Comfort Care

At Tipp City Veterinary Hospital, we understand how difficult it is to navigate care for your sick pet and the importance of being available to assist in final goodbyes in the privacy of your home. That’s why we offer specialized comfort care and in-home euthanasia services to ensure your pet’s end-of-life journey is peaceful and dignified. Our dedicated and compassionate team, led by Leah Bornhorst, RVT, CHPT, provides personalized care tailored to your pet’s needs and your family’s wishes.

Why Choose Comfort Care and In-Home Euthanasia?

Comfort and Familiarity: Providing end-of-life care at home allows your pet to remain in a familiar environment. Being at home can reduce stress and anxiety and also gives your family and loved ones privacy.
Comprehensive Care Plans: Our services include detailed education on your pet’s condition and how that condition may progress in the months ahead. Nursing care techniques are taught to families so they can give their pet assistance at home. Emergency planning for any after-hours emergencies and follow-up care is provided to make sure your pet’s quality of life is being continuously monitored and that we stay ahead of potential challenges before they start.
Empathy and Expertise: With extensive experience and a deep understanding of the emotional challenges faced by pet owners, Leah ensures that your pet’s final moments are filled with love and compassion and that you feel heard and validated during this time.

Our Services

In-Home Euthanasia: Experience a peaceful farewell in the privacy of your home. Leah Bornhorst provides compassionate euthanasia services, prioritizing your pet’s comfort in the familiarity of their own home.
Hospice Care: We offer ongoing support and guidance for pets with terminal diagnoses, focusing on pain management, quality of life, and emotional support for the family. Helping you know when the time is right for your beloved pet and your family.
Consultations: Leah’s consultations cover everything from monitoring disease progression to creating emergency plans, wishes and desires for your pet’s care, and end-of-life planning. This all-around approach ensures you are well-prepared to care for your pet during this time.
Ongoing Support: Leah offers continuous support through follow-up consultation appointments and offers them in a variety of formats to fit your needs.
- Telehealth Option: For in-depth discussions regarding new concerns, review of monitoring assessments, and wishes for additions or changes to your pet’s care plan. These appointments are also great for keeping a point of contact with your care team between physical appointments. These consultations are done using Zoom.
- In-Home Consultations: We understand that some issues occur as a direct result of things going on in the home, and that in-home follow-ups allow our comfort care nurse to assess the environment and see if home modifications may be necessary. We also sympathize that getting pets into the hospital for follow-up appointments can sometimes pose a physical challenge. Leah can schedule these in-home appointments and come to you. Depending on the animal’s temperament and the family’s ability to assist, monitoring lab work and some basic medical services (e.g., injections, administering subcutaneous fluid, etc.) can also be provided in the home setting.
- In-Hospital Consultations: You may book an appointment at the hospital for a face-to-face consultation. This option is best suited if you feel your pet has a minor physical change that you feel would be best looked at by the comfort care nurse.

Meet Leah Bornhorst, RVT, CHPT

Hi, I’m Leah. I’m a Registered Veterinary Technician at Tipp City Veterinary Hospital. I live in Troy, Ohio, with my family, including three huge dogs. Together, we enjoy filling our time with a variety of activities, such as hiking, art projects, and curling up with a book or movie to end the day. I have worked in veterinary medicine for 6 years and recently took the step to become certified as a Hospice and Palliative Care Technician.

Throughout my life, I’ve had a deep passion for animals and the special connections they build with their people. My goal in launching this program is to bridge the gap for families receiving a terminal diagnosis for their pet and saying goodbye. Many pet owners ask: Did I wait too long? – Did I make the right decision? – Was my pet in pain? These questions highlight some of the conflicting emotions I’m focused on helping families work through.

I understand navigating end-of-life care for a beloved pet can be an incredibly emotional and overwhelming process. It’s often the first time many people face such a decision. I offer guidance and support to families, helping them make thoughtful, personalized decisions that best meet their pet’s needs while ensuring a peaceful and comfortable experience.

Testimonials

When my dog Cocoa was diagnosed with mast cell cancer, I knew I wanted his final moments to be peaceful and at home, surrounded by love. Tipp City Veterinary Hospital connected me with Leah, who became an invaluable support throughout the process. From our first conversation, she guided me with both compassion and expertise, helping me prepare for what to expect and offering the space I needed to make decisions that were best for Cocoa. Leah never pressured me; instead, she provided the information and reassurance I needed, helping me navigate the timing of his passing with grace and understanding.

When Cocoa’s symptoms worsened, Leah was just a call away, offering her support to ensure he remained comfortable. Her empathy and honesty gave me the strength to make the hardest decision, even when I struggled with wanting more time. On the day Cocoa crossed over, Leah was there every step of the way, explaining the process, making sure I felt comfortable, and giving me as much time as I needed to say goodbye. Thanks to her, Cocoa passed peacefully, free from pain, and I knew I had made the right choice for him. I’m forever grateful to Leah and the entire team at Tipp City Veterinary Hospital for their care, support, and compassion during such a difficult time.

