Hospice/Euthanasia

No matter how well we love and care for our pets, unfortunately, their time with us is limited.

Our pets provide us with unconditional love, and, in turn, we are their advocate when it comes to making decisions about their health and wellbeing. The most difficult of these decisions to face is when we have a pet that is sick and dying; choices on continued treatment can be hard.

At Starkville Veterinary Hospital, we have been providing care through all phases of your pet’s life. We will continue the same kind, understanding care you have come to expect, seeing them through the last days or weeks of their life. Deciding when you may need to let go of your constant companion is a very personal and private decision, but that doesn’t mean you have to make this difficult choice on your own. Our veterinarian will make sure you have all the information you need to make the right choice as your pet’s entrusted caregiver.

Dr. Shy will examine your pet, conduct blood work, and take x-rays as necessary to determine if your pet companion still has a quality of life left. Hospice care is utilized when no further healing treatments can be given. The goal of hospice care is to make the patient comfortable while giving the family time with their beloved pet before saying goodbye. Starkville Veterinary Hospital provides palliative care beyond what you can do at home, keeping your pet calm and comfortable, whether they are suffering from a terminal medical condition or natural end of life. Our team of gentle caregivers will continue to monitor and administer pain preventatives, and address issues that would decrease quality of life.

When it is determined that a pet is suffering or has no quality of life left, Dr. Shy has hand-chosen medications that are painless and cause them to drift off into a peaceful and permanent sleep. You may stay with your faithful friend throughout the process or ask us to stand in for you.

Our hospice/euthanasia services are conducted with respect, compassion, and care. Before you struggle through one more day with a sick, elderly, or terminally ill pet that is suffering, call us at Starkville Veterinary Hospital to learn how we can help you through this difficult time.