they already know and enjoy.

    A good fit when:

    Your dog is enrolled in the Canine Wellness Center Social Club

    You’d like to combine acupuncture with your dog’s regular Social Club day

    Your dog is comfortable in the familiar Canine Wellness Center environment

    An additional in-home appointment is difficult to fit into your schedule

    Already a Social Club member?

    Schedule Acupuncture →

    Not a member yet?

    Join the Social Club →

    The values behind every visit

    Schedule a Consultation

    Comfort always comes first

    Every exam, treatment, and conversation begins with how your pet feels. We take gentle steps to ease pain, fear, and stress while protecting their comfort and dignity.

    Guidance without pressure

    We take time to listen, explain your options and help you understand what each choice may mean for you and your pet. Our role is to give you the information and support you need to make decisions with confidence.

    Alongside your family veterinarian

    We work closely with the veterinarian who already knows and cares for your pet, adding another layer of thoughtful senior care and support.

    In your home, on your terms

    Senior pets often feel safest at home, surrounded by the people and places they love. We bring expert care to your living room, without the stress of carriers, waiting rooms, or unfamiliar surroundings.

    How acupuncture sessions work

    Gentle, low stress care in your living room and at your pet’s pace.

    An assessment and first session

    We begin by reviewing your pet’s health history, comfort needs, and care goals. Their first session is gentle and gives them time to become familiar with the experience. Many pets show little reaction to the fine needles.

    A short series to build support

    The benefits of acupuncture often develop over several sessions. We may recommend weekly visits at first, then gradually space them out based on how your pet responds.

    Ongoing care as needed

    If acupuncture is helping your pet, occasional maintenance sessions may continue to support their comfort and mobility. We adjust the timing around your pet’s changing needs rather than following a fixed schedule.

    Schedule a Consultation

    Bringing compassionate care to your doorstep

    We provide mobile veterinary care throughout Bergen County, New Jersey and Rockland County, New York, bringing expert senior care to your pet in the comfort of their own home.

    Does acupuncture hurt?

    The needles are very fine, and many pets show little reaction when they are placed. Sessions are calm and patient, giving your pet time to settle in. Some pets become visibly relaxed or even fall asleep during treatment.

    How many sessions will my pet need?

    Every pet responds differently. Benefits often develop over several sessions, so we may begin with weekly visits and gradually space them out based on your pet’s comfort, mobility, and response.

    Can acupuncture replace my pet’s pain medication?

    For some pets, acupuncture may help reduce the amount of pain medication needed. Any medication changes should be made carefully and in coordination with your family veterinarian. Medication is never stopped abruptly.

    Is acupuncture appropriate for very old or frail pets?

    It can be a gentle option for many senior and hospice patients. We begin by considering your pet’s health, comfort, and individual needs to determine whether acupuncture feels like an appropriate part of their care.

    Questions about acupuncture

    Gentle and honest answers to the questions families ask most often about this service.

  • In-Home Euthanasia

    A peaceful goodbye, at home

    Their final moments can feel gentle.

    When the time comes, we’ll help your pet pass peacefully in familiar surroundings, held close by the people who love them.

    A peaceful goodbye in the place they love most

    When it is time, we help your pet pass gently at home, surrounded by the people, scents, and familiar spaces they know, with comfort and dignity at the center of every moment.

    Schedule In-Home Euthanasia

    201-870-3867

    Saying goodbye should feel as gentle as the life you shared

    Schedule In-Home Euthanasia

    Choosing euthanasia is one of the hardest decisions you will ever make for your pet. Our goal is to make the experience as peaceful, comfortable, and unhurried as possible—for both your pet and your family.

    Your veterinarian will take time to meet your pet, answer your questions, and explain what to expect before anything begins. Gentle sedation allows your pet to become deeply relaxed and comfortable while you remain close, in the place where they feel safest.

    When you and your pet are ready, your veterinarian will guide you through the final steps with compassion and care. There is time for family to gather, for other pets to be present, and for you to say goodbye in whatever way feels right for your family.

    What a home goodbye includes

    Every detail is approached with care to support your pet’s comfort and bring peace to your family.

    A gentle, individualized experience

    Your veterinarian will take time to explain each step and tailor the visit to your pet’s comfort and your family’s wishes. Gentle sedation is given first, allowing your pet to become deeply relaxed and comfortable before the final medication is administered.

