When we welcome a furry companion into our lives, we know that one day we will have to say goodbye. Yet no amount of time or preparation makes this moment easier.

Sometimes pets leave suddenly, while other times illness forces pet parents to make the agonising decision of when to let them go. Whether a pet has been a cherished family member for years or is still young, facing the end-of-life journey is heart-wrenching.

Advancements in veterinary medicine have extended pets’ lives, offering treatments that were once unavailable. Previously untreatable chronic conditions can now often be managed for many years. However, as pets age, their illnesses may progress and sometimes treatment options become limited. In some cases, while treatment is still available, the balance between comfort and suffering shifts, making continued intervention difficult to justify. Financial limitations may also play a role in these decisions.

Whatever the circumstances, choosing palliative care can be an emotionally overwhelming experience.

Pet parents are not alone in this journey. Family members, including children and other pets, may also be affected, and each will grieve in their own way. Veterinary professionals who are dedicated to palliative care can offer compassionate guidance, helping families make informed choices and ensuring that pets are as comfortable and loved as possible in their final days.

Embracing palliative care allows pet parents to shift their focus from prolonging life to making each moment meaningful. Though saying goodbye is never easy, being present, loving and ensuring comfort can provide a peaceful and dignified farewell for a beloved companion.

What is palliative care?

Palliative care is a compassionate approach focused on the pet’s comfort and quality of life when a cure is no longer an option. It shifts the focus from curing an illness to managing pain, reducing distress and enhancing comfort. This type of care acknowledges that ageing, illness, and passing are natural parts of life, not failures of veterinary medicine.

Unlike hospice care, which is often associated with intensive medical supervision, palliative care does not always require hospitalisation. Instead, it can be provided at home with the support of a veterinarian who is dedicated to providing end-of-life care.

Why palliative care is important

Choosing palliative care allows pet parents to focus on what truly matters—making the final stage of their pet’s life as comfortable and meaningful as possible. It also provides guidance through the emotional, medical, and practical decisions that come with this transition.

Pain management and quality of life

Managing pain effectively is one of the most important aspects of palliative care. Pets experience both acute (sudden) and chronic (long-term) pain and recognising signs of discomfort is essential. While pets cannot communicate their pain verbally, behavioural changes, such as restlessness, loss of appetite, or withdrawal from social interactions may indicate distress.

Veterinarians use pain scales to help assess a pet’s discomfort. These scales track changes in mood, movement, and behaviour over time, offering insight into whether pain management strategies need to be adjusted.

A Quality of Life (QOL) assessment can also be beneficial. These tools evaluate various aspects of your pet’s well-being, including appetite, hydration, mobility, and sleep. They help pet parents and veterinarians determine if a pet’s quality of life is still positive or if suffering has outweighed comfort. There are a number of these tools available online and your vet may provide you with one at the appropriate time. You can find one here: QOL Assessment Worksheet.

It’s also important to consider your own quality of life and seek additional support if needed. Again, your vet may provide you with one when the time comes, but we have included one here: Caregiver Burden and QOL Assessment Form

This table provides insight into the typical progression of each condition and how this affects quality of life.

ConditionProgressionQuality of life
Cancer• Cancer typically progresses rapidly.
• Tumour growth, metastasis and organ failure lead to a quick terminal stage.		• Initially normal quality of life.
• Declines with pain, fatigue and nausea.
• Requires palliative care in later stages.
Organ failure• Gradual decline with chronic dysfunction of a vital organ.
• Periods of stability followed by acute episodes.
• Eventually leads to death.		• Early on, quality of life can be maintained with medical interventions.
• Symptoms, such as fatigue, shortness of breath and fluid retention worsen over time.
• Progressive deterioration impacts daily comfort.
Physical and cognitive frailty• Slow, continuous decline in physical and cognitive function.
• Increasing dependence and vulnerability to infections and complications.		• Early stages involve mild limitations.
• Progressively leads to weakness, cognitive decline and loss of independence.
• Functional abilities continue to erode.
The end-of-life journey

In the final days or weeks, the focus should be on creating a peaceful and loving environment.

Planning ahead

While it is a difficult topic to consider, planning for euthanasia and memorial options can relieve stress during an already emotional time. Some considerations include:
• Choosing euthanasia at home or in a veterinary clinic
• Discussing cremation, urns, or keepsakes
• Holding a small memorial or ceremony with loved ones
• Allowing pet siblings to say their goodbyes, as they also grieve

Understanding when it’s time

Deciding when to say goodbye is one of the hardest choices a pet parent will face. While each family must determine their own markers for when quality of life has declined beyond what is acceptable, veterinarians are there to offer guidance. Often, pets will subtly indicate when they are ready, through their energy levels, appetite, or their response to pain management.

When the time comes, euthanasia can be a peaceful and humane process. Typically, a veterinarian administers a relaxant followed by a high-dose anaesthetic, allowing the pet to pass painlessly. Pet parents can be present throughout, providing comfort and love in their final moments.

Coping with grief

Grieving a pet is a deeply personal experience, often mirroring the grief of losing a human loved one. The stages of grief; denial, anger, bargaining (“what if” scenarios), depression, and acceptance, are normal and may not happen in any particular order or include all of the various stages. It’s important to take care of your own wellbeing while grieving. Seeking support from friends, family or professional counsellors who specialise in pet loss can be invaluable. Many veterinary clinics provide resources for grief support, including therapists and support groups.

A loving goodbye

For many pet parents, especially older individuals who may not be in a position to adopt another pet, the loss of a beloved companion can feel overwhelming and isolating. This kind of grief is profound and deeply personal and it’s important to know that support is available.

There are compassionate services that are dedicated to pet loss counselling and bereavement support, offering a range of practical and emotional resources to help individuals navigate this difficult time. These may include one-on-one grief counselling, group support sessions, downloadable reflection guides and personalised rituals for remembrance.

Some services offer 24/7 support hotlines, regular online or in-person group counselling sessions and tailored advice for supporting children, families, and older pet parents through loss. Some supportive services include:

  • Sunset Vets – offering in-home euthanasia, end-of-life care and grief support
  • Patch & Purr Pet Cremations – offering grief resources and access to pet loss counsellors
  • Rest Your Paws – providing in-home euthanasia followed by grief support options
  • Loyal and Loved – specialising in one-on-one and group counselling for pet loss
  • Griefline – featuring free videos, grief tools, and reflective practices to help process emotions at your own pace

Seeking help during this time is important—it’s a way to begin to navigate life after loss with care and support. No matter how long a pet is with their family, their impact is profound. Saying goodbye is never easy, but pet parents can honour their beloved companions by filling their final days with love, comfort, and dignity. With the right support and planning, the end-of-life journey can be a gentle, peaceful transition that reflects the joy and companionship they brought into their lives.

Read the full Pet Health Monitor report

Thanks to Dr. Jackie Campbell for sharing her insights and knowledge on palliative care.

References

Pet insurance can help by covering a portion of the eligible vet bill if the unexpected happens. Because it is difficult to predict the costs of veterinary care, it can help to have measures in place to help prepare for the unexpected. Check out our partner network and explore our policy tools to find a pet insurance policy.

Not all conditions or items are covered by Pet Insurance. Refer to the applicable Product Disclosure Statement for information about coverage and exclusions.

Looking for pet insurance? Compare brands and products here