FAQ Crossroads Veterinary Hospice

Hospice care for pets is a growing field of veterinary medicine. As our patients live longer, we have seen a need for improved end-of-life care. Hospice focuses on the needs of the patient and their family. We want your pet to live life to the fullest, so keeping your pet comfortable and happy is of the utmost importance. Some families elect to support their pet through natural death. Others elect human euthanasia when they feel quality of life has declined. This is a very personal decision that we will discuss during our initial consultation.

The first step is a one-hour virtual visit with the hospice nursing team where we will discuss your pet’s medical history, identify your goals for your pet and discuss your options for going forward. Once we determine that hospice is the right path, we will schedule an in-home visit with Dr. Ellen. She will spend time discussing your pet’s illness, what to expect and how to plan for emergencies. You will learn how to assess quality of life and monitor for pain. We will look at changes that can be made in your pet’s environment to make life safer and easier for them. A full treatment plan will be developed based on the needs of your pet and the goals of the family. By the end of the visits, we hope that you are feeling less afraid and more in control of how to care for your pet.

We realize this can be a scary time for many pet owners. Therefore, each hospice appointment includes a month of continued communication so that we can adjust the plan as needed and offer support to your family. During this time, you will communicate with our team via an online journal, text, phone, and/or email. Our team of doctors and nurses will check in frequently to address any concerns you might have. At the end of the first month, many people feel comfortable handling their pet’s care and may wait to contact us again when problems arise. Or, if you find that continued care would be helpful, we can continue care and close communication on a month-to-month basis. At any point, if it is felt that quality of life is declining, humane euthanasia can be elected.

Palliative care is treatment that is specifically aimed at treating your pet’s symptoms. The goal of palliative care is the best quality of life for your pet. Palliative care may go on for months or years. Our senior pet consults offer palliative care for older pets who may need additional support and pain management.

Much of what happens during your pet’s transition is up to you. You may elect to make it a very quiet, personal experience with just you and your pet. You may elect to have a “celebration of life” with friends and family who have been important in your pet’s life present to share memories and stories. You can play music you find comforting. You can light candles. You may choose to be outside in your pet’s favorite part of the yard (weather permitting) or inside, snuggled in their favorite bed. When the doctor arrives, she will answer any questions you may have and explain each step of the process. To begin, your pet will be given a sedative to help them feel very relaxed and comfortable. While your pet is relaxing, the doctor will step outside and give you some privacy with your pet. When your pet is fully relaxed, the doctor will come back inside. They may elect to place an IV catheter, but not always. When all are ready, the final injection will be given. The doctor will confirm that your pet has passed away and again allow you some privacy with your pet should you desire it. If you have chosen aftercare with us, the doctor will respectfully shroud and carefully transport your pet to her vehicle.

We work with Faithful Companion – Pet Cremation Services a privately owned crematorium.
Communal Cremation: Your pet will be transported by Crossroads or Faithful Companion, for cremation services and will be respectfully interned at Whispering Pines Pet Cemetery in Ypsilanti, MI.
Private Cremation: Your pet will be transported by Crossroads or Faithful Companion, to their facility for cremation services. Your pet’s ashes will be hand delivered to you by Faithful Companion within 2-3 business days after the home visit.
You are welcome to make aftercare arrangements on your own or have a home burial. We highly recommend that you inquire with the municipality you intend to bury your pet in. There are various and extensive regulations/recommendations that can differ from city to city.

First your pet will be respectfully shrouded(covered). The size of your pet will determine how your pet will be carried out of your home. If small enough, your pet will be placed in a basket and carried to the doctor’s vehicle. Larger pets may require the use of a wheeled stretcher. If you or a family member wish, they may carry your pet to the doctor’s car or assist the doctor with carrying your pet on the stretcher. If your pet is over our doctor’s weight limitations or you are unable to assist the doctor, a representative from Faithful Companion will be scheduled to pick up your pet. If you feel that you need more time with your pet after they have passed, we can schedule Faithful Companion to pick up your pet when you are ready.

As we are a mobile practice that focuses on end-of-life care, we offer limited bloodwork panels. Most advanced imagery (x-rays, ultrasound, CT) and regular preventative medicine (vaccines, dental cleanings) and surgery will be referred to your regular veterinarian or specialist.