Palliative medicine

Palliative medicine focused on comfort and quality of life

In-home veterinary care focused on managing pain, symptoms, mobility and the challenges of chronic or progressive illness, helping your pet remain comfortable and enjoy more good days at home.

5-Star

rated by local pet families

CHPV Certified Hospice & Palliative Care Veterinarian

2018

providing in-home senior pet care

Understanding how your pet is really doing

Palliative care begins with a comprehensive Quality of Life Consultation. We assess your pet’s comfort, mobility, appetite, behavior, medical needs and daily routines to understand how they are doing and where we can help. From there, we develop an individualized plan focused on comfort and quality of life.

A Yorkshire terrier resting attentively at home

Thoughtful support for changing needs

A personalized plan focused on comfort, with adjustments made as your pet's condition and daily needs evolve.

Individualized treatment for pain, nausea, anxiety, appetite changes and other symptoms affecting comfort and quality of life.

A senior black cocker spaniel resting quietly outdoors
A senior pet resting comfortably at home

The care and values that guide every visit

  • In your home, on your terms

    Senior pets often feel safest at home, surrounded by the people and places they love. We bring expert care to your living room, without the stress of carriers, waiting rooms, or unfamiliar surroundings.

  • Guidance without pressure

    We take time to listen, explain your options and help you understand what each choice may mean for you and your pet. Our role is to give you the information and support you need to make decisions with confidence.

  • Alongside your family veterinarian

    We work closely with the veterinarian who already knows and cares for your pet, adding another layer of thoughtful senior care and support.

  • Comfort always comes first

    Every exam, treatment, and conversation begins with how your pet feels. We take gentle steps to ease pain, fear, and stress while protecting their comfort and dignity.

Care shaped around your pet

A personalized comfort plan that evolves as your pet's needs change.

Your first visit begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your pet’s quality of life, medical needs and daily routine in the comfort of home. We take time to understand what has changed, what matters most to your family, and where we can improve comfort.

A veterinary staff member and a young woman comforting a curly-haired dog together on a couch
In their words

A beloved senior pet at home

“Thank you for giving us peace in a moment that could have been unbearable. We will never forget your kindness.”

Dana Hamilton
A beloved senior pet at home

“Dr. McCaffrey and her team truly made a gut-wrenching situation so much easier to get through.”

Tiffany Wong Nagaki
A beloved senior pet at home

“Losing our girl was tragic, but I honestly can't imagine going through it without Dr. McCaffrey. I will be forever thankful for that opportunity.”

Nihan Nelkin
A beloved senior pet at home

“Dr. McCaffrey is compassionate, knowledgeable, and gentle. She was sensitive to our needs, making our decisions easier.”

Jennifer Winkler
A beloved senior pet at home

“Dr. McCaffrey treated Chloe with such love and respect and gave our family the most peaceful and gentle goodbye we could have ever hoped for.”

Ro Latona
Where we visit

Communities we serve

Bergen County, NJ

Rockland County, NY

Certified, gentle & experienced

  • AVMA — American Veterinary Medical Association seal
  • CHI University logo
  • Xcaeta Certified — Peaceful End-of-Life Practice
  • IAAHPC — International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care
  • CHPV — Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Veterinarian
  • NYT Wirecutter recognition mark
Common questions

Questions about palliative medicine

Gentle and honest answers to the questions families ask most often about this service.

No. Palliative care can benefit pets at many stages of aging, chronic disease, or progressive illness. The goal is to manage pain and other symptoms, preserve comfort and function, and support the best possible quality of life for as long as possible.

Hospice is a more specific form of palliative care for pets approaching the end of life. At that stage, our focus shifts fully toward comfort, quality of life, supporting the family, and planning for what comes next.

In-Home Palliative Medicine for Senior Pets | Senior Pet Vet