It’s that time of year to be reflective and rejuvenated. January 1st is one of my favorite dates because of all it holds; the past, present and future. This past year, 2024, brought substantial improvements for the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy (CAETA). We were blessed in many ways, with much of it due to the generous partnership with Lap of Love and the infrastructure they provided us. CAETA has never been stronger and more energized.

In 2024, our team of dedicated animal lovers:

• Built the CAETA Instructor Bureau, training 7 talented people to present our training material at veterinary schools and conferences.
• Launched our Peaceful Euthansia Certification program for DVMs, technicians, and other support staff.
• Presented content at more than 60 events.
• Wrote three research papers on the topics of euthanasia and pet aftercare.
• Formed collaborations with veterinary groups and associations.
• Supported grieving pet owners who experienced dysthanasias.
• Published 24 blogs and other articles.
• Attended a conference focused on the future of veterinary education.
• Hired an Education and Events Coordinator to help bring it altogether.

Part of the brainstorming strategy that took place at the end of 2024 focused on how to bring more targeted euthanasia education to those who need it most. CAETA has been out there training since 2017 and still, so many vet students and professionals aren’t sure what modern pet euthanasia looks like. We regularly hear them say, “I had no idea you could give euthanasia solution that way” and “Thank you for teaching me that. I’ve been confused about it for too long”. When we hear this kind of feedback, it fuels CAETA forward in our mission. 

So what does the future of CAETA hold in 2025 and beyond? Much more of the same with some new initiatives. We are set to onboard 2 more Instructors in January which will help in our reach to DVM and veterinary technology programs. CAETA has been recruited to teach at many schools that lack formal coursework of their own. Schools will leverage CAETA’s expertise and prebuilt content to streamline their own offerings. In February, we are set to submit grant proposals to HABRI in the hopes of launching more research projects to advance the field of end-of-life care. As the year progresses, CAETA hopes to onboard more veterinary hospitals as Peaceful End-of-life Practices, through our practice certification model. It’s impressive when hospitals know how to do euthanasia better, the staff thrives more in their professional and personal life.

While our team remains small, the drive we have to provide all companion animals with a gentle death is enormous. There is so much work to be done and in the spirit of gratitude, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has, and does, support CAETA’s vision for progressive euthanasia education around the world. To recap what we have said for years, endings matter. Let’s all be advocates for the Good Death Revolution.