Urgent Care Now Open! Starting January T-Th 5-9 PM

End of Life Care and Euthanasia in Stockton, CA

Few things in life compare to the bond you share with your pet. From the early morning tail wags to the quiet evenings spent curled up together, your furry, feathered, or scaled companion becomes woven into the fabric of your everyday life. When the time comes to think about end of life care, having a compassionate team by your side can make all the difference.

At Venetian Pet Hospital in Stockton, CA, we treat every pet like a member of our own family. Our veterinary team provides gentle, honest guidance through every stage of your pet’s life, including the most difficult moments. Whether your pet is aging gracefully or facing a serious diagnosis, we are here to help you navigate end of life decisions with warmth, patience, and respect.

End of life care and euthanasia in Stockton, CA provides compassionate support to help pets remain comfortable and peaceful while giving families guidance during difficult decisions.

What End of Life Care Looks Like for Your Pet

End of life care focuses on keeping your pet as comfortable as possible during a terminal illness or in the later stages of aging. Rather than pursuing aggressive treatments, the goal shifts to managing pain, maintaining dignity, and preserving quality time with your family. This may include palliative options like pain medication, nutritional support, and comfort-focused medical care tailored to your pet’s specific needs.

A study published in the National Institutes of Health’s Veterinary Medicine International journal found that palliative care programs in veterinary oncology are growing rapidly, with quality of life assessments playing a central role in guiding treatment decisions for pets with life-limiting conditions. This kind of research reinforces what we see every day in our practice: pets thrive when their comfort is the top priority.

Recognizing When It May Be Time

Knowing when your pet’s quality of life has declined is one of the hardest parts of pet ownership. Some signs that it may be time to consider end of life care include a persistent loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, chronic pain that no longer responds to treatment, and withdrawal from activities your pet once enjoyed. Every pet is different, and our team is always available to help you assess where your companion stands.

Face of a beautiful old thinking irish setter pet dog
Love and kindness to animals concept. Woman hugs her dog in studio background
Senior tabby cat sitting on person, back lit by window light. man's arm resting on sofa and hand on kitty.
Veterinarian giving injection to a old tabby cat.

Compassionate Euthanasia Services

Euthanasia is a deeply personal decision, and there is no single right answer for every family. When quality of life can no longer be maintained and your pet is suffering, humane euthanasia may be the kindest gift you can offer. The process is gentle and painless, allowing your pet to pass peacefully while surrounded by the people who love them most.

At Venetian Pet Hospital, we walk with you through every step. We take the time to answer all of your questions, explain what to expect, and ensure you feel supported before, during, and after the procedure. Dr. Sam Varon, one of our veterinarians with a focus in oncology and end of life care, brings both skill and deep empathy to these moments.

Meet Our Caring & Compassionate Veterinary Team

Dr. Sam Varon with dog

Dr. Sam Varon

Veterinarian

Dr. Tyler Baum

Veterinarian

Dr. Sasha Hazelton

Veterinarian
Dr. Pietro Catini with cat

Dr. Pietro Catini

Veterinarian

Hear From Our Pet Parents

“ Dr. Sam saved my baby...

My dog Aurora had mouth cancer. I found out and had such little time to schedule her surgery because it was so aggressive. I was referred to Dr. Sam by a friend. I live in Santa Barbara and made the trip up to Sacramento. I am still impressed how well everything went! She had to have almost half of her jaw removed. She is cancer free and looking amazing! Back to her puppy self. First picture is only 2 months after surgery! 2nd and 3rd are the day of. Dr. Sam saved my baby

- Hannah N.

“ This Clinic would not hesitate to go beyond to help your pet...

This Clinic would not hesitate to go beyond to help your pet. Our boy’s doctor Tyler is an amazing doctor and we are blessed to have him. Diamond was very ill needed emergency treatment /surgery and he received excellent care. We are so thankful for all the doctors surgeons did for our baby.

- Yliana T.

“ Exceptional service and care...

Dr. Sam and the team went above and beyond to ensure my pet's safety and recovery. Highly recommended!

- Lisa P.

“ The hospitality and professionalism demonstrated by the entire staff was second to none...

I drove 95 miles to have Dr. Sam at Broadway Vet perform surgery on my kitten. The hospitality and professionalism demonstrated by the entire staff was second to none and I will be a return customer for all my future veterinary needs! My kitty bounced back so quickly because Dr. Sam is an expert in his field and knew just what needed to be done. Highly recommend Broadway Veterinary Hospital! Thanks, Dr. Sam!

- Madison G.

Palliative and Hospice Care Options

If your pet has received a terminal diagnosis but still has good days ahead, palliative care can help extend that quality time. Our approach focuses on managing symptoms so your pet can continue to experience the things that bring them joy, whether that is a sunny spot on the floor, a favorite treat, or simply being close to you.

Palliative and hospice care may include:

  • Pain management: medications and therapies designed to keep your pet comfortable and mobile for as long as possible
  • Nutritional support: tailored feeding plans that address changes in appetite or digestion as your pet’s condition progresses
  • Ongoing monitoring: regular check-ins and adjustments to your pet’s care plan based on how they are feeling day to day
  • Emotional guidance: open, honest conversations with our team to help you make informed decisions about your pet’s care
  • Senior wellness integration: coordination with senior pet wellness services to support aging pets who may benefit from a comfort-focused approach

We believe your pet deserves to feel safe and loved through every chapter of their life, and palliative care gives families the time and space to say goodbye on their own terms.

Supporting You Through Grief and Loss

Losing a pet is a real and significant loss. The grief that follows is valid, and you do not have to navigate it alone. Our team understands the weight of these moments because we are pet parents, too. Dr. Hanh Do has a shepherd mix named Taja, a kitty named Jewel, a parrot named Rainy, and five chickens. Dr. Sam shares his home with four rescue dogs and a miniature pig named Gracie. We get it because we live it.

We encourage you to take the time you need to grieve and to lean on the people around you for support. If you would like to talk through your options before making any decisions, we are always happy to sit down with you and listen.

Venetian Pet Hospital Is Here for You and Your Pet in Stockton, CA

Venetian Pet Hospital has been a trusted partner for Stockton families and their pets through every milestone, including the hardest ones. Our veterinarians, including Dr. Hanh Do, Dr. Sam Varon, Dr. Tracey Glieberman, and Dr. Pietro Catini, bring a wide range of clinical knowledge to our services, from cancer treatment to compassionate end of life support. We pride ourselves on providing honest, heartfelt care rooted in the belief that every pet and every family deserves kindness in their most vulnerable moments.

When you are ready to talk about your pet’s comfort and next steps, we are here. Reach out to our team at Venetian Pet Hospital to schedule a consultation and let us help you give your pet the peaceful, loving care they deserve.

Hit enter to search or ESC to close