Frequently Asked Questions

Palliative care is focused on relieving pain, discomfort, or other symptoms of serious or chronic illness in animals, without trying to cure the underlying disease. The goal is to improve the quality of life for pets (and their families) when they have been diagnosed with a terminal or incurable illness.

It’s often used for pets with terminal illnesses like cancer, kidney failure, or advanced arthritis, or for very elderly pets whose bodies are slowing down.

Palliation and hospice for pets are closely related, but there are some key differences in focus, timing, and goals.
Simply put:

• Palliative care can be a longer-term approach to managing illness and maintaining comfort — even months or years.
• Hospice care is end-of-life care, when the focus has shifted entirely from treatment to comfort and closure.

This 2.5-hour in-home appointment takes a holistic look at your pet’s health. Best suited for geriatric or terminally ill pets, the focus is on comfort, pain management, and overall quality of life.

We assess appetite, hydration, mobility, and hygiene. We also provide access to our online Pet Hospice Journal to help track your pet’s condition. Our veterinarian will examine your pet, discuss your concerns, and help you understand the likely progression of their illness.

We’ll then create a personalized care plan and offer ongoing support through teleconsults or in-home follow-up. When it’s time, we will assist with pre-planning for end-of-life decisions, so you feel prepared and supported when the time comes.

Our in-home euthanasia service offers a peaceful, compassionate farewell in the comfort of your pet’s own space. The 2.5-hour appointment includes:

• Gentle sedation
• A calm, respectful euthanasia
• A memorial item to honour your pet

We also help with aftercare arrangements and transportation. If your pet experiences anxiety, we may recommend sedation prior to our arrival—please let us know your concerns in advance. You’ll be asked to complete an intake form so we can tailor the experience to your preferences and ensure all details are handled thoughtfully.

Occasionally, we have availability for evenings, weekends, or statutory holidays. Please call or submit our online form for details. After-hours appointments incur an additional fee of $125, and statutory holiday appointments are subject to a $150 surcharge.

This is the most common—and most difficult—question we hear. While some people feel they’ll “just know,” others need more guidance. That’s perfectly okay.
We help you evaluate your pet’s quality of life by considering things like:

• Is their pain managed?
• Are they breathing comfortably?
• Are they still enjoying life?
• Can they tolerate the care they require?
• Do you have the resources to continue providing support?

Our team is here to help you navigate these questions with compassion and honesty. We’ll guide you through the process and respect whatever decision you make.

We accept the following payment methods:

• Preferred: Contactless e-transfer to reception@gracefultransitionsvet.ca
• Other options: Cash (exact amount required) or credit card (with a $15 processing fee)

Our team is here to help you navigate these questions with compassion and honesty. We’ll guide you through the process and respect whatever decision you make.

We take aftercare seriously and are proud to partner with Gateway Pet Memorial Services in Surrey. You can choose from:

• Private cremation: Your pet is cremated individually; ashes are returned in about two weeks.
• Communal cremation: Your pet is cremated with others; ashes are not returned and are respectfully spread in a private country meadow in the Fraser Valley.

Visit Gateway Pet Memorial for detailed pricing and service information. If you prefer another local crematorium, let us know in your intake form and we’ll honour your request.

Yes. Families are welcome to bring their pet directly to Gateway Pet Memorial in Surrey, BC. This allows more time for goodbye and ensures you handle transportation yourself. Contact Gateway at 604-924-1160 to schedule your visit and discuss requirements.

Burial is generally discouraged due to the environmental risks posed by euthanasia medications, which can remain active for years. If you do choose burial:

• Check your local municipality’s regulations
• Ensure you own (or have permission to use) the property
• Follow safety guidelines to protect wildlife and the environment

Cremation is a safer and more environmentally responsible alternative.

Yes. We require at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling. A 50% cancellation fee will apply to appointments changed without this notice. If you need more details, please reach out—we’re here to help.