“How will I know it’s time?” is one of the most frequently asked questions by caregivers. Partnering with them in decision making to euthanize their pet is an essential part of a veterinarian’s job. Diseases and treatment related effects impact a patient’s quality of life and with more therapeutic interventions and radical surgical procedures now available to prolong life, the onus is on the veterinary team to put the patient’s best interests first, and quality rather than quantity of life is a priority. Hospice and palliative care embrace an inherent set of values that aim to eliminate and prevent suffering but end of life is also an area that is both spiritually and morally complex. Veterinary professionals must be able to assist families with different views about the appropriateness of ending a life. If a family chooses not to pursue euthanasia or requests a “natural passing” we must respect this. “Hospice assisted” or “palliated” death are terms that are being used to clarify how we can improve the quality of death in these situations. Communication about these issues can be challenging but are essential for a good outcome for the pet and family.
