Compassionate & Humane End-of-Life Care for Pets

Compassion. Guidance. Respect.

pet end-of-life care We understand your needs during this difficult stage of your pet’s life. The team of professionals at Duxbury Animal Hospital is here to guide you through the end of life, from palliative care to afterlife services.

Palliative Care Means Comfort

When there is no cure for your pet’s illness or injury, palliative care provides comfort and management of pain. This is achieved through both pharmaceutical management and non-drug therapies, combined with environmental adjustments designed to bring comfort and support.

Many pharmaceutical interventions are available, depending upon the patient’s disease and overall condition, including:

Anti-inflammatories
Local anesthetics
Steroids
Opioids

Other options include laser therapy, nutritional support, heat, massage, special grooming, and surgical procedures to relieve pressure and discomfort.

Pre-emptive pain management anticipates pain prior to its onset, and minimizing or eliminating the pain response in advance. Getting ahead of the pain keeps pets more comfortable for a longer period of time.

Environmental adjustments may include soft bedding, ramps, and other adjustments to make life easier for your pet. Typically, we combine pharmaceutical management with other options to create a personalized treatment plan for each patient.

When the End Is Near

Deciding to initiate euthanasia services can be difficult for pet owners. Our veterinarians are pet owners too, and understand your need for guidance and support. Whenever possible, we support the needs and wishes of our pet owners.

We respect the life of every animal, and believe your pet deserves a humane end. When the time comes, our euthanasia drugs create a peaceful passing. You have the option of being with your companion or trusting us to care for your pet during this procedure.

Pet Cremation & Burial Services

Final Gift Pet Memorial Center provides the most reputable and sensitive pet cremation and burial services available to the New England community.

Pet Loss Hotline

Tufts University offers a pet loss hotline to support people as they work through the pain and grief associated with pet loss. They understand the special bonds people have with their pets and understand the impact of their loss. Visit the Tufts website for support and resources or download their brochure.

Call the hotline at (508) 839-7966

Hotline Hours

During the academic year: Monday – Thursday: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. EST. Messages left during off-hours will be returned, at no cost to the caller, during the next normal hotline shift.

During the summer: hours vary, please call for more information.