Online Quality of Life Assessment 

During an online Quality of Life Assessment, Dr. Ma can help walk your family through the decision making processes toward the end of your pet’s life. Many families are unsure if they are making the right choices for their pet- often wondering if they are not doing enough, doing too much, or if they are “keeping them around just for us.” These highly emotional decisions can be complicated and some families need professional assistance in clear decision making.

Online Quality of Life Assessments can help you determine if your pet is in pain or if their daily struggles are compromising their dignity and quality of life. Dr. Ma can offer additional guidance to help improve your pet’s quality of life - general treatment options, tips for giving oral medications, ways to encourage eating, and small changes in the home and yard to further support your pet.

Online Quality of Life Assessments can also help determine if other palliative and supportive care options are available. Dr. Ma will help your family decide if and when it will be time to consider euthanasia. Assessments will also include a description of how to prepare for euthanasia and what to expect during that visit. These discussions can be personalized to include advice for preparing for loss with children, other pets in the home, and any unique family circumstances. Our virtual consultations last approximately 1-1.5 hour, providing the time needed to discuss your pet’s quality of life in a non-hurried and supportive manner, taking into consideration your concerns and goals.

The American Veterinary Medical Association and the California Board of Veterinary Medicine require a physical examination for a veterinarian to diagnose and treat a medical condition and/or to prescribe medications. At this time, neither governing body allows establishing a new doctor-client-patient relationship via virtual means. Therefore, Dr. Ma CANNOT prescribe any medication during online assessment.

Phone Consultation

If you don't need long conversation or review of medical records, we also offer 10-minutes complimentary phone consultation. If the phone call takes longer than ten minutes, there will be a phone consultation fee associated with it.