Colleen is certified through the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care.
Animal hospice and palliative care are about keeping terminally ill pets comfortable and pain-free as they approach the end of their lives.
It is about managing their pain and their quality of life.
In death, we look for the transition to be as peaceful and pain-free as possible. She provides holistic and compassionate non-medical care and support to animals and their families at every stage of the end-of-life journey. When someone we love is diagnosed with a terminal illness, we experience a range of emotions. It can be a scary and uncertain time. We may begin to grieve in anticipation of what they will experience leading up to, and during their passing. We may have a lot of questions regarding their diagnosis, their treatment, the options available to us, and what they will experience
A Hospice and palliative care advocate can complement the veterinary and hospice care teams to provide compassionate support during this difficult time.
As a certified hospice and palliative care animal specialist,
I offer guidance on:
End-of-life options: euthanasia, hospice care, or home transitions.
Understanding your animal’s needs: Helping make informed decisions while prioritizing comfort and dignity.
Recognizing stages of death: Explaining changes in symptoms, physical condition, and behavior.
Collaborating with veterinarians: Supporting care plans to improve or maintain quality of life.
Working with holistic practitioners: Coordinating care with acupuncturists or other specialists.
Creating a soothing environment: Tips on positioning, bedding, heating pads, and improving comfort.
Remote support coordination: Working with veterinarians, pet sitters, and specialists to form a holistic care team.
Preparing your home: Creating a peaceful space, arranging medical supplies, and guiding the transition process.
Virtual support:
Regular check-ins: Offering reassurance and updates via phone or video calls.
Telemedicine consultations: Collaborating with veterinarians to ensure proper care.
Resource sharing: Guides, videos, and materials on recognizing distress, grief stages, and comfort strategies.
Ongoing support: Ensuring families feel empowered and informed during their pet’s end-of-life journey.