Hampton Roads Veterinary Hospice - A Caring Pathways Practice

06/23/2026

A tribute for Reggie 🐾

"We had to say goodbye to one of the very best cats, Reggie.

June 1st was nine years since the day Jason (my husband) scooped him up from the median of I-35 in Texas. He was so ugly and stinky, but he turned into such a handsome, beautiful cat.

I had no idea then that I needed a cat or that I could love a cat so much. Because of him, we also got Sammy (our other cat). I always say he was so spoiled that we ended up getting him his own cat.

Reggie was something special. More like a dog than a cat. He knew his name, could sit on command, and would usually come when called.

He was simply the best, and the house already feels a little emptier without him."

06/22/2026

Supporting a child through the loss of a pet can feel incredibly heavy, especially when you’re grieving too. 💚

Children don’t always understand death the way adults do, and their reactions can change depending on age, development, and emotional connection to the pet.

What matters most isn’t having the perfect explanation.
It’s:
• Using honest, simple language
• Allowing space for questions and emotions
• Helping them feel safe while they grieve
• Letting them see that it’s okay to feel sad too

If you’re in this place right now, you don’t have to navigate it perfectly.
You just have to show up with honesty, steadiness, and care, for them and for yourself.

For more resources to help you and your loved ones through this tender moment, visit our website 💚

06/18/2026

We’re honored to see our own Dr. Tyler Carmack, Director of Hospice & Palliative Care, and Dr. Chelsea McGivney, Executive Director of Operations, contributing to an important national conversation about the future of veterinary medicine.

A recent AAHA Trends article highlights a meaningful milestone in the profession: the proposed American College of Veterinary Hospice and Palliative Medicine (ACVHPM). This initiative reflects growing recognition of hospice and palliative care as an essential part of comprehensive veterinary medicine—supporting pets and families with compassion, clarity, and quality-of-life focused care.

This is a pivotal moment for the field, and part of a larger conversation about how veterinary medicine continues to evolve to better serve patients and the people who love them.

If you are interested in the future of hospice and palliative care in veterinary medicine, we encourage you to read the article and share your perspective through the public forum linked within it.

Read more here:
https://www.aaha.org/trends-magazine/publications/a-new-chapter-the-american-college-of-veterinary-hospice-and-palliative-medicine/

Learn more about the American College of Veterinary Hospice and Palliative Medicine, a proposed RVSO dedicated to advancing the care of animals experiencing chronic, progressive, and quality-of-life-limiting conditions.

06/15/2026

Community Notice 💚

We've recently removed scam comments that were appearing on some of our older posts and tagging followers. These comments promoted merchandise that is not affiliated with Hampton Roads Veterinary Hospice.

As a reminder, we do not sell or advertise merchandise through our social media pages. Our content is intended for educational and informational purposes.
If you ever notice a suspicious comment, post, or message appearing to be associated with us, please let us know so we can address it promptly.
Thank you for helping us keep this community safe and supportive.

06/15/2026

If you're asking, "Am I doing enough for my senior dog or cat?" 💚
The answer isn't always simple, but the question comes from a place of deep love.

Doing enough doesn’t mean doing everything possible. It means:
✔️ Keeping them comfortable
✔️ Managing pain and mobility
✔️ Protecting their quality of life
✔️ Giving them safety, routine, and love
✔️ Making sustainable decisions for your whole family

Your pet doesn’t need perfection. They need you.

Save this for the hard days, and send it to a fellow senior-pet parent who needs the reminder. 🐾

06/09/2026

Today, on World Pet Memorial Day, we remember the pets who changed our lives with their unconditional love, loyalty, and companionship.

Though they may be gone, they are never forgotten.

🐾 Comment below with the pet who will always have a place in your heart.

06/08/2026

Cats are incredibly skilled at hiding pain and discomfort. What may seem like a small change in appetite, grooming, activity, or social behavior can sometimes be a sign that your cat's needs are changing.

Our Pathway to Care Assessment for Cats was designed to help families recognize subtle changes, evaluate quality of life, and make informed decisions with greater confidence and clarity.

Whether you're managing a chronic illness, caring for a senior cat, or simply wondering how they're really doing, this free assessment can help guide the conversation and support your journey together. 💚

Take the Pathway to Care Assessment for Cats today. Link to the website in our bio.

06/04/2026

Happy Hug Your Cat Day! 🐾
Celebrate the comfort, companionship, and unconditional affection our feline friends bring to our lives.

Whether they're curled up in your lap, following you from room to room, or demanding treats with perfect timing, cats have a special way of making every day brighter.

🐱 Give your favorite feline an extra hug today and share a photo of your cat in the comments!

05/29/2026

We’re honored to see our own Dr. Tyler Carmack, Director of Hospice & Palliative Care, and Dr. Chelsea McGivney, Executive Director of Operations, contributing to this important conversation about the future of veterinary medicine.

The proposed American College of Veterinary Hospice and Palliative Medicine represents a meaningful step forward in recognizing the value of compassionate, comfort-focused care for animals and the families who love them.

Read more about this exciting milestone and how you can support the future of the specialty. 🐾

Veterinary hospice and end-of-life care offers an opportunity for veterinary professionals to make an impact and provide exceptional care.

05/28/2026

An incredible honor to be invited to speak at the Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa in Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹

Dr. Tyler Carmack presented "Redefining Success in Veterinary Medicine: Hospice and Palliative Care for Companion Animals" to fifth-year veterinary students and the staff of Hospital Escolar Veterinário FMV-ULisboa — a teaching hospital with its own ground-breaking hospice and palliative care service.

Grateful to Dr. Sofia Mouro, Dr. Esmeralda Delgado, and Dr. Mafalda Gonçalves for making this visit possible. The future of veterinary medicine is in wonderful hands.
🐾🌎