Resources for Veterinary Professionals

You are AWESOME for working to ensure the peace, comfort, and dignity of your patients during their final months, days, and moments! Here are some tools we hope can help:

Need a framework for devising a plan? Download and print our fillable worksheet for palliative care cases.

Interested in giving SQ ketamine CRI’s for chronic pain at home? The Rx Actuator is a wearable device that enables this.

Assessment tools

The Feline Grimace Scale (with a downloadable app for clients!) from University of Montreal. Useful for detecting acute pain.

The Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index (FMPI) available from NC State University at painfreecats.org. Client questionnaire for screening cats for DJD and monitoring response to treatment.

The Helsinki Chronic Pain Index – available by request from the authors of this article.

IVAPM pain management checklists for pet owners

The HHHHHMM quality of life scale developed by Alice Villalobos (shared with permission by the author).

The Journeys Home quality of life scale

Downloadable client resources and handouts

Decision making worksheet for clients (goals, priorities, fears, and trade-offs)

Medication and treatment schedule

Helping surviving pets cope with the loss of a companion

Clients can also download the Senior Pet Toolkit which offers a wealth of advice to help them navigate this journey.

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Brian N

Great organization that provided the care and support we needed during this difficult time. Thank you for all that you and your team do.

Amanda Dailey

We recently had to make the incredibly difficult decision to say goodbye to our beloved fur baby, Penny, and I can’t thank Arms of Aloha enough for the care and compassion they showed us .

From the moment they arrived, they brought such a calm and gentle presence into our home. They treated Penny with so much dignity, patience, and kindness and gave us the space and time we needed to say goodbye in our own way.

Being able to let Penny go peacefully at home, surrounded by the people who love her and the comfort of familiar surroundings, was a gift during one of the hardest moments. Nothing makes losing a dog easy, but their compassion made an unbearable day feel peaceful and full of love.

Thank you for helping us give Penny the gentle goodbye she deserved. We will always remember your kindness and will forever be grateful.

Mitchell Fukumoto

At our most vulnerable moment, the moment you realize it is best for your dear one to go on to another journey, the two women from Arms of Aloha guided us and performed the procedure in the most gentle and kind manner you could ever hope for. Not only were they incredibly professional in their duties but they were understanding and warm in their handling of our beloved Reiko as well as with us. A sad day indeed but it was greatly aided by Arms of Aloha. If the need for this service arises, by all means....Arms of Aloha is THE best one to call for help. You will not be disappointed.

Response from the owner:Aloha Mitchell, Thank you so much for your heartfelt words and for trusting Arms of Aloha during such a difficult and emotional time. We are deeply honored to have been able to support you, Reiko, and your family through her peaceful transition. Saying goodbye to a beloved companion is never easy. Your kind recognition of our team means more than we can express. It was a privilege to help honor Reiko's life and the special bond you shared. Thank you for allowing us to be part of her final journey and for taking the time to share your experience. With gratitude, The Arms of Aloha Team

Michal Cohen

I have only amazing things to say about Arms of Aloha. Solomon was the second dog we entrusted to Arms of Aloha, and we are deeply grateful for the care and compassion we received. Solomon was under the palliative care of Dr. Naun for nearly two years, and during that time her recommendations significantly improved his quality of life. Also, the text message check-ins from the entire team at Arms of Aloha made us feel less alone while caregiving for our sweet boy Solomon. Most friends did not understand what we were going through, but Arms of Aloha did, and it made the biggest difference to us. The kindness, support, and genuine compassion shown by everyone on the team meant so much to us. The condolence card we received from them brought tears to our eyes. Furever grateful to the whole team. Highly recommend them to anyone caring for a beloved pet.

Response from the owner:Michal, words cannot express my gratitude for the kind words. We loved Spunky Sol and you are such caring and thoughtful pet parents. On behalf of all of us I wish you both and your fur babies good health and happiness. - Carolyn Naun

Ruth

Words can not express my deep gratitude for your compassionate and caring support through one of the hardest times, helping our doggo gain his angel wings.
We had 20 wonderful years with our sweet and goofy, Atreyu dog! He had been with me through high-school, college, marriage, career, childbirth, 49 of the 50 U.S. states, and all things up and down. Saying goodbye felt impossible.
Arms of Aloha, it's been a few years now and I still remain grateful and filled with love for your guidance and the support that you provided in our time of need.
What a gift to have you with us at that time. Mahalo nui loa.

Response from the owner:Aloha Ruth, Thank you so much for your heartfelt words and for sharing Atreyu's incredible story with us. What a remarkable life he lived by your side—through so many milestones, adventures, and cherished memories over 20 wonderful years. It was truly an honor to be entrusted with helping your beloved boy make his peaceful journey. Saying goodbye to a companion who has been part of nearly every chapter of your life is never easy, and we are deeply grateful that we could provide comfort and support during that time. Thank you for allowing us to be part of Atreyu's final chapter and for carrying his memory forward with such love.