Just as human Occupational Therapists help older people stay safe and independent at home, Veterinary Occupational Therapy could do the same for our ageing cats and dogs. Here's why senior pets deserve more than a diagnosis, and how small changes to their home and routine can restore comfort, dignity and quality of life long before a crisis hits.

Twenty years after qualifying as a veterinary nurse, founder Sieske Valk looks back on the winding path that led here - fieldwork in India, Kenya and Zanzibar, a mobile palliative care clinic in London, and a soul-cat named Lewis who shaped everything that came after. This is the origin story behind Autumn Animals 2.0, and why supporting pet caregivers through the "autumn" of their companion animal's life became the mission.

When a companion animal starts ageing or becomes seriously ill, the people around them face a wave of decisions, emotions and questions - most of which they navigate largely alone. The literature shows that pet caregivers experience increased caregiver burden, depression, anxiety and guilt. And yet the research into what they actually need to mitigate this remains strikingly limited. This is where my new IAAHPC-funded research begins.

When communication fails in the veterinary clinic, the consequences are more than just a misunderstanding. They result in shattered trust, caregiver guilt, and patient trauma. Through two harrowing cases involving a diabetic cat and a reactive dog, this article examines missed opportunities for empathy and advocacy. By shifting toward an interdisciplinary model that includes specialist case workers, we can stop treating pets as numbers and start honouring the complex bonds th

"Rearing a cat feels vaguely similar to raising a child - in reverse." As Lewis celebrates his 19th birthday, we reflect on the transition from the "age of independence" to a stage of deep dependence. While society offers a village for new parents, caregivers of super-senior pets often navigate the sleepless nights and emotional strain alone. Explore why we need a holistic framework for veterinary palliative care that supports the human at the other end of the leash.

"In sensitive life-and-death conversations, language is everything." Many believe palliative and hospice care are interchangeable, but the distinction is vital for a pet's longevity and quality of life. From interdisciplinary support to the role of end-of-life doulas, explore the key concepts that shift our focus from "fighting disease" to providing a dignified, compassionate journey for our animal companions and their caregivers.

This week, it’s been a year since we moved into a converted barn on a working farm in beautiful Devon. Seeking a quieter life outside of London...

Here are some basic guidelines on how to communicate compassionately with grieving people

How to communicate with pet guardians who are going through grief in a compassionate, non-harmful way Half a year ago, I was asked whether I wanted to be a speaker during the 2025 Mobile Vet Conference, hosted by the House Call Vet, Dr. Eve Harrison. Having thoroughly enjoyed last year’s conference, as a last-minute speaker when another speaker had to pull out due to personal circumstances, I immediately grabbed the opportunity. However, being in limbo, as I didn’t know what

I am usually not one for making New Year’s resolutions; I tend to stick to “Another Year on Earth" resolutions, taken during....

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Photo credit: Karina B. on Unsplash I was born around the Autumn equinox. Having come to know myself better, I couldn’t have been born at any other time; it’s the time of year when the day and night are in perfect balance and they both get an equal amount of time to shine. Everyone who knows me knows that Autumn is my season: scrunchy leaves, amber-to-red trees, candlelight in the evening, hearty stews, and the combination of throw+book+cat is what I live for. I even gave my

How to stay sane when being a carer. Here are some practical tips for physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

What is the difference is between palliative and hospice care. Read this post to find out.

The story of Lewis, the muse behind Autumn Animals

Two adopted kitties who passed away within a short time span of each other, and left a giant hole in their caregivers' hearts.