Services · Quality of life
Pet quality-of-life assessment
Is it time? Help with a hard decision
If you're not sure whether it's time to say goodbye, start with our quality-of-life scale. If you'd like to talk it through, one of our veterinarians can go over it with you in a consultation by phone or video call.
Deciding when to euthanize a pet you love is one of the hardest decisions a family makes. Often it's made to spare a well-loved animal suffering they don't need to go through. A pet's well-being comes down to their physical and mental health, across every part of their life, and we can help you look at all of it.
- By phone or videoQuality-of-life consultations
- No pressureYou decide if and when
- 8 am to 8 pmWhen our Client Care Team replies
- Open every day7 days a week, 365 days a year
Understanding quality of life and end-of-life decisions
Your pet, and your whole family
When you weigh your pet's well-being, what makes your pet and your family who you are matters as much as the medical details. It helps to understand your pet's condition, and also to be clear about how you want your pet and the people who love them to spend their last days together.
So a quality-of-life assessment isn't only about your pet. It takes in the whole family.
Our quality-of-life scale
We created a self-assessment tool to help you picture your dog's or cat's quality of life right now. Going through it can show you changes you've half noticed, and it gives you something concrete to talk over with your family, or with us.
Take the quality-of-life assessment
Signs your pet may be suffering
Every pet is different, and no one sign tells you it's time. These are some we watch for:
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of mobility
If you're seeing these, our scale and a consultation can help you weigh them.
Good days and bad days
Many pets have good days and bad days near the end, and this is one of the hardest parts for families. It's natural to hope for a sign, or to wait until there are only bad days left. But that often means waiting until your pet is in real distress.
Many families find it easier to think of it another way. Choosing a relatively good day lets your pet pass away peacefully with their family around them, rather than in a crisis, and spares them the bad days still to come.
Quality-of-life consultation by phone or video
For families who are struggling with the decision. Many come away more confident about judging their pet's quality of life and the timing of euthanasia.
Book a time
Fill out our form or call us. Our Client Care Team replies between 8 am and 8 pm. We'll set up a phone call or a Google Meet video call, whichever suits you.
We look over your pet's records
Our veterinarian reviews your pet's previous medical records before you talk.
The conversation
We listen to your concerns and give you our professional advice, so you can make an informed decision about your pet's end-of-life care.
Afterwards
We don't offer diagnostics or treatment, but if your pet would benefit, we can prescribe oral sedation to give before a euthanasia visit. There's no pressure to book anything. When you're ready, our vet comes to your home.
Quality-of-life consultations take place by phone or video call, not in your home.
Three ways we can help before the visit
The quality-of-life scale
Our self-assessment tool for dogs and cats. Take it at home, in your own time, and come back to it whenever you need to.
Quality-of-life consultation
About 30 minutes by phone or Google Meet with one of our veterinarians, who reviews your pet's records, listens to your concerns and gives you professional advice on your pet's end-of-life care.
Planning for a nervous pet
Is your pet nervous, anxious or prone to mild aggression when scared? A short call of about 15 minutes helps us plan a calmer euthanasia visit. We'll likely prescribe oral medication for you to give beforehand, called in to your regular clinic or a nearby pharmacy. The medication and the pharmacy's dispensing fee are paid there.
What families say
More than 550 families have given us five stars on Google.
- Amanda Wright
It was a very difficult decision to choose to say goodbye bye to our beloved doodle of 14.5years. From the moment Dr.Hooper arrived she made us feel completely validated that we were making the right choice. The entire experience was lovely, and I highly recommend this service and her.
- Safiya Hosein
My family and I had to make the difficult decision to put down our 10 year old cat creampuff. I contacted Peaceful Passing to inquire about the process. The team was extremely compassionate and helpful, they answered all my questions and did it with empathy. Dr.Suzanne explained the entire process very thoroughly. She was patient and so kind. Although this has been a hard time my experience with team at Peaceful passing made it easier. Thank you again ❤️
- Elizabeth Hilgers
Incredible staff and communication. Dr Kirsten came to our home on the Saturday of a long weekend to help us say goodbye to our dog. The process was very peaceful and she helped make a difficult decision feel more comfortable.