    Time and space for your family

    There is no rush. Your pet can remain in a favorite bed, in your arms, outside, or wherever they feel most comfortable. Family members, children, and other pets are welcome to be present if you choose.

    Compassionate aftercare guidance

    We’ll

    talk through aftercare options ahead of time so you can make the choice that feels right for your family. For families choosing cremation, we partner with

    Abbey Glen Pet Memorial Park

    , a trusted pet crematory, and can coordinate those arrangements for you. Memorial options are also available to help honor and remember your pet.

    Schedule In-Home Euthanasia

    What happens during the visit

    Knowing what to expect can bring a sense of calm and help you feel more prepared.

    We arrive and settle in gently

    We introduce ourselves, answer your questions, and give your pet time to become comfortable with our presence. There is never any rush.

    Gentle sedation comes first

    We begin with sedation to help your pet become deeply relaxed and comfortable. You can remain close to them as they settle into a peaceful sleep, in your arms or in their favorite spot.

    A peaceful passing at your pace

    Once your pet is fully relaxed and your family is ready, your veterinarian administers the final medication. You may remain beside your pet throughout, and we will gently guide you through what to expect.

    Time to say goodbye

    After your pet has passed, there is no rush. Your family can take the time you need together before we leave.

    Schedule In-Home Euthanasia

    When You’re Unsure

    Not sure if it’s time?

    It’s completely normal to feel uncertain about when the right time has come. Changes in comfort, mobility, appetite, engagement and the ability to enjoy familiar routines can all help us understand how your pet is doing.

    You don’t need to have the answer before you reach out. Our role is to help you find it.

    If you need someone to talk it through with

    TeleAdvice

    Our TeleAdvice service gives you an opportunity to discuss what you’re seeing at home with an experienced veterinary professional who can help you think through your concerns and determine an appropriate next step.

    Talk With Our Team

    or

    If you’d like your pet evaluated by a veterinarian

    Quality of life consultation

    An in-home Quality of Life Consultation provides a comprehensive assessment of your pet’s comfort and needs. From there, we can help you understand whether continued palliative or hospice care may improve quality of life, or whether euthanasia may be the kindest next step.

    Schedule a Quality of Life Consultation

    Stories from families we have had the honor of supporting

    Bringing compassionate care to your doorstep

    We provide mobile veterinary care throughout Bergen County, New Jersey and Rockland County, New York, bringing expert senior care to your pet in the comfort of their own home.

    How do I know when it’s time?

    There is rarely one perfect moment or a single sign that tells you it is time. We look at your pet’s comfort, mobility, appetite, engagement, and ability to enjoy the things that matter to them. If you’re unsure, a Quality of Life consultation or a TeleAdvice call can be a helpful step before scheduling a euthanasia appointment. We can assess your pet and help you talk through what you’re seeing.

    What happens during an in-home euthanasia?

    Your veterinarian will explain the process and answer your questions before anything begins. We start with sedation so your pet can become deeply relaxed and comfortable. Once they are peacefully sleeping and your family is ready, the final medication is administered. You can remain with your pet throughout the entire process.

    Can my children or other pets be present?

    Yes. Families are welcome to decide who they would like present, including children and other household pets. We can also help you think through what may be appropriate for your family.

    What are my options for aftercare?

    If you choose cremation through Senior Pet Vet, we will gently transport your pet with us after the appointment and coordinate all arrangements with Abbey Glen Pet Memorial Park. Private cremation, with your pet’s ashes returned to you, and communal cremation are both available.

    Abbey Glen Pet Memorial Park

    We chose Abbey Glen because of the dignity and care they provide throughout the cremation process. Dr. McCaffrey has personally toured their facility and reviewed their procedures, giving us confidence that every pet entrusted to their care is treated respectfully and with the same dignity we would expect for our own pets.

    You may also choose to make your own aftercare arrangements if you prefer.

    What does in-home euthanasia cost?

    The in-home euthanasia visit and procedure is $460. Communal cremation is $295, and individual cremation is $375, plus $35 for the return and delivery of your pet’s ashes.

    Weekend and after-hours appointments may be available based on our schedule and include an additional $100 fee.

    We understand that end-of-life care can come at an unexpected time. For families who would prefer to spread the cost over time, financing through Cherry is available, with flexible payment options.

    financing through Cherry

    Questions about in-home euthanasia

    Gentle and honest answers to some of the questions families carry when considering a goodbye at home.

