Long-Term Care Facilities for Dogs

According to the 2009/2010 American Pet Products Association Pet Owners Survey, 62 percent of American households own a pet, and about 45 percent own a dog. Americans were expected to spend $47.7 billion dollars on pet food and supplies, grooming, boarding and veterinary care in 2010. Research shows that 93 percent of owners said they would risk their lives to save that of their dog. The bond between owners and their animals is strong, and many pet parents find it difficult to let go when the dog reaches the end of its life.

  1. Traditional Treatment

    • Until recently, traditional treatment for a terminally sick dog was aggressive diagnostic testing followed by euthanasia. Few other options were available, and pet parents were required to make the decision to either put their beloved dog through painful procedures in an effort to delay the loss as long as possible, or to euthanize. Euthanasia was recommended only when it was clear the dog was considered beyond saving, by which time the animal was often experiencing intense suffering, or prematurely, when some quality of life was still evident but the illness was terminal.

    The Hospice Movement

    • The birth of hospice care for pets mirrors the concept for humans. The movement offers a variety of options, from volunteer support and counseling for pet parents to training in how to administer medication and keep the pet pain-free and comfortable during its last days. Animals are cared for at home using medication and holistic methods to ease their pain until they die, or until the owners decide to euthanize the pet. Caregivers are taught to recognize the signs of impending death and how to deal with different situations. The philosophy is that with the proper care and guidance, the hospice option provides a peaceful end for an animal, and euthanasia should seldom be necessary.

    International Association Founded

    • At a symposium in March 2008, the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC) was founded. (See References 1) The organization aims to educate pet owners about the hospice movement, promote research and develop recommended standards of care, document experiences and scholarly discussion of the concept, and promote future recognition of the movement as a specialty area within the veterinary profession. Voting membership is available to hospice care professionals, veterinarians and technicians, social workers, psychologists and clergy. Its mandate is to educate the public on hospice or palliative care as an "alternative to premature euthanasia or prolonged suffering which can result either from isolating an animal in intensive care or from inadequately treating the animal at home."

    Facilities Available

    • Leaders in the field, such as IAAHPC president Dr Amir Shanan of Compassionate Veterinary Care of Chicago, have offered hospice care for a number of years, including private hospital rooms and in-home euthanasia. (See References 2) In 2010, about 30 veterinarians across the nation offered hospice care for pet owners. Some organizations, such as the Nikki Hospice Foundations for Pets, hope to raise enough funding to provide veterinary hospice services to the pets of elderly and needy pet parents without the financial ability to cover the costs. (See Resources 2)