1. Ailment
The type of ailment or disease the pet is facing will impact the quality of life in a certain way. For example, a pet with heart failure will be substantially different than one with arthritis. How will my pet's ailment affect his/her quality of life? We also have to ask ourselves, as difficult as it may be, how will it impact the quality of death? Speaking with your primary veterinarian can help you better understand the disease process your pet is experiencing. Other important questions are: What is the value for my pet to continue to live this way? What is the value for me or my family members for my pet to continue to live this way? Is the value higher for us than for our pet?
2. Budgets
Questions to ask ourselves on this particular point are: Do I have the financial resources to sustain the necessary treatment or hospice care for my pet? (Financial). Do I have the time needed to take care of my pet? (Time). Some terminally ill or geriatric patients require care that spans multiple hours a days. Am I physically and emotionally able to be the caregiver of my pet? (Physical and Emotional). For example some owners may not be able to administer daily injections to a cat or lift up a large dog because it has mobility issues.