    More ways we can help

  • Hospice Support

    Care through every change

    Comfort, dignity, and support at home.

    We’ll help you care for your pet through their final chapter with a plan that honors their needs and gives your family steady guidance.

    Steady guidance for the final chapter, at home.

    A calm, structured plan for your pet's final stage of life, focused on comfort, quality of life, and helping you understand what to expect.

    Schedule a Consultation

    201-870-3867

    A clear path through an uncertain time

    Schedule a Consultation

    Hospice care begins when curing is no longer the goal, but comfort and connection still very much are. We help your family care for your pet at home with a plan that anticipates what is coming and prepares you for it gently.

    What hospice care includes

    A personalized medical plan, ongoing guidance, and compassionate support focused on keeping your pet comfortable at home.

    A personalized comfort care plan

    We develop an individualized plan based on your pet’s diagnosis, symptoms, mobility, appetite, and quality of life. Your pet’s plan may include medications, supportive treatments, nutrition and hydration strategies, mobility support, and other therapies tailored to their individual needs and comfort goals.

    Ongoing monitoring & medical guidance

    Hospice needs change over time. We help you monitor your pet’s comfort and quality of life, recognize meaningful changes, and adjust the care plan as needed. Follow-up veterinary care and additional treatments or diagnostics can be incorporated when appropriate.

    An interdisciplinary approach to hospice care

    Hospice care extends beyond the veterinary visit. As your pet’s needs change, you don’t have to navigate every question or decision on your own. Our hospice families have access to a Certified Hospice & Palliative Care Veterinary Nurse for tele-advice, as well as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in companion animal loss and bereavement. Together with your veterinarian, they provide additional layers of guidance for both you and your pet throughout hospice care.

    Preparing for what comes next

    We help you understand what changes to expect, what may indicate that your pet is becoming uncomfortable, and when it may be time to reconsider the plan. When end-of-life decisions arise, we provide thoughtful guidance—including quality-of-life assessment and, when the time comes, the option of peaceful euthanasia at home.

    Schedule a Consultation

    The values behind every visit

    Schedule a Consultation

    Comfort always comes first

    Every exam, treatment, and conversation begins with how your pet feels. We take gentle steps to ease pain, fear, and stress while protecting their comfort and dignity.

    Guidance without pressure

    We take time to listen, explain your options and help you understand what each choice may mean for you and your pet. Our role is to give you the information and support you need to make decisions with confidence.

    Alongside your family veterinarian

    We work closely with the veterinarian who already knows and cares for your pet, adding another layer of thoughtful senior care and support.

    In your home, on your terms

    Senior pets often feel safest at home, surrounded by the people and places they love. We bring expert care to your living room, without the stress of carriers, waiting rooms, or unfamiliar surroundings.

    How hospice care works

    From the first conversation to every moment after.

    A quality of life consultation at home

    We begin by getting to know your pet in the comfort of home. Your veterinarian will review their medical history, perform a thorough assessment, and talk with you about the changes you’re seeing, your concerns, and what matters most to your family.

    A clear path forward

    Together, we’ll discuss your pet’s quality of life and what we feel is medically appropriate. If hospice care is the right next step, we’ll develop an individualized plan focused on maintaining comfort and quality of life at home.

    Care that evolves with your pet

    As your pet’s needs change, their care can change with them. We continue to assess comfort and quality of life, make recommendations as needed, and help you understand what comes next, including when it may be time to consider a peaceful goodbye.

    Schedule a Consultation

    Families who walked this path before you

    How do I know if my pet is ready for hospice care?

    Hospice may be appropriate when your pet is living with advanced or progressive illness and the primary goal of care has shifted toward comfort and quality of life. If you’re unsure, a Quality of Life Consultation can help you understand where your pet is now and whether hospice is the right next step.

    What if my pet declines suddenly?

    Senior Pet Vet is a mobile hospice, palliative and end-of-life care practice and is not an emergency hospital.

    If your pet is experiencing severe difficulty breathing, uncontrolled pain or distress, collapse, significant bleeding, repeated seizures, or another rapidly worsening medical problem, please seek care at a 24-hour veterinary emergency hospital rather than waiting for a home visit.

    Our Emergency Care page provides recommended emergency hospitals, locations, phone numbers, and directions.

    Emergency Care page

    An urgent need for euthanasia is different from a medical emergency requiring stabilization. If you believe your pet needs euthanasia today or over the weekend, please call us. Our team can determine whether a Senior Pet Vet doctor may be available.

