Dealing with the End of Life

Who is Involved?

• Dog ownership is very popular and continues to grow throughout the years. Dog owners feel that their dogs are not just pets - but members of their family. 

• As of 2022, 44.5% of U.S. households were dog owners.  - Source

• Between 2016-2022, the percentage of U.S. households that own dogs increased by 6.1% from 38.4% to 44.5%. - Source

Issues Facing a Dog Owner When Facing a Dog's Imminent Passing

• Most of these households will have to deal with the difficult process of aging dogs and their impending death.  

• Often dog owners are guided by their veterinarians when it comes to end-of-life medical decisions. 

• However, beyond the medical decisions that need to be made - there are practical issues facing a dog owner at the end of their pet's life. 

  • How will I be able to lift my 80 lb. dog to get them to the veterinarian or animal hospital? 

  • Will I be able to physically transport and emotionally handle that day?

Why a Caring, Supportive End of Life Caregiveer Matters for a Dog and Its Owner

• Providing emotional support to a pet owner leading up to the day of a dog's death can be invaluable. 

• Having a caring, supportive 3rd party get to know your dog at the end of its life in order to gain its trust can make the day of its passing somewhat easier on  the dog and the owner.

• Allowing a dog and its owner to say goodbye in the safety of their home without having to worry about how they are going to transport their dog to the veternarian or animal hospital puts less stress on the owner and the dog.