Just as Loved: Unique Species Considerations at End-of-life

This article explores species-specific approaches to end-of-life care, emphasizing the importance of understanding each animal's unique biology, behavior, and environment. The Five Domains model guides holistic welfare assessments, integrating physical, mental, and social health. Visual tools like Rainbow Mapping facilitate family involvement in quality of life evaluations and care planning. The article provides detailed protocols for sedation, euthanasia, and aftercare across various species, highlighting the importance of compassionate communication and tailored care strategies to ensure humane, dignified passings while supporting the emotional needs of families.