The Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy (CAETA) was founded in 2017 by Kathleen Cooney, DVM, MS, CHPV, CCFP.  CAETA brings detailed training to veterinarians and members of the veterinary team, in all aspects of companion animal euthanasia. Coursework topics include drug pharmacology, caregiver and pet considerations, pre-euthanasia sedation protocols, euthanasia techniques, case review, and more. Training is currently offered in the United States and other countries around the world. The program is designed to improve the euthanasia experience for the pet, caregiver, and veterinary team.

Please note: CAETA does not currently provide euthanasia technician licensure for shelter staff.

Euthanasia is considered one of the most important procedures offered to animal patients.  In fact, it's considered the second most common procedure in veterinary medicine.  We all want everything go well, to proceed as expected, and everyone present feel safe and supported. Companion animals hold a special place in the hearts of their caregivers. It is CAETA's mission to help every veterinarian and veterinary team member gain the technical skills to make each euthanasia appointment peaceful and memorable. We want to reduce challenging appointments and help veterinary teams find balance and harmony. And for those non-veterinary professionals coming to learn with us, they will complete the program with a much larger appreciation of euthanasia best practices.

Euthanasia comes from the Greek language meaning ‘good death’. All approved methods of euthanasia, of which there are many, achieve death peacefully, with minimal stress or pain for the animal. Companion animal euthanasia puts added emphasis on making sure the procedure is peaceful and gentle for human loved ones gathered close by. The techniques taught in our courses are those commonly used in human-animal bond centric hospitals and clinics. We closely follow CAETA's The 14 Essential Components of Companion Animal Euthanasia.

Our instructors are leaders in the field of end-of-life care. Combined, we have been training euthanasia techniques to veterinarians, technicians, and veterinary students for over 20 years. We have authored books on euthanasia and bring real-world personal and professional perspectives to the coursework. Please view the Our Team page to learn more.

The Peaceful Euthanasia Certification may be taken in one of two ways.  Our onsite/in person training is a combination of lecture, laboratory sessions, and testing over 1-2 days. Students will be provided proceedings as well and long-term access to our online CAETA library of resources. Testing takes place through our online testing platform.  A passing grade of 80% is required to receive the certificate. For those unable to attend our onsite Master programs around the world, we offer an online module program delivered through our own website or via Animal Care Technologies (ACT), VetAcademy, VetFolio, and VetVine.  All program benefits remain the same whether the material is learned in person or online.

Our Peaceful Euthanasia Certification is available on-demand via our student portal and taught in-person multiple times a year in the US, and in various countries around the world. Please see the Peaceful Euthanasia Certification link for more information on dates and locations.

Course fees include 10 hours of continuing education for veterinarians and technicians (the course is open to everyone), all proceedings, a certificate of completion, marketing seal of excellence, and ongoing access to our CAETA online library. For those traveling to our live master programs, meals are provided along with great networking opportunities. Travel and lodging will need to be covered by students. After registering for your course, visit our student information page for more information.

There are many ways to add value into your veterinary services using our educational content.  Here are some ways to open dialogue with your employers:

1. Offer to take your new knowledge back to the office and hold training sessions for your co-workers.
2. Offer to develop a list of ideas and information to share when returning to the office. Email the list to your supervisor and co-workers before your return.
3. Approach your employer early to take advantage of lower hotel rates and
   airfares for our onsite programs.
4. Let your supervisor know that you plan on taking advantage of the myriad of networking opportunities and learning from others in both formal and informal ways.
5. Strrrretch that dollar! Tell your boss you’re going to learn how to do more with less– including ways to control costs and increase revenue while still delivering quality patient care.
6. Share that you will help complete the euthanasia team training manual and lead the cultural shift in your practice.

We are pleased to offer hospitals and clinics direct integrative training.  CAETA, along with other leaders in the field, have built an assessment/training program to assist your hospital in making positive changes.  We begin with a survey of your current protocols, assess your hospital in person, then follow this with the online CAETA program. Next our team will help yours to implement the recommended patient and client experience enhancements.  Our goal is to keep your work to a minimum while delivering game-changing results.  To learn more, contact us today.  It's easier than you think to make lasting change.