    Can you coordinate with my regular veterinarian?

    Yes. With your permission, we can communicate with your family veterinarian and other specialists involved in your pet’s care to help maintain continuity and avoid unnecessary duplication.

    How is hospice different from palliative care?

    Palliative care focuses on managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life at any stage of chronic or serious illness. Hospice is specifically for pets approaching the end of life, when comfort has become the primary goal and families may need additional guidance as their pet’s condition changes.

    Questions about hospice support

    Gentle, honest answers to what families ask us most about this service.

  • Palliative Medicine

    Comfort for the days ahead

    More good moments are still possible.

    Thoughtful symptom management can ease discomfort and help your pet enjoy the people, routines, and simple pleasures they love.

    Palliative medicine focused on comfort and quality of life

    In-home veterinary care focused on managing pain, symptoms, mobility and the challenges of chronic or progressive illness, helping your pet remain comfortable and enjoy more good days at home.

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    Understanding how your pet is really doing

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    Palliative care begins with a comprehensive Quality of Life Consultation. We assess your pet’s comfort, mobility, appetite, behavior, medical needs and daily routines to understand how they are doing and where we can help. From there, we develop an individualized plan focused on comfort and quality of life.

    Thoughtful support for changing needs

    A personalized plan focused on comfort, with adjustments made as your pet's condition and daily needs evolve.

    Pain and symptom management

    Individualized treatment for pain, nausea, anxiety, appetite changes and other symptoms affecting comfort and quality of life.

    Mobility and daily support

    Medication, acupuncture, mobility strategies, environmental modifications and practical recommendations to help pets remain comfortable and engaged at home.

    Quality of life assessments

    Every palliative care relationship begins with a comprehensive assessment of your pet’s comfort, function and overall quality of life. This helps us identify their needs and determine the most appropriate next steps.

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    The care and values that guide every visit

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    Comfort always comes first

    Every exam, treatment, and conversation begins with how your pet feels. We take gentle steps to ease pain, fear, and stress while protecting their comfort and dignity.

    Guidance without pressure

    We take time to listen, explain your options and help you understand what each choice may mean for you and your pet. Our role is to give you the information and support you need to make decisions with confidence.

    Alongside your family veterinarian

    We work closely with the veterinarian who already knows and cares for your pet, adding another layer of thoughtful senior care and support.

    In your home, on your terms

    Senior pets often feel safest at home, surrounded by the people and places they love. We bring expert care to your living room, without the stress of carriers, waiting rooms, or unfamiliar surroundings.

    Care shaped around your pet

    A personalized comfort plan that evolves as your pet's needs change.

    A thorough first visit at home

    Your first visit begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your pet’s quality of life, medical needs and daily routine in the comfort of home. We take time to understand what has changed, what matters most to your family, and where we can improve comfort.

    An Individualized Care Plan

    Following your pet's assessment, we'll develop a personalized plan that may include medications, supportive therapies, diagnostics, acupuncture or other treatments based on their needs and your goals.

    Ongoing support and adjustments

    As your pet's needs change, their care plan can change too. We monitor their comfort, adjust treatments when appropriate, and offer guidance when questions arise.

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    Stories from families we have had the honor of supporting

    Is palliative care only for pets at the end of life?

    No. Palliative care can benefit pets at many stages of chronic, progressive, or serious illness. The goal is to manage pain and other symptoms, preserve comfort and function, and support the best possible quality of life. Hospice care is a more specific form of palliative care for pets who are approaching the end of life.

    How do I know if it is time to consider palliative care?

    Palliative care may be appropriate when your pet’s needs are changing and the focus begins to shift from cure to comfort. We help manage symptoms and create a personalized plan focused on comfort and quality of life at home.

    Do you replace my family veterinarian?

    No. We work alongside your family veterinarian as an added layer of support focused on senior comfort. With your permission, we can coordinate care and share notes with your primary veterinarian.

    What does a palliative care visit cost?

    Palliative care begins with an in-home Quality of Life Assessment. This comprehensive, hour-long visit is $445 and includes a review of your pet’s medical records, a full physical examination, an assessment of their home environment, and a discussion of your concerns and goals. From there, we’ll develop an individualized plan focused on comfort and quality of life.

    Questions about palliative medicine

    Gentle and honest answers to the questions families ask most often about this service.