About The AHELP Project

The Animal Hospice and End-of-Life Palliative Care Project, is a coalition of veterinarians, allied animal service providers and pet owners. We are interested in providing support for and education about:

• In-home caregiving for sick companion animals and those with special needs.
• Palliative care when the focus has shifted from cure to comfort.
• Hospice, including end-of-life options like natural death and euthanasia.

As the human hospice model shows, supporting the family as they provide increased caregiving empowers them and naturally promotes a healthy grieving process. Interest in animal hospice has grown significantly over the past few years, and the Resources section of this website links to veterinary and other organizations who are working to define and support this new field.

The AHELP Project is based in Bellevue, WA, and you can meet our founding members here. We support caregivers throughout the greater Seattle area by connecting them to an increasing network of local services and resources. We reach out to families whose animal companions are:

• Approaching the end of life or are recently deceased.
• Geriatric.
• Pets with special needs, medical challenges, and requiring significant caregiving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I become an AHELP supporter if I’m a non-veterinary services provider who works with caregiving families and their pets?

Absolutely! About one-third of our current supporters are not only animal lovers themselves but also have an interest and a talent for bringing quality to end-of-life and support to their families. One of our major goals is to establish a referral and resource network to assist families in this critical time, and beyond.

Do you support families who choose euthanasia over natural death?

Euthanasia is a tool in our palliative care toolbox and can provide a gentle and peaceful ending for our animals. When excellent pain management cannot be achieved, it may be viewed as a humane and loving gift. We feel that empowerment comes from planning for euthanasia when not in crisis or under duress, and can be arranged through our network of veterinarians either in your home or in a clinic that has proclaimed an interest in end-of-life care and support for animals and their families.

Do you endorse the service providers listed on your website?

The service providers and product vendors we link to were brought to our attention by their clients or have actively supported the AHELP mission. The AHELP Project cannot and does not endorse a specific provider, vendor, or product. Every caregiving situation, caregiver and pet is unique. It is essential that you choose providers in accordance with your and your pet’s specific needs and preferences, and that you consult your veterinarian when you choose products that may impact your pet’s condition.

If you would like to be placed on our mailing list, please complete the form below or contact Michelle@ahelpproject.org.

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