Quality of Life Consultations for Pets

A quality of life consultation is a supportive appointment designed to help families assess how their pet is feeling and functioning day to day. Together, we talk through physical comfort, mobility, appetite, behavior, and the changes you may be noticing at home.

These consultations are especially helpful when decisions feel unclear, emotions are high, or you want professional guidance before determining next steps.

A quality of life consultation may be appropriate if:

• Your pet is aging and experiencing gradual changes
• A chronic or serious illness is affecting daily comfort
• You’re unsure whether symptoms are manageable
• You’re feeling uncertain about timing or next steps
• You want guidance before considering hospice or other care

This visit is about understanding and support — not rushing decisions.

Each consultation is unhurried and focused on listening, observation, and thoughtful discussion.

During the visit, we may:

• Review your pet’s medical history and current concerns
• Discuss comfort, pain, mobility, appetite, and behavior
• Talk through care options and supportive strategies
• Explore whether hospice, palliative care, or monitoring may be appropriate
• Answer questions and help you feel more confident about next steps

There is no expectation to make immediate decisions during this visit.

In-Home Quality of Life Consultations

In-home quality of life consultations allow for a hands-on assessment in your pet’s familiar environment. A physical exam is performed, which can provide important information about comfort, mobility, pain, and other factors that may not be fully apparent through discussion alone.

Being in the home also allows for a more complete understanding of your pet’s daily routine and the challenges you may be navigating together. Findings from the physical exam and home assessment can help clarify whether continued monitoring, supportive care, hospice, or other next steps may be appropriate.

If additional care is needed, an in-home quality of life consultation allows care to continue within the same visit. This may include transitioning to hospice support or, when the time comes and if appropriate, in-home euthanasia — without requiring a separate appointment or additional travel for your pet.

Virtual Quality of Life Consultations

Virtual consultations are available for families seeking guidance and perspective. These visits focus on discussion and general advice.

Please note: Virtual consultations for new patients are limited to general guidance and education. Diagnosis and prescribing require an in-person exam

Many families leave quality of life consultations feeling more grounded and supported. The goal is not to provide a single “right answer,” but to help you better understand what your pet may be experiencing and what options exist.

This visit often serves as a starting point for ongoing support.

Quality of life consultations can be scheduled as in-home or virtual visits. If you’re unsure which option is right for your situation, guidance is available before scheduling.

No. A quality of life consultation is meant to provide guidance and clarity, not to rush decisions. Many families use this visit to better understand what their pet may be experiencing and to feel more confident about possible next steps.

Not necessarily. A quality of life consultation focuses on assessment and discussion. Hospice care may be recommended if ongoing supportive care is appropriate, but the two are not the same and do not need to be decided at the same time.

Many families find that quality of life consultations help them feel more grounded and informed. While there is rarely a single “right” answer, this visit can help clarify comfort, changes, and available options.