Hospice FAQ

What is Pet Hospice?

The mission of hospice care is to assure your faithful companion is comfortable and pain-free for as long as they can maintain their quality-of-life.

Hospice care allows your pet to enjoy the last days of life in familiar surroundings in the company of loved ones. Furthermore, it allows the family to have more time with their pet truly allowing a family to “do everything I can” for the care of their dying pet.

We are based on the human hospice concept, and follow the guidelines of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care.  

We understand that the bond between a pet parent and their fur-baby is very special.  They truly are family members, and as such, deserve the same end-of-life care that other family members receive.  

We know that “walking this last mile” is an emotional challenge, and we will be with you each step of the way. Not only do we care for your pet, we provide emotional care and support for the entire family.  

I have children at home. How do I explain what is happening to them?

As licensed funeral directors, we have explained death to many children.  We will talk with you, and them if you desire, and explain what is happening to them in terms they can understand.  We don't just care for your pet, we are companions with your entire family, as you walk through this journey. We also have Chaplains and counselors available if you and your family need or want additional support.

Will my pet die naturally, or will euthanasia be necessary?

This is a question that your pet will answer.  We will be in daily contact with you, either by phone or in person, and will walk you through the stages of the dying process.  Often, a natural death will occur as your pet declines.  

If there comes a time where the pain cannot be controlled, or your pet's quality-of-life has diminished, then we will be with you to help you as you make this decision.  We understand the guilt that goes along with this decision..."did I wait too long?” or “did I do it too soon?” are common questions asked by pet parents.  Our extensive training in grief and bereavement counseling, as well as our own personal experience with our pets, will allow us to walk with you on this journey, so you don't have to make these decisions alone.  

If a scheduled death is required, one of our Veterinarians will come to your home when you are ready.  Your pets final transition will be in the privacy and comfort of your home, not in a cold, sterile clinic environment.  Your home will literally, be transformed into a "sacred place" during this transition, and we will be with you during this time.  

Our staff of hospice Veterinarians will also be available to come to your home and evaluate your pet anytime you request it.  We are available to you 24-hours-a-day, so you never have to be alone.  

I asked my veterinarian about hospice and he told me there was "no such thing". How do I know you are credible?

Even though pet hospice is recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association, because the concept is relatively new, many veterinarians are still unaware of the practice.  

While pet hospice is widely recognized in other areas of the U.S., it is new to Texas. Beyond the Rainbow is the first Pet Hospice in Texas, and we are trying to get the word out to veterinarians in the Dallas/Fort worth area as fast as we can.  We have walked this journey with over 125 pet parents since December 2009.

We are members of the Pet Loss Professionals Alliance and the Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care, and are both licensed funeral directors and former funeral home owners.

In September of 2009, we attended the Second Annual Symposium for Animal Hospice Care, held  at the University of California at Davis Veterinary School. There were over 125 pet hospice professionals in attendance, so while it may be new to your veterinarian, it is certainly not new in other areas of the Country.

Do I need a referral from my Veterinarian?

We do not need a referral from your Veterinarian.  

If you believe that your beloved pet would benefit from hospice care; if you have exhausted all treatment options but aren't ready to say good-bye; if you want your fur-baby to spend its final days in the comfortable, familiar surroundings of home with the people that it loves and trust most, then call us.  

We come to your home and provide an evaluation, at no charge.  Our Veterinarian can see your pet, IN YOUR HOME, within 24 hours of our initial contact, so your pet never has to endure painful and stressful transport to a clinic again.  

Because all of our care is in the home, you and your precious fur-baby are always, comfortable and calm.