End of Life Resources

Write a list of 3 to 5 things your pet likes to do( i.e., sit by the window, greet me at the door, spend time in the yard…). When your pet is no longer able to do these things, it may be time.

List good days and bad days on your calendar. If the bad outweighs the good, it may be time.

Look at photos and videos of your pet from before they were ill. This will help you recognize difficult-to-notice changes and gradual declines.

Factors to Consider:

• Is he eating?
• Is he soiling himself?
• Is she lifting her head to greet me? Wagging her tail?
• Can he stand on his own?
• Does she still have the look of joy in her eyes?
• Is she breathing without difficulty with a resting rate of fewer than 30 breaths per minute?
• Can I provide all his of needs?
• Can we adequately manage his pain?

For cats:

Does her body language indicate possible pain? Ex. hanging head, crouched posture, hiding, change in ear position, and squinting eyes.

Knowing When It’s Time to Say Goodbye

Quality Of Life Assessments

The quality of animals’ lives is defined by their overall physical and mental well-being, not just one aspect of their lives. These quality-of-life scales attempt to consider all aspects of your pet’s life. It is important to remember that all pets are different. What may be considered a poor quality of life for one may be different for another.

H5M2 Quality of Life Scale- This scale describes 7 parameters that can be tracked in chronic and progressive diseases: Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Hurt, Happiness, Mobility, and More good days than bad.

Each parameter gets a score from 1 – 10, with 0 being unacceptable and 10 being excellent

Scores > 35 = acceptable QOL for pets

MN Pets Quality of Life Assessment Tool– Minnesota Pets has compiled the most important aspects to consider when thinking about your pet’s end of life decision. Your answers to a series of questions pertaining to each aspect are given a numeric value to help determine a quality of life status.

Quality of Life Aspects:

Mobility, Nightime (rest/ sleep), Pain, Energy (mental health), Time, Self

MMVHS Quality of Life Scale

This scale has 14 different categories

Each category is given a score 0-5
Tallied scores/70 = a % QOL Score
QOL scores 0-25% = very poor, 25-50% = poor, 50-75% decreased to good, 75-100% = excellent

Recommendations are also listed in regard to how best to proceed

The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB)

The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB) is made up of professionally trained volunteers in pet bereavement counselling. They offer online chat rooms for helping with pet loss and anticipatory bereavement. https://www.aplb.org/
https://www.aplb.org/chat-2/

Baltimore Humane Society

The Baltimore Humane Society Memorial Park holds a monthly bereavement group to help you cope with the loss or extreme illness of a pet. Anyone whose pet has died, who has been lost, or who is ailing/aging is welcome to join the group. The group meets the first Tuesday evening of each month from 7 pm – 9 pm.

The group is a haven where individuals can freely talk about their pets knowing others are interested in hearing their stories. It is a place of emotional and practical support, helping participants cope with their loss. Please join our free, non-denominational group, led by a bereavement counsellor. You do not need to have your pet buried in the Baltimore Humane Society Memorial Park to join the group. All are welcome!
https://bmorehumane.org/cemetery-services/bereavement-counseling-and-support/

Call 410-833-8848 extension 219 or email [email protected] to RSVP by the Monday night prior.

LOU: Lifting Others Up- Pet Loss Grief Support Group

Facebook Group  https://www.facebook.com/groups/LOUPetLossSupport
Virtual Group Meetings 3rd Thursday of the month
Contact Karen Klima via Facebook group or 410-925-8587 to RSVP.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/LOUPetLossSupport

Pet Compassion Careline

Complimentary 24/7 Grief Counselor Support 1(855) 245-8214