Understanding Pet Hospice & In-Home Euthanasia: Our Experience with Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice and in home Euthanasia
When you’re nearing the end of your pet’s life journey, the decisions you face can feel overwhelming. Knowing what to expect—and knowing that you have gentle, compassionate support—can make all the difference. That’s where pet hospice and in-home euthanasia come in.
We recently experienced this firsthand with our beloved pup, Baku. Sharing our story feels important, not only to honor him but to help other pet parents understand what pet hospice truly is, and how deeply meaningful it can be when handled with love and care.
🐾 What Is Pet Hospice?
Pet hospice is a specialized type of veterinary care designed to provide comfort—not cure—as your pet nears the end of life. The focus is on quality time, pain management, emotional support, and helping both pets and their families prepare for what comes next.
Hospice can involve:
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Pain and symptom management at home
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Guidance on mobility, nutrition, hydration, and comfort
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Emotional support for pet parents and families
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Gentle communication about what to expect as things progress
The goal is to create more good days together, and to support your pet in familiar surroundings where they feel safe and loved.
💛 Our Experience with Lap of Love
We turned to Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice when Baku’s health began to decline. They offer in-home pet hospice and euthanasia services, and from the very first phone call, we knew we were in good hands.
Lap of Love assigns you a care team that includes both a veterinarian and nursing staff. They communicate regularly, check in on your pet’s comfort, and help guide you step by step. There’s no pressure—just honesty, kindness, and the space to make the best decisions for your unique situation.
Unfortunately, later that same week, it was time to say goodbye to our sweet Baku. Lap of Love came to our home again, and what followed was one of the most peaceful and dignified experiences we could have imagined.
🌿 Saying Goodbye at Home
The veterinarian who came—Dr. Jeremy—was extraordinary. He brought an entire bag of beef jerky just for Baku. He was warm, gentle, and open-hearted, allowing us to choose where we wanted to be. Whether inside or outside, on the porch or in Baku’s favorite sunny spot, they support your decision every step of the way.
We were able to say goodbye in a calm, comforting environment, surrounded by love, other pets, and family.
Dr. Jeremy helped us create a clay paw print impression and gently trimmed some of Baku’s fur for us to keep. He wrapped Baku in soft blankets and carried him with so much dignity and respect—on a stretcher, carefully and lovingly—to be transported to the funeral home.
He cried with us. Truly. He didn’t just care for Baku—he grieved with us. And in the weeks that followed, he continued to check in on us.
🐕 Why This Level of Care Matters
We believe every pet deserves this level of compassion, honor, and love at the end of their life. Lap of Love made that possible for us, and we will forever be grateful.
If you’re facing a difficult decision or your pet is entering their final chapter, we encourage you to explore pet hospice as an option. It doesn’t mean giving up. It means choosing comfort, connection, and peace for the ones who’ve given us their whole hearts.
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