Leigh Anne Roberts (Click here to read more about Leigh Anne's Comfort Care journey with Cocoa)

The staff are always caring and friendly. Dr Jacob is always kind and patient and takes his time, answering all questions. Leah does absolutely wonderful with Hospice care. Very empathetic and kind. Dr Jacob is always thorough and caring. Dr Jacob’s thoroughness.Alicia Walls

Contact Us

If you’re interested in our comfort care or in-home euthanasia services, please contact Tipp City Veterinary Hospital directly. Leah will reach out to discuss your needs and schedule a consultation. We’re here to provide compassionate support for you and your beloved pet during this challenging time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hospice care for pets?

Hospice care for pets is designed to provide comfort and enhance the quality of life for animals with terminal illnesses. This compassionate approach focuses on pain management, palliative care for your pet, and emotional support for your family, ensuring that your pet’s final days are as peaceful as possible.

Similar to human hospice care, our approach is tailored to each pet and family’s unique needs. We work closely with you to create a personalized care plan that aligns with your wishes and priorities, emphasizing comfort and dignity. Through pre-planning, we guide families on what to expect as their pet’s condition progresses, offering tools and information to help you navigate the emotional and practical aspects of end-of-life care.

By developing a thoughtful plan together, we minimize the need for last-minute decisions, allowing you to feel more prepared and supported as you make choices that are best for your pet.

How do I know if it's time to consider euthanasia?

Deciding when to choose euthanasia can be a deeply personal and challenging decision. The focus often centers on the concept of “quality of life,” which can vary greatly for each pet and their family. During our consultations, we’ll work closely with you to define what quality of life means for your pet and your situation, providing guidance on how to monitor their condition as it progresses.

We support you in assessing your pet’s comfort and well-being, offering compassionate insight to help you recognize when the time may be right. Our goal is to ensure you feel confident and supported in making the best decision for your pet and your family, providing the information and care needed to navigate this emotional journey.

What should I expect during an in-home euthanasia appointment?

During an in-home euthanasia appointment, Leah Bornhorst will create a calm and peaceful environment for your pet’s final moments. The process typically includes the following steps:

Consultation: Leah will begin with a brief discussion to explain the procedure, answer any questions, and address any specific wishes or requests you may have for your pet’s farewell. We’ll also determine the best location for the procedure and discuss who will be present during this time.
Sedation: To ensure your pet is completely relaxed and comfortable, Leah will administer a sedative, allowing them to rest peacefully.
Euthanasia Procedure: Leah will perform the euthanasia, which is both painless and quick, ensuring your pet’s passing is gentle and peaceful.
Aftercare Support: After the procedure, Leah will provide guidance on grief support options and discuss available aftercare services, such as cremation or burial, to help you make decisions that honor your pet’s memory.

Our goal is to offer you and your pet a compassionate, dignified experience in the comfort of your home.

How can I prepare my home for the euthanasia appointment?

To create a peaceful and comforting environment for your pet’s in-home euthanasia appointment, consider the following steps:

Select a Quiet and Comfortable Spot: Choose a location where your pet feels safe and at ease, such as their favorite room or a cozy corner where they often rest.
Surround Them with Familiar Items: Arrange familiar items like your pet’s bed, toys, and blankets to provide comfort and a sense of security.
Gather Loved Ones: Invite family members who wish to be present, ensuring that those who want to say goodbye have the opportunity to do so.
Minimize Distractions: Reduce noise and create a calm atmosphere by turning off devices and minimizing activity, allowing your pet to feel relaxed and at peace during this time.

These steps help ensure that your pet’s final moments are as comfortable and serene as possible, surrounded by familiar scents, items, and loved ones.

Can my other pets be present during the euthanasia?

Yes, allowing other pets to be present can help them understand what has happened and can provide a sense of closure. It’s important to monitor their behavior and provide comfort as needed during and after the procedure.

What support is available after the euthanasia?

We understand that losing a pet is a deeply emotional experience, and we offer a range of support services to help you through this difficult time:

Departure Packet: Includes resources and guidance on how to memorialize your pet, speak with children about pet loss, and help other pets cope with the absence.
Pet Loss Library: Access to various grief support materials, including books, support groups, podcasts, and other resources to provide comfort and understanding during your grieving process.
Follow-Up Consultations: Leah offers follow-up appointments to discuss any questions or concerns or simply to provide a compassionate ear for those who need someone to talk to.
Communication Assistance: If needed, Leah is available to notify those involved in your pet’s life, such as groomers, boarding facilities, or dog walkers, about your pet’s passing. This relieves you of the responsibility, allowing you to focus on your well-being and honoring your pet’s memory during this time.

Our goal is to provide you with compassionate support and resources, ensuring you have the care needed to navigate your grief and honor your pet’s memory.

How much do hospice services and in-home euthanasia cost?

The cost of hospice and in-home euthanasia services depends on the specific care needed and your location. For more information, please contact Leah Bornhorst at comfortcare@tippvet.com or reach out to Tipp City Veterinary Hospital. Leah will follow up with you directly to discuss your needs and provide a detailed estimate.

How do I schedule a hospice consultation or in-home euthanasia appointment?

Compassionate End-of-Life Care