At Port City Animal Hospital, we understand that decisions about your pet’s quality of life are some of the most difficult you may ever face. Please know you are not alone. Our team is here to guide you with empathy, honesty, and support every step of the way.

Supporting Senior Pets at Home

As pets age, small changes can make a big difference in their comfort and mobility.

We may recommend:

  • Ramps or blocking stairs

  • Orthopedic bedding

  • Pain medications or joint supplements

  • Prescription diets

  • Physical therapy or supportive treatments

Regular wellness exams and annual bloodwork are especially important for senior pets. Establishing baseline values helps us detect changes early and begin treatment sooner, often extending both lifespan and quality of life.

Common Conditions in Senior Pets

Some of the most common age-related conditions we see include:

  • Arthritis

  • Kidney disease

  • Heart disease

  • Dental disease

  • Urinary issues
     

When identified early, many of these conditions can be managed with diagnostics, medications, and lifestyle adjustments to keep your pet comfortable.

When Is It Time?

Every pet is different, and you know your pet best. Common signs that quality of life may be declining include:
 

  • Loss of interest in play or interaction

  • Difficulty standing, walking, or getting comfortable

  • Continual decreased appetite or thirst

  • Lethargy

  • Loss of bladder or bowel control despite treatment

  • More bad days than good days
     

We encourage families to use quality-of-life tools such as the Lap of Love Quality of Life Scale and resources from Veterinary Partner’s Hospice & Palliative Care for Pets.

You may also schedule a Quality of Life Exam with us so we can assess your pet together and help you make the most compassionate decision.

Hospice, Palliative Care & Euthanasia

Some families choose hospice or palliative care to focus on comfort when a cure is no longer possible. Others may reach a point where euthanasia is the kindest option. We will help you understand all options and never pressure you—our goal is to support both you and your pet.

What to Expect During Euthanasia

Our priority is making the experience peaceful and gentle.

  • Your pet is placed in a quiet, private room with a blanket.

  • We allow time for family members to say goodbye.

  • A sedative is given after a decision is made so that your pet is fully relaxed and comfortable.

  • Once they are resting peacefully, the final medication is administered.

The process is calm, painless, and handled with great care.

Family members are welcome to be present. Other pets may also say goodbye if you feel that would help. Please remember that pets can grieve too—if you notice behavioral changes, we are here to help.

In-Home Euthanasia

We offer in-home euthanasia when scheduling allows. The process is the same as in-clinic but performed in the comfort of your home. Advance notice is typically required to accommodate travel time. If cremation is elected, we will respectfully transport your pet and coordinate arrangements for you with Good Shepherd Pet Services.

Aftercare Options

We offer several aftercare options, including:

  • Private cremation (ashes returned to you)

  • Communal cremation

  • Memorial products

  • Burial options (where permitted)
     

Our team will walk you through each option so you can choose what feels right for your family.

While we do offer Good Shepherd Pet Services for cremation services and memorial products, we are always open to working with the company of your choosing. If you would like to work with another company, we just request that you contact them first-hand and make the necessary arrangements and then let us know what you need from us.

Grieving the loss of a pet is real and deeply personal. If you need additional support, grief counseling resources are available through Good Shepherd and Lap of Love. Please let us know if we can help connect you with these groups or other groups that are available.

If you are unsure about your pet’s quality of life or simply need someone to talk through your options, we encourage you to schedule a consultation, call us at (912) 525-0255.

At Port City Animal Hospital, we are honored to care for your pet and to support your family with compassion and respect during this deeply meaningful time.