Haven Veterinary Hospice and Senior Care

24/04/2025

One of our hardest experiences as pet owners is watching them mature, guiding them with care, and ultimately deciding when is the right time to let them go.

Haven Veterinary Hospice and Senior Care was founded with the intent to offer your pet a peaceful passing in your home or location of your choice with the time needed to say goodbye. End-of-life care and pet euthanasia at home honor your pet and their memory.

Our goals are to meet the needs of the family at this difficult time while maintaining a stress-free environment and pain-free passing for your pet. Our veterinarian, Dr. Hill, has advanced euthanasia training from The Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy. Your pet will be in compassionate and skilled hands.

Grief resources, including online and personal support, are provided.
Learn more: havenvethospice.com

21/04/2025

🐾 Curious about how we provide comfort and care at Haven Vet Hospice? Visit our website to learn more about our services, meet our compassionate team, and discover resources that can help during the times you need it most. We’re here to support you and your beloved pets every step of the way. 💕 Check us out at havenvethospice.com

18/04/2025

Download the Pre-Planning Guide for Pet Loss

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy, but planning ahead can provide peace of mind. Our thoughtful guide supports pet owners through this journey, offering insights on health management, creating lasting memories, and exploring aftercare options like aquamation.

Download the guide now to find guidance and compassion as you honor your pet's life every step of the way.

Copy and paste this link into your browser: https://buff.ly/3VGAxwH

16/04/2025

What is Aquamation? 🌊

🌊 What is Aquamation? 🌊

Aquamation is a gentle, water-based alternative to flame cremation. Using warm water and alkalinity, it mirrors nature's process of organic breakdown—leaving only bone, just like traditional cremation but without the environmental drawbacks.

💙 When you choose individual aquamation, your companion's ashes are lovingly returned in the urn or vessel of your choice.

Learn more about this eco-friendly, compassionate option at twaquamation.com. 🌿

15/04/2025

In the quiet moments of saying goodbye to a beloved pet, we find ourselves navigating a deep, personal journey of love and loss. At Haven Veterinary Hospice, we recognize the profound impact these cherished companions have on our lives. To support you through this time, we've compiled a list of insightful books tailored for adults facing the heartache of pet loss:

“Pet Parents: A Journey Through Unconditional Love and Grief” by Coleen Ellis - A touching exploration of the deep bond between pets and their humans, offering solace and understanding in times of loss.
https://buff.ly/KaID8KA

“Grieving The Death of a Pet” by Betty Carmack - An empathetic guide through the grieving process, acknowledging the intensity of the emotional pain of losing a pet.
https://buff.ly/3Rejigz

“Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet” by M. Anderson - A comforting resource offering compassionate advice and strategies for coping with the loss of a beloved animal companion.
https://buff.ly/FBT9Y45

“Pet Loss and Human Bereavement” by W. Kay - Delving into the intricate relationship between pet loss and human grief, this book provides a deeper understanding of the grieving process.
https://buff.ly/CvO6EnL

These resources are here to help you through the healing journey, reminding you that you're not alone in your grief. May you find comfort and peace in their pages. 💙

More support:
https://buff.ly/SG1HgqD

11/04/2025

🐾 National Pet Day 🐾

Today, we celebrate the unconditional love and comfort our pets bring into our lives. For those with senior companions, each cuddle, purr, and quiet moment feels even more special. 💙

Cherish the time, embrace the memories, and hold them close — they truly are family.

11/04/2025

Important Closure Notice

Dr. Hill and the team at Haven Veterinary Hospice & Senior Pet Care will be closed from April 11-14, 2025.

If your pet needs care during this time, please refer to the following after-hours emergency providers:

•PVESC in Portland, ME: 207-878-3121
•MVMC in Scarborough, ME: 207-885-1290
•Port City Vet in Portsmouth, NH: 603-433-0056

For home euthanasia services, please contact:
•Twilight Vet (Portland): 207-809-9626
•Vet At Your Door (Freeport): 207-536-8387
•At Peace Vet (York): 207-200-7574

We appreciate your understanding and will be back on the 15th!

10/04/2025

In-home euthanasia provides a peaceful, gentle farewell in the place your pet feels safest—home. Surrounded by familiar smells, sounds, and their favorite people, they can pass in comfort and privacy. ❤️🐾

Learn more: havenvethospice.com

09/04/2025

Laser therapy, aka Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, occurs when a dose of light energy reaches target tissue and results in decreased inflammation, decreased pain, and accelerated healing.

According to Companion Animal Health:

“Laser Therapy is a clinically proven and FDA-cleared treatment that reduces inflammation resulting in pain reduction. Laser Therapy is effective in treating acute pain, wounds, chronic conditions, and post-operative pain.

