Podcasts · Ask the Vet

Compassionate Palliative Care: A Conversation with Dr. Wendy McCulloch, Veterinarian and Founder of Pet Requiem

15 Jul 2026 · 53 min

Caring for a pet at the end of their life is one of the hardest parts of loving a them. In this episode of Ask the Vet, Dr. Ann Hohenhaus welcomes Dr. Wendy McCulloch, veterinarian and founder of Pet Requiem, to discuss quality of life, difficult decisions, and how to find compassionate support. Topics include:

• What seeing a pet in their home environment may reveal in contrast to seeing them in a traditional clinic setting • What Pet Requiem does and how the practice came to be • What palliative care for pets looks like and how it can help pets and their families make the most of their time together • Tips to assess a pet’s quality of life • How to approach and navigate discussions about euthanasia • What a peaceful in-home euthanasia experience looks like and how to prepare for it • Navigating grief and the role of rituals, keepsakes, and memorials in providing comfort

Also on this month's show:

• Trending animal story about Romeow, a stray orange tabby cat who made an unexpected appearance during an outdoor performance of “Romeo and Juliet” • Animal news, including the story of how a new study challenges the common assumption that cat ownership automatically worsens asthma in children • Pet Health Listener Q&A: What sudden movements during deep sleep may mean; why cats may drool while kneading surfaces; and what to do if your pet gets sprayed by a skunk

Do you have a pe t health question for Dr. Hohenhaus? Email AskTheVet@amcny.org to have your question answered on Ask the Vet.