- COLLEEN BOUCHER
It has been a couple of weeks since I said goodbye to my best friend. It was the most difficult day and decision to make, however, Dr. Hooper made the whole process feel a little less heavy. She was patient and gentle, she walked through the whole process, and gave us as much time as we needed for each step. Dr. Hooper was extremely kind and caring. I was grateful to have had this experience at home with no added stress to my sweet boy or our family. I am so so thankful this service exists. Cannot recommend enough for the toughest moment.
- Amy Perkins
We couldn't have asked for a better experience in dealing with a very sad occasion. We all know that our pets won't live forever but we love them with everything we have and facing their end of life is so hard. Dr. Suzanne and Laura were so kind and caring. Being able to hold and love our sweet girl in her own space was the only way to go. They were quick and responsive - it's hard to wait when you've made the decision, and Dr. Suzanne gave us the time that we needed to say goodbye. I would recommend this service to anyone having to face this tough decision.
- Jasmine Cote-Roberts
Our experience with peaceful passing was beyond compassionate and exceptional for such a heavy decision and emotional time. Suzanne was incredibly patient, kind and reassuring. We truly don’t know how we could have gotten through this without her support. We are so appreciative that we were able to use peaceful passings services and assistance when saying goodbye to our beloved cat, Lb. Thank you so much for your kindness, care and ability to deliver such a delicate service.
- Heather Cuthbert
My 90 year old Mother finally made the unselfish decision to have her elderly cats euthanized. Laura and Dr. Suzanne made the whole process simple and explained all details involved. Although I was not there for the procedure my Mom and her friend Jim expressed their heartfelt thanks for the overwhelming care and kindness from Dr. Suzanne. We are all so grateful for their time and service. Thank you so very much ❤️
- Cameron Azulay
We recently used Peaceful Passing for our beloved Penny Lou, and we are so grateful for the care and support we received during such a difficult time. Dr. Cathy Hooper was incredibly kind, compassionate, patient, and informative, taking the time to explain the process and answer all of our questions. Most importantly, she treated our Penny with such dignity and gentle care, which brought us a great deal of comfort. While saying goodbye was difficult to say the least, the experience was peaceful and handled with the utmost professionalism. We would highly recommend Peaceful Passing to anyone facing this difficult decision.
- Daniel Capoferri
We recently had to say goodbye to our beloved Rocco, who was with us for 9.5 years but had become ill after a number of issues. This was the hardest decision of our life. Dr. Suzanne was extremely compassionate, calm, and helpful throughout the entire experience. She approached Rocco so lovingly and calmly, discussed all of the details with us, and was so gentle and loving towards him. Rocco passed very peacefully; it was his time and I am happy he is no longer in pain. Thank you to Peaceful Passing for how well they handled the situation with us.
Questions about quality of life
How do I know when it's time to consider euthanasia for my pet?
Every pet is different, so there's no single answer. Signs that your pet may be suffering include loss of appetite, difficulty breathing and loss of mobility. Our quality-of-life scale can help you see where your pet is today, and a consultation with one of our vets can help you decide.
My pet has good days and bad days. How can I choose a day?
This is one of the hardest parts. It's natural to wait for a sign, or until there are only bad days left, but that often means waiting until your pet is in real distress. Many families find comfort in choosing a relatively good day, so their pet can pass away peacefully with their family around them rather than in a crisis.
Do you come to my home for a quality-of-life assessment?
Our quality-of-life consultations are by phone or video call, so you can talk with one of our veterinarians from home. When you're ready for euthanasia, our vet comes to you.
Will the vet examine or treat my pet?
No. A consultation is a conversation, and we don't offer diagnostics or treatment based on it. For those, please see your regular veterinarian. If your pet would benefit, we can prescribe oral sedation for you to give before a euthanasia visit.
Do I have to book euthanasia after a consultation?
No. A consultation is there to help you make an informed decision, without any pressure to go ahead. Some families book soon after, and some wait. When you're ready, fill out our form or call us.
My pet is very anxious with vets. Can you help?
Yes. A short phone call before the euthanasia visit lets us make a plan for your pet. We'll likely prescribe oral medication for you to give before we arrive, so your pet is calm and relaxed by the time our vet comes in.
Talk to one of our vets about your pet
Book a quality-of-life consultation by phone or video call, or start with our quality-of-life scale. Our Client Care Team replies between 8 am and 8 pm.