Why more dog and cat parents are turning to pet doulas for compassionate end-of-life care and support for their beloved companions.
Cats and dogs have one thing in common with us. They age. The problem is, they get old much faster than we do. The years fly by quickly, and before we know it, that frisky puppy or kitten becomes an ailing senior entering the final stage of life.
Losing a beloved animal companion is never easy. However, pet doula end-of-life care can make the transition less stressful and more comfortable for both you and your pet. A pet doula provides support and assistance through the final days or weeks of your dog or cat’s life.
Changing attitudes during the aging process
Age can bring a variety of ailments and illnesses to our dogs and cats – from kidney failure to cardiovascular disease to cancer. During this process, our attitudes often shift from “do everything no matter the cost” to “make him comfortable and, please, give us more time together. But how do we decide what more can be done—and when it’s time to stop?
Along with regular veterinary care, there are three routes you might take for extra help and support during this time of your animal’s life.
- Veterinarians often recommend palliative care for animals with chronic pain or illness. In these cases, the animal’s health won’t improve, but it needs to be monitored. The veterinarian typically won’t advise surgery or other drastic measures because of the animal’s age or overall physical condition. Palliative care focuses on comfort rather than cure.
- Hospice provides care, comfort, and quality of life for an animal of any age whose illness cannot be cured. “When the word ‘hospice’ is used, many people think it’s a death sentence,” says Colleen Ellis of Two Hearts Pet Loss Center. “But it’s not. It’s simply a different level and type of care. In fact, I know vets who have had dogs and cats in hospice for over a year.”
- A pet doula offers emotional and practical support, along with counseling and advice, when your dog or cat is ill and elderly. He or she helps you make decisions about their care. A doula helps you ensure the right choices are made at the right times.
What a pet doula can do
A pet doula is there for the journey, not just the destination. “Navigating the emotional and practical aspects of preparing for the end of life can be difficult,” says Tracey Walker of Let It Be Death Doula (named after the Beatles’ song Let It Be, a song of acceptance).
“I guide people through the emotional landscape of their animals’ end-of-life process. I support the grieving process and help people celebrate their beloved pets’ lives, so they can create a meaningful last memory. I am present with them emotionally, and [relieve them of the] worry and need to take care of practical details.”
Here are a few things a doula can do to support you through the final stages of your companion’s life.
- A doula can join you on visits to the veterinarian to ask difficult questions, and to make note of the answers when you’re feeling too anxious or upset to remember what’s being said.
- With knowledge based on experience with other dogs and cats, a pet doula can offer suggestions for your animal’s comfort and care well before final decisions need to be considered.
- A pet doula understands what you’re going through. She can insulate you from insensitive remarks and help you feel safe about expressing your emotions.
Society often minimizes, misunderstands, or dismisses deep emotional pain—especially for a dog or cat. This can make animal parents embarrassed to show their grief over an animal companion. A pet doula is someone you can open up to.
- When it’s time to consider euthanasia, a pet doula can explain what to expect and assist in planning a final day of love and pampering for your dog or cat. The doula will also be with you when you say goodbye to your beloved companion.
Demand for pet doulas is increasing
More people are seeking holistic and compassionate pet doula end-of-life care for their dogs and cats.
“While still considered a niche service within the broader pet care industry, the increased awareness of the emotional needs of both animals and their people suggests the trend towards utilizing pet doulas is likely to continue growing in the coming years,” says veterinarian Dr Bethany Hsia.
“As society’s attitude evolves to recognize dogs and cats as valued family members, pet doulas will play an increasingly mainstream role in providing specialized support during times of loss.”
Tracey has seen firsthand a growing interest in compassionate services. “This need reflects a broader understanding of deathcare as a fundamental aspect of community well-being,” she says. “It underscores the importance of providing dignified and empathic support during an emotionally difficult transition.”
Our dogs and cats add so much to our lives. It’s up to us to help them exit those lives with love, peace, and dignity. Acquiring the services of a pet doula can help us do just that.
Finnegan’s story – how a pet doula helped
A woman named Dawn rescued Finnegan, a lovable pit bull mix, when he was 14. Towards the end of his life, he entered palliative care, then hospice, after veterinarians discovered newly-formed lung tumors.
“We treated him like a king on his last day,” says Tracey, who served as a doula for Finnegan and Dawn. “His favorite thing was lying in the picture window. It was wonderful to see him totally relaxed on his back, long lanky legs splayed out as he soaked up the sunlight.”
Tracey helped Dawn arrange for a veterinarian to come to the house to end Finnegan’s journey, right there in his favorite picture window. Dawn scattered his ashes at her cabin by the lake, where he enjoyed watching the ducks.
The post Pet doula end-of-life care for dogs and cats appeared first on Animal Wellness Magazine.