Tele-Advice for Pets

At Paws at Home, we know that caring for an older or sick pet comes with unique challenges. Whether your dog or cat is navigating palliative care, nearing hospice, or facing end-of-life, the journey can feel overwhelming. You want the best for your beloved companion, but frequent trips to the clinic can be stressful for both of you. That’s where our tele-advice services come in.

What is Tele-Advice for Pets?

Tele-advice lets us connect with you and your pet via phone or video. During these consultations, we provide support and general, professional recommendations on various issues related to aging pets or those needing hospice. Whether dealing with health concerns related to palliative/hospice care or discussing how to know when to say goodbye, tele-advice offers a compassionate and efficient way to get the support you need.

Schedule an Appointment

Paws at Home serves Chittenden County, Vermont, and some surrounding areas.

Contact / Schedule

For 24/7 emergency care, please call Burlington Emergency Veterinary Services (BEVS) at (802) 863-2387.

For urgent care (less critical, 7 days a week) please call PEAK Veterinary Referral Center at (802) 878-2022.

Why Choose Tele-Advice for Your Pet?

  1. Convenience and Comfort
    2. Older pets often experience mobility issues or anxiety when traveling. Tele-advice allows your pet to stay in their familiar environment, reducing stress and discomfort. You can talk to a veterinarian certified in hospice and end-of-life without the hassle of packing up your pet, dealing with car rides, or managing waiting rooms.
  1. Compassionate Guidance Through Difficult Decisions
    2. Not all medicine is about curing. For older or sick pets, there comes a time when the focus shifts from healing to comfort and quality of life. Our tele-advice consultations allow you to discuss these sensitive topics with an experienced veterinarian who understands the complexities of palliative, hospice, and end-of-life care. We’re here to listen, guide, and support you through:
    • Palliative Care: Managing chronic conditions to improve your pet’s quality of life is palliative care. We can discuss common palliative problems and how to recognize when your pet is in the palliative stage, offering strategies for moving forward.
    • Hospice Care: As your pet nears the end of life, hospice care focuses on comfort and dignity. We can help determine if your pet is showing signs of being in the last three months of life. Frequent veterinary trips may no longer be in your pet’s best interest, but you may need assistance managing care at home. We can discuss how we can help you and your pet make the most of whatever time they have left.
    • End-of-Life Planning: Knowing what to expect and how to prepare for your pet’s final days can ease some of the emotional burden. We’ll discuss practical steps, quality-of-life assessments, and how to make the transition as peaceful as possible.
  1. A Listening Ear and Advice
    2. We understand that caring for an aging and/or sick pet can leave you feeling isolated, worried, or unsure of what to do next. Our tele-advice sessions provide 30 minutes of dedicated time where you can express your concerns and ask questions. Whether your worries are logistical, medical, or emotional, we are here to support you with understanding and experience.

When is Tele-Advice Appropriate?

Tele-advice is an excellent option for many non-emergency situations involving sick or senior pets, such as:
  • Your pet has been diagnosed with a life-ending problem such as cancer. This is a time to discuss what to expect and how to manage this final stage of life.
  • Extreme Age and Frailty: Your pet is geriatric and frail. What does that mean moving forward? As your pet changes, we need to change with them.
  • Symptom Management: After an in-person visit, telemedicine can help monitor ongoing conditions such as pain, nausea, and mobility issues.
  • Quality-of-Life: Help in understanding your pet’s condition and evaluating their comfort and happiness.
  • End-of-Life: When to say goodbye is a difficult and agonizing decision. How do you decide when it’s time? We are here to assist and support you when you ask yourself those important questions.

Serving Pets with Care and Respect

For tele-advice, we can meet with pet owners from around the country. For in-home visits, we proudly serve the greater Burlington area, Chittenden County, and surrounding areas in Vermont, focusing exclusively on palliative, hospice, and end-of-life care for dogs and cats. We know every moment with your pet is precious, and our goal is to help you make those moments as comfortable and meaningful as possible.

How to Schedule a Telemedicine Appointment

Telemedicine appointments are scheduled by phone to ensure we can fully understand your needs and your pet’s situation. Call us at (802) 871-2329 to book a consultation. At Paws at Home, we believe that caring for pets is more than just medicine—it’s about honoring the bond you share and ensuring comfort and dignity every step of the way. Our telemedicine services are here to make that journey a little easier.

Some of Our Friends