Fospice Program

What is Fospice? 

Brother Wolf's fospice program comes from a combination of the words "foster" and "hospice". These special foster homes provide comfort, support, and treatment to elderly or terminal cats and dogs, similar to palliative care for humans. 

Common diseases and reasons that make an animal a fospice candidate are:

• Cancer

• Kidney disease

• Heart disease

• Cognitive disorders

• Old age

What are my responsibilities?

As a fospice parent, we rely on you to be their caregiver. A big part of that responsibility is to watch them for signs of pain and distress, like the following:

• Changes in appetite, personality, sleep patterns, activity levels

• Changes in reaction to familiar people or familiar pets 

• Unusual shifting of weight, abnormal limping

• Restlessness

• Panting, trembling, shaking

• Excessive licking

• Excessive vocalizations

• General discomfort

Our medical team will help them get through as much of the symptoms of their illness or age as possible, and focus on keeping them comfortable. We cover all medical costs, and will provide all other needed supplies.

How do I know when to say goodbye?

The typical duration of a fospice placement is under 12 months, as the animals who enter this program are likely in the latter stages of decline.

Determining when it's time to say goodbye to your fospice pet is not black-and-white. The final decision lies ultimately with Brother Wolf, but we will be in constant communiation with you about the mental, emotional, and physial state of your fospice pet. 

There are many ways to know when it's time to say goodbye. There are several Quality of Life scales to use if you want a more quantifiable guide, see below for a few examples. But many times, the pet will tell you it's time. General disinterest in things that previously brought them joy is often a sign that they're ready.