People have come to bond with their pets in much the same way they bond with people. Pets are treated and loved like family members and they comfort their owners much like a close friend or relative. It is no wonder then that during one of the most important and challenging life stages–the end-of-life journey–pets can play a critical role.
Unfortunately, as families deal with grief and loss during hospice care, beloved pets may be overlooked or forgotten, or treated as an afterthought by family members unfamiliar with the patient’s bond with a pet. Banfield Charitable Trust is committed to educating hospices about the importance of pets in the lives of hospice patients and helping them support patients and pets in practical ways as they share the end of life journey together.
If you are a nonprofit hospice, we encourage you to learn more about our hospice program Pet Peace of Mind and email Dr. Delana Taylor McNac, Pet Peace of Mind program manager, with your questions or request for a phone conversation.
See a full list of our nonprofit hospice partners.
Be sure to check out our suggestions for pet owners facing hospice care.
