ABSTRACT

The death of a pet is a universal experience for those who share their lives with animals. In parallel with a rising interest in palliative medicine, hospice care, and advance-care planning within human medicine, increasing attention is currently being given to these issues within veterinary medicine. While veterinarians have historically provided many of the defining elements of hospice and palliative care, the establishment of hospice and palliative care as distinct areas of veterinary practice is a relatively recent phenomenon. Mental health professionals are encouraged to pursue as much high-quality continuing education as possible in relevant areas to enhance their understanding of the issues that arise in veterinary hospice and palliative care settings. Palliative care providers know that the likelihood of patients and families receiving care that is consistent with their preferences depends on whether a Goals of Care conversation occurs with their health care team.