Quality of Life Assessment

Whether your beloved pet has a chronic condition, a life limiting disease or problems associated with natural aging, you may not be sure if your pet’s life journey is at the end or what decision to make. We understand your concerns and Kindred Spirits Pet Services offers end of life counseling to help with this challenging situation.

Dr. Barrett can perform a 1-hour Quality of Life Assessment for your pet to help you make the best choice for you and your companion. We will contact your veterinarian to request medical records to learn as much as we can about your pet before the assessment. Dr. Barrett will meet with you and your pet in the comfortable environment of your home rather than the busy and stressful setting of a veterinary clinic. The assessment can also be completed in the Kindred Spirits comfort room if needed. We want to understand the health problems your pet is facing and what their usual day is like to best determine both their and your physical, emotional and social needs.

The 1-hour assessment includes a physical examination, pain evaluation, and questionnaire regarding your pet’s quality of life. Dr. Barrett will provide you with options and guidance, which may include:

additional testing and treatment with your primary veterinarian or specialist
pet hospice and palliative care through Kindred Spirits to improve your pet’s comfort and quality of life and maximize the time you have with them
natural death at home or humane euthanasia to end pain and/or suffering

Dr. Barrett can prescribe pain medications if needed for comfort care. (Up to 3 months pain management comfort care can be provided, after that time a follow-up appointment is required. A follow-up quality of life consultation or hospice consultation is recommended.) ***Not accepting new hospice patients at this time. ***

Gentle humane euthanasia can also be administered after the Quality of Life Assessment visit for an additional fee. Please let Kindred Spirits staff know if you are considering euthanasia at the quality of life consultation and need additional time.

Assessing Your Own Quality Of LIfe

As you consider the phrase “quality of life”, remember this pertains to the quality of your pet’s life as well as your own. It is important to also think of your own needs during this time. Here are some questions to ask yourself that can help you keep track of your quality of life.

How much of my time will go toward taking care of my pet?
How much time do I have to spare?
What cost will I incur to take care of my pet?
What other financial responsibilities do I have?
What other responsibilities do I have in my life (job, parenting)?
Who else do I need to consider (my partner, children, parents, other pets)?
Who can help me?
What other stresses and obligations do I have in my life right now?

Assessing your own life does not diminish the love or care you are giving to your pet, but rather emphasizes which priorities need to be tended to and in which order. While it can be hard to make difficult decisions based on financial or other limitations, it is important to take care of yourself and also remember that you have done and are still doing the best that you can for your pet.

Pet Hospice - Home Euthanasia - Aquamation

Quality of Life Assessment

Quality of Life Appointment Downloads

Assessing Your Own Quality Of LIfe