Quality of Life Consultations
Quality of Life Consultations:
A Thoughtful First Step
There are so many questions and considerations that we can help support you through.
How Do I Know When It’s Time?
This is the dreaded dilemma most pet caregivers face at some time in their journey with their pets. Unfortunately, there is no perfect answer to this question, as it is highly personal and dependent on not just the pet’s condition, as so many other factors come into consideration when making a decision for euthanasia.
This is the most common and difficult question asked by pet lovers and caregivers. Here are some articles that may help navigate you through your pet’s End-of-Life journey:
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
See how a Quality of Life Consultation can support you
A simple, one-page overview of what to expect
Ready to talk through your pet’s quality of life?
Book a consultation or reach out to learn more.
Who is this for?
This consultation may be right for you if:
• You’re unsure about your pet’s quality of life
• You’re wondering if it may be time to consider euthanasia
• Your pet has a chronic or progressive condition or terminal illness
• You want guidance and support in planning next steps
• You want to feel more prepared and confident in your decisions
What is included in Your Consultation?
🐾 1.5 hours of one-on-one consultation with Certified Hospice & Palliative Care Veterinarian, Dr. Erica.
🐾 In-depth exploration of the many facets of your pet’s quality of life, including discussing your unique concerns for your pet, yourself, and your family.
🐾 Reviewing QOL scales and pain scales to help provide a more objective assessment of your pet.
🐾 Consults may transition into palliative comfort care or collaboration with your family veterinary team which may enhance your pet’s quality of life, or may facilitate planning for end-of-life care.
🐾 Farewell Planning: includes a discussion of goals for how you would like your pet’s end of life journey to look and how these goals could be achieved.
🐾 Discussion of what in-home euthanasia may look like.
🐾 Creating an End of Life Plan.
🐾 A written summary for you and your family veterinarian.
Now offering both virtual and in-home
Quality of Life consultations.
Choose the option that feels right for your family.
In-home consultations include a house call fee based on travel distance.
What Pet Families Are Saying
What This Consultation Does (and Does Not) Include
Quality of Life consultations are not intended to diagnose or treat, but rather support you in a different and broader way for making decisions for your pet.
This consultation does not include ongoing medical management, medications, treatment suggestions, or integrative palliative/hospice therapies.
Should you and your pet could benefit from ongoing care, communication, and planning, we will discuss how this may be facilitated.
Our Approach
A Safe Space for Honest, Judgement-Free Conversations
Our quality of life (QOL) consultations focus on better understanding your pet’s condition and possible progression, as well as family beliefs, values, experiences, and resources, including time, emotional and physical support, and financial budgets.
We look at all aspects of care to help make informed decisions supporting what is best for the pet AND the family.
As pet caregivers truly understand their pet’s personal preferences the most, we partner with you, offering professional guidance and tools to help measure quality of life more objectively.
Managing pain and anxiety go a long way in promoting good quality of life.
Together, during our 1.5 hour in-depth QOL consultations, we explore three main components of your pet’s wellbeing: physical, social, and psychological. We further break down these elements, guiding you with questionnaires, QOL scales, and open dialogue.
Our goal is to guide our families through the complex End-of-Life decision-making process in a way that supports the anticipatory grief felt deeply by families during this time, while helping families feel as prepared as possible for the next steps.
Tools to Help You Make Confident Decisions
🐾 A Consultation with our team: Guided support to help you navigate quality of life, palliative care, hospice-supported natural death, and euthanasia—so you can make informed, compassionate decisions with confidence.
🐾 Seek support from friends and family who understand the connection you share with your beloved pet.
🐾 Compare photos or videos of your pet to see the subtle changes that take place over time.
🐾 List 3-5 favourite things: when they no longer able to enjoy these, it may be time to consider euthanasia.
🐾 Tracking good and bad days on a calendar: when there are more bad days than good, it may be time to discuss euthanasia.
Our QOL Calendar, Scale, & Daily Diary is available here:
What to Expect After You Book With Us
To ensure your consultation is as thoughtful and supportive as possible, we take a few steps to prepare in advance:
1. Confirming Your Appointment
Once your booking is confirmed and payment is received, you’ll receive a short health questionnaire to complete online.
2. Thoughtful Preparation
Dr. Erica will review your responses in advance and send you additional information, including guidance on assessing your pet’s comfort and your secure link for the virtual consultation.
3. Your Virtual Consultation
At your scheduled time, simply join using the link provided. We’ll spend dedicated time discussing your concerns, your pet’s quality of life, and next steps.
4. Ongoing Support
You’ll receive a personalized written summary within 1–3 business days to help guide your decisions moving forward.
Please note: Appointments are scheduled in advance to allow time for careful review and preparation.
Common Questions About
Quality of Life Consultations
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You may consider a consultation anytime you are feeling unsure about your pet’s comfort, quality of life, or what to do next. Many families reach out when they notice changes in mobility, appetite, behaviour, or cognition, or when they begin to question if it may be time to consider euthanasia.
These consults are especially helpful for those wanting to feel more prepared for your pet’s end-of-life or for those wanting to know what to expect during a euthanasia experience.
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Yes we offer both virtual and in-home Quality of Life consultations. Choose the option that feels right for your family. In-home consultations include a house call fee based on travel distance. If a pain management plan is desired following this, we can quote you and make separate arrangements for this type of care.
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Anyone involved in your pet’s care or decision-making is welcome to attend. Many families find it helpful for all key decision-makers to be present so everyone can ask questions and feel supported.
If this is not possible, we encourage you to review our online QOL questionnaire, as well as QOL and pain scales together before the consultation.
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No, a separate consultation is not required before scheduling an in-home euthanasia with us. Some families feel ready to proceed with euthanasia, while others appreciate additional guidance and time to talk through their decision. Either approach is completely appropriate.
Also, those who schedule a quality of life consultation are not obligated to schedule an in-home euthanasia with us when they are ready. We are here to support you in whatever feels right.
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Quality of Life consultations are $185 + HST and include a 60–75 minute telehealth appointment with Dr. Erica Dickie, Certified Hospice & Palliative Care Veterinarian, and a written summary provided within 1–3 business days and access to exclusively curated resources.
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Our approach combines medical expertise with compassionate, personalized support. Dr. Erica is a Certified Hospice & Palliative Care Veterinarian, with advanced training in end-of-life care and a deep commitment to guiding families through these difficult decisions.
We are comfortable having sensitive, emotional conversations in a way that feels safe, supportive, and never rushed or judgmental. Our focus extends beyond veterinary medicine alone—we take a holistic approach, considering both your pet’s comfort and your family’s values, needs, and capacity.
Families often leave feeling more heard, empowered, and supported, with greater clarity and a clear plan for next steps.
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Our consultations are calm, supportive, and unhurried. You will have dedicated time to share what you’re seeing at home, ask questions, and talk through options. Many families leave feeling more clear, prepared, and supported in their decision-making.
See our Client Testimonials for more peace of mind. -
Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form, text, call or email—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.
Remember, quality of life does not just apply to the pet, it applies to the whole family.
We understand that this is a very difficult and overwhelming time. We are committed to helping through the decision-making process, actively listening to your concerns and needs, providing comfort and relieving pain for your pets to facilitate the most peaceful End-of-Life experience.
Please reach out at 226-779-KIND (5463) with any questions.
We are honoured to help you and your pet in your time of need.