End-of-Life
Planning & Support

End-of-life planning is an act of love.
At Living Free, we provide resources to help you make compassionate choices for your animals and peace-filled plans for yourself. Explore these tools, guides, and programs that support you every step of the way.
​
What you’ll find on this page:​
-
Planning Ahead → Guides for end-of-life care for pets, plus information about our Legacy Giving and Continuing Care programs.
-
Quality of Life Assessment → An easy 7-question tool to help you see your pet’s comfort clearly.
-
Grief & Support → Resources for families, children, and surviving pets as you navigate loss.

PLANNING AHEAD
Thinking about end-of-life planning early allows us to make decisions with clarity.
It also provides us with peace of mind, knowing that our loved ones will be cared for.​
For Animals
-
Conversations with Your Veterinarian
Talk openly with your vet about expected outcomes, pain management, hospice options, and what euthanasia might look like — whether at home or at the clinic.
​​
-
Define Quality of Life
Ask yourself: What makes a good day for my companion? Use the Living Free Quality of Life Assessment to help track this in a more objective way.
​​
-
Prepare Practically
Create a safe, comfortable environment at home, plan gentle transportation if needed, and research options like at-home euthanasia in your area.
​​
-
Take a Deeper Dive
Download our End-of-Life Care PDFs for more detailed guidance. Start with our End-of-Life Care for Dogs guide, and future resources for cats and horses will be available soon.
-
Conversations with Loved Ones
Talk openly with family and trusted friends about your wishes. Discuss values around medical care, memorials, and what should happen with your animals.
​​
-
Define Your Legacy
Ask yourself: How do I want my love for animals to continue after I’m gone? One meaningful way is through our Legacy Giving program — naming Living Free in your estate so your compassion endures for generations.
​​
-
Prepare Practically
If you have animals, consider their future. Through our Continuing Care program, you can guarantee a safe, loving home for them at Living Free after your passing.
​​
-
Take a Deeper Dive
Explore our detailed program guides:-
Legacy Giving → Ensure your values live on through lasting support.
-
Continuing Care → Provide lifetime security for your pets after your death.
-
​​
For PEOPLE

GRIEF AND SUPPORT
Grief is the natural companion of love. Whether you are preparing for loss or mourning after, remember: you are not alone.
​
Living Free + PAWS Pathway
We are proud to partner with PAWS Pathway, a compassionate network supporting people through pet loss. Together, we provide resources and community so no one has to walk this journey alone.
​
​
​
Other Helpful Resources:
​
-
ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline – 877-474-3310
-
Best Friends Animal Society - grief & pet loss resource hub.
-
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB) – online forums & memorials.
-
San Diego Humane Society – local support groups & guides. sdhumane.org
-
BirchBark Foundation – CA-wide free virtual pet grief groups.
​
