Advancing Health Podcast
Mercy Health System - Mercy Hospice Pet Peace of Mind
Pet Peace of Mind helps preserve the relationship between patient and pet in the midst of coping with a hospice diagnosis. The program also provides no-cost daily care chores, such as walking dogs and cleaning litter boxes; financial assistance with pet food or medications; routine vet care, including transportation; emergency or medical care; boarding and pet sitting; and providing pet placement after the patient’s death.
What is it?
Pet Peace of Mind helps preserve the relationship between patient and pet in the midst of coping with a hospice diagnosis. The program also provides no-cost daily care chores, such as walking dogs and cleaning litter boxes; financial assistance with pet food or medications; routine vet care, including transportation; emergency or medical care; boarding and pet sitting; and providing pet placement after the patient’s death.
Who is it for?
Hospice patients with pets
Why do they do it?
Today, 62 percent of households have at least one pet. By helping hospice patients care for their pets, the program offers patients relief and a sense of trust and safety.
Impact
Mercy’s award-winning program is one of only two Pet Peace of Mind programs in Wisconsin or Illinois, and it has helped care for 25 to 30 pets and their owners since its inception in January 2012.
Contact: Barbra Bortner
Vice President, Marketing & Public Relations
Telephone: 608-743-2052
Email: bbortner@mhsjvl.org
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