RAINBOW BRIDGE VETERINARY SERVICES
What
We Do
Introduction
As pets approach the final stages of their lives, veterinary care becomes more important than ever to ensure they have the best possible quality of life despite their illness, to recognise when this is not longer possible, and give them a dignified and painless death when their time comes.
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But actually providing this care isn't always so straightforward. Frequent vet visits can be stressful, and not how families want to spend the limited time they have left with their pet. Addressing all of a pet's issues and their caregiver's concerns often isn't possible in a 15 minute appointment. Many pet owners avoid going to the vets at all for fear of being talked into a treatment they don't want, or being told they have no choice but to put their pet to sleep.
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At home Palliative, Hospice, and End of Life Care focuses on maximising comfort and quality of life, minimising stress and anxiety, and helping pets and their families make the most of the time they have left, whether that be months or hours.
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What is Palliative Care?
There comes a point in many patient's lives when pursuing curative treatment is either not possible, or no longer in their best interest. This does not necessarily mean a patient is expected to pass away imminently, but at this point, the focus of care shifts to maximising their quality of life through pain and symptom management, nutritional support, and environmental modification.
Pets that might benefit from palliative care include senior pets with degenerative conditions like arthritis or cognitive dysfunction, or those that have recently received a diagnosis of a chronic progressive condition like a slow growing tumour or chronic kidney disease.
Palliative care also includes care for pet owners themselves - helping them understand how their pet's condition is likely to progress, how to monitor and manage discomfort, and how to make the most of the time they and their pet have left together.
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What is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is essentially palliative care for patients in the terminal phase of their illness, usually when their life expectancy is 3 months or less, and more intensive care is required to properly manage their comfort and quality of life until they pass away or a decision is made to perform euthanasia.
Pets that might benefit from hospice care include those with end stage liver or kidney disease, aggressive or advanced cancers, or those that have been receiving palliative care whose condition has progressed.
Hospice care also involves helping caregivers prepare for the difficult decisions that lie ahead, including end of life plans, aftercare options, and bereavement support.
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What is Gentle Euthanasia?
We truly believe that euthanasia is the last kindness we can offer our animal companions, allowing them to pass on with dignity and compassion. Gentle euthanasia means we aim for your pet's passing to be as relaxed and painless as possible, for both you and them. In the comfort of home, surrounded by their family, we give sedation first to ensure they slip into a deep peaceful sleep before the final injection is given. Free from the limitations of a busy clinic setting, you will have as much time as you need to spend with your pet before, during, and after the euthanasia procedure to say your final goodbyes.​
If you would like to know more detail about the gentle euthanasia process, please visit our page 'What to Expect During Euthanasia'.
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What if I want to allow my pet to die naturally?
It is common for pet owners to hope their pet will pass away peacefully in their sleep. Sometimes this is because caregivers are hoping to avoid having to make the decision to euthanise, or it may be because of personal or religious beliefs. Hospice supported natural death is possible in some cases. However, natural death is often not as quick or painless as we imagine it to be. The risk of a very painful or stressful death is greater with certain illnesses, and we never want a pet's final moments to be ones of distress. It is also not something every caregiver is prepared to witness. If you are considering a hospice supported natural death, we can work with you to decide if this is a suitable option for you and your pet.​
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What happens after my pet passes away?
If you choose to bury your pet at home, we will take paw prints and fur clippings if you would like these, and leave your pet's remains with you. If you choose cremation, we will arrange all of the details for you, including transportation of their remains to the crematorium.
There are also a variety of keepsakes available to help memorialize your pet.
Please see our Aftercare page for more information.
It is also important to recognize that the loss of a pet can be devastating. Grief is completely normal, and there are supports available to help you. Please see our Bereavement Support page for more information.