Knowing what to do at the end of a pet’s life can be a trying affair. But Chase Road Veterinary Clinic aims to provide pet owners plenty of options to help a sick pet attain a better quality of life.

Chase Farm Veterinary Hospital’s new satellite clinic, located on 166 Chase Road, had on open house on Oct. 25, giving animal lovers a glimpse at the new location and a chance to learn about hospice care for pets. While the hospital’s main facility has supplied end-of-life care, the new clinic will make palliative care and rehabilitation its focus.

“They have hospice care for humans, but it’s lacking in veterinary medicine,” said Dr. Abigail Messina.

The Valiant Hearts Compassionate Care Service will give cat and dog owners more options when it comes to creating a care plan for their pet.

“I think for people who aren’t our clients who end up in the emergency center with a poor prognosis or a bad diagnosis, their choices right now are really expensive, high-level referral care or euthanasia,” said Dr. Jean Pitcairn. “We would like them to have an opportunity to make a third choice, and, in that third choice, they get to participate.”

That “third choice” could range from acupuncture to trying herbal remedies to exploring new dosage options with medications. Home consults are another way in which veterinarians can help out. By visiting an animal at home, vets will be able to assess whether the environment meets the needs of the animal. Simply removing some furniture or adding ramps may help pets stay mobile and improve their quality of life.

The clinic is also equipped with a small hyperbaric chamber. In the chamber the cat or dog will receive 100 percent oxygen that is pressurized to help oxygen get into tissues it would normally not be able to.

There will also be a rehabilitation center, which is currently under construction. The rehab center will include an underwater treadmill and a pool. Messina predicts that part of the clinic will be completed by spring.

For now, the veterinarians at the clinic hope to get the word about their end-of-life treatment options, especially to other emergency clinics.

“We’ll plan on going around and letting [the emergency clinics] know we’re doing this,” said Messina. “A lot of dogs that are diagnosed with terminal illnesses, it’s done at an emergency clinic. If they’re not going to do surgery or treatments – and they’re not ready to put their pet down – it would be nice for them to refer things to us.”

Messina, who developed the program, said the idea derived from her desire to better help animals and the people who love them.

“I needed to feel as if there was something more I could do for people. I love what I do as a veterinarian, but I also want to be supportive to people and being in a position of guidance,” she said.

To make an appointment or to learn more about the new clinic, call 508-995-9935. The main hospital is located on 35 Ventura Drive.