Hospice, Palliative & Euthanasia Care for Pets
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy. At Five Star Veterinary Center, we're here to provide gentle, compassionate end-of-life care that prioritizes your pet's comfort, dignity, and emotional well-being while supporting you every step of the way.

What's the Difference Between Hospice and Palliative Care?
Both focus on improving quality of life, but there are key differences:
Palliative Care: Supports pets with chronic or terminal conditions by managing pain and symptoms. It may still include life-prolonging treatments.
Hospice Care: For pets nearing the end of life, focused entirely on comfort not cure. Care is often provided at home, in a calm, familiar environment.
Both options aim to keep your pet comfortable while helping you navigate this stage with support and guidance.
Gentle Pet Euthanasia
When the time comes to say goodbye, we offer humane euthanasia services either in our clinic or in the comfort of your home. We walk you through every step with care and sensitivity, giving you time to say farewell in a peaceful way.
Is It Time?
We understand how difficult this decision is. Please see the following support guide.
If your pet is:
- In constant pain
- No longer eating, drinking, or enjoying life
- Struggling to move or breathe comfortably
- Diagnosed with a terminal illness
…we're here to help with a compassionate, honest assessment.
If you're unsure what the right path is, we offer quality-of-life consultations to help you make informed, loving decisions.
Considering Euthanasia?
When you're ready to make that decision, our veterinarians will be with you every step of the way, and our staff can help with recommendations for aftercare. We know it won't be an easy call to make, but please don't hesitate to reach out to us if we can assist you with end-of-life care for your pet.
Want your family member to cross over in your home with your family?
In-Home End-of-Life Care with Lap of Love.
Five Star Veterinary Center partners with Lap of Love, a trusted network of veterinarians dedicated to providing compassionate, in-home end-of-life care for pets. Their team specializes in veterinary hospice and peaceful in-home euthanasia, allowing families to say goodbye in the comfort and familiarity of home.
Lap of Love offers supportive services such as hospice guidance, telehealth consultations, and pet loss resources to help families navigate this difficult time with empathy and understanding. We are proud to partner with them to ensure your pet receives the gentlest care possible, wherever you feel most comfortable.

Scheduling Your Appointment with Five Star Veterinary Center for End of Life
Arranging an animal euthanasia appointment is never easy, and for some, it can lead to feelings of guilt. These feelings are valid and normal. When you work with Five Star Veterinary Center, we ensure that a compassionate team member will help you schedule a date that works for you. Morning or afternoon appointments are available.
Take some time to view the catalog of memento items, and decide if you'd like to add any to your order. These items can be selected anytime up to the day of your pet's passing. If you have any questions, Dr. Melinda E. Kilty or Dr. Erika N. Eigenbrod will be happy to answer them at the time of your animal euthanasia appointment, or you can check out our frequently asked questions page.
We work with Butler Pet Services for crematory and Life Services.
Crematory calls the client directly after the pet's passing
The Appointment
When you arrive, one of our nurses will assist you in understanding the process and get your pet prepared for the procedure. When Dr. Melinda E. Kilty or Dr. Erika N. Eigenbrod comes in, she will have everything she needs to be sure you have a stress-free experience. She will explain the medications used and the timing of each step to everyone present at the appointment. Once final decisions for Mementos or aftercare options are completed, all attention is on you, your family, and your pet. Other pets are welcome to participate as well.
The goal is a peaceful, painless, fear and anxiety-free passing, surrounded by family. Dr. Melinda E. Kilty or Dr. Erika N. Eigenbrod will assess your pet's anxiety level and emotional needs during the first few minutes. Pets may be fearful, protective, or overly friendly when they arrive. No worries! Dr. Melinda E. Kilty or Dr. Erika N. Eigenbrod brings a peaceful, calm demeanor that will help to soothe fearful babies and put them at ease.
The Procedure
Medications are chosen based on your pet and their specific health needs.
After The Passing
Our Crematory service offers a hair clipping, and if you have opted for private cremations, a free paw print as well, which allows you to keep a small memento of your pet while you wait for the delivery of the more permanent options you may have selected. We then respectfully and gently prepare for transportation by carefully wrapping your baby in a blanket and swaddling them for this final trip. We will then allow you and your family a few minutes to say your final goodbyes.
If you have selected a private or communal cremation, your baby will be transported to the morgue to await their final procedure by the staff of Springfield Pet Services. Springfield Pet Services offers viewings and attended cremations as well. If you would like to be present, arrangements can be made directly with the Springfield Pet Services.
Make Your Last Moments Special
At Five Star Veterinary Center, we do everything in our capacity to make euthanasia as comfortable and peaceful as possible. We know this procedure is never easy, but rest assured, when you partner with our caring team, you will feel at peace with the passing of your beloved pet. If you're interested in our services, we are here to help. Simply connect with us at (217) 241-2287 to begin the process.
Winter Solstice Remembrance Ceremony
Each December, Five Star Veterinary Center hosts a special Winter Solstice Remembrance Ceremony to honor and celebrate the pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. This heartfelt tradition offers a peaceful moment for families to reflect, remember, and celebrate the unconditional love their pets brought into their lives.
We invite you to join us each winter as we gather in remembrance, share stories, and hold space for healing during this meaningful time of year.