Laser therapy treatment is safe, painless, and fast. Treatments to deeper tissues are administered in 5 to 10 minutes. Typically, even chronic patients exhibit improvement after 3 to 5 treatment sessions. Laser therapy utilizes the body’s own healing powers by stimulating cellular activity.

Despite short treatment times, laser therapy treatments initiate a healing process that continues to actively reduce inflammation for up to 24 hours after treatment.”

Learn more: havenvethospice.com

06/04/2025

Grateful for every moment, no matter how hard the goodbye. 🐻💫

05/04/2025

Today is National Every Day is Tag Day:

For our beloved senior pets, an ID tag is more than just a way home — it's a lifeline. As pets age, they may become more easily disoriented or confused, especially if they have cognitive changes. Keeping an updated ID tag can provide critical information if they wander or need urgent care.

🔹 Include your phone number and a backup contact.
🔹 Add details like “Senior Dog,” “Needs Medication,” or “Hearing/Visually Impaired.”
🔹 Ensure the tag is securely attached and easy to read.

For our hospice patients, this small step can offer peace of mind and an added layer of safety. 💙

03/04/2025

We are deeply grateful for the trust families place in us during such tender moments. ❤️

Rae, thank you for your kind words about Dr. Kelly Hill. We are honored to have been there for you and Gracie, ensuring her journey was peaceful and full of love.

Helping families say goodbye with compassion and care is at the heart of what we do. 🕊️

02/04/2025

Is your feline friend showing signs of slowing down?

🐾 Cats can suffer from arthritis too, but they often hide their pain. Watch for these subtle signs, and don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for support.

Let’s help your cat feel their best at every age. 💜 https://buff.ly/EPSEEnT

31/03/2025

🐾 Know When Your Senior Pet Needs to See the Vet 🐾

As our pets age, changes in their physical and behavioral health can signal the need for a vet visit. 🏥

Pay close attention to signs like increased vocalization, weight changes, or a decrease in their activity. Regular vet visits can ensure your furry friends stay happy, comfortable, and healthy in their golden years. 💜

28/03/2025

It's National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, and did you know that 56% of dogs and 60% of cats in the U.S. are considered overweight or obese? Pet obesity can lead to many serious health issues, especially in senior pets, such as diabetes, joint problems, and a shorter lifespan.

If your senior pet could use some help staying at a healthy weight, here are a few tips:
• Follow portion guidelines and schedule mealtimes – Check the feeding recommendations on your pet’s food packaging or consult your vet to ensure you're giving the right amount, and stick to regular mealtimes to help control their weight.

• Watch out for extra calories from treats – Treats can add up quickly!

• Consider a food puzzle or treat dispenser – Make eating more engaging and slow it down.

• Ask your vet for a senior diet recommendation – The right diet can make all the difference.

• Daily exercise – Even a little bit of daily movement can help.

Let’s keep our senior pets healthy, happy, and active! 🐾

27/03/2025

We’re deeply touched by the kind words from Colby’s family and honored to have been part of his peaceful goodbye.

Thank you for trusting us during such a difficult time. Your love for Colby was evident in every step. Colby was clearly cherished, and we will carry his memory with us.

27/03/2025

🐾 Meet Vetsource: Your Trusted Pet Pharmacy Partner

With over 15 years of veterinary pharmacy experience, Vetsource has delivered to more than 5 million pet owners with a 91% satisfaction rate. 🏆 Rest easy knowing your pet’s prescriptions are handled with care and expertise.

🛒 Start shopping now: https://buff.ly/emy9HyU

25/03/2025

Haven’s senior wellness program aims to bridge the gap between routine veterinary care and the end of life. We consider all dogs and cats 7 years of age or older to be seniors and recommend twice-yearly examinations for early detection of disease and to optimize health. Dr. Hill provides a customized senior care plan based on a thorough history, comprehensive physical examination, and diagnostic bloodwork.

Services provided in the comfort of your home:

Semi-annual examinations - Full-service laboratory for senior bloodwork, cytology, urinalysis, and heartworm/tick disease detection. Management of common diseases seen in senior pets: diabetes, osteoarthritis, kidney disease, heart disease, cognitive dysfunction, etc.

Haven’s revolutionary approach to senior pet care is holistic, working with your local veterinarian and any veterinary specialist who cares for your senior pet. Dr. Hill practices integrative medicine, combining traditional veterinary medicine, photobiomodulation (laser therapy), environmental enrichment, and herbal therapy.

Learn more: havenvethospice.com