Veterinary School Partnerships
Elevate Veterinary Education with CAETA’s End-of-Life Programs
The end of a pet’s life is one of the most emotionally significant moments for both clients and patients. However, the educational emphasis on end-of-life care in veterinary curricula remains limited. Veterinary (DVM or technician) programs dedicate an average of only 2.8 hours to this essential subject. Even more alarmingly, 75% of students graduate without ever administering a life-ending medication—a critical skill for compassionate euthanasia practice. (Source: Today’s Veterinary Practice, Jan/Feb 2016)
Your students deserve better. Their future clients deserve better. CAETA’s specialized training programs seamlessly integrate into existing curricula, equipping students with the essential skills and compassion needed for end-of-life (EOL) veterinary care.
Addressing a Critical Gap in Veterinary Education
The importance of EOL care cannot be overstated. Surveys consistently show that the ability to provide compassionate, skilled euthanasia is one of the services that pet owners value most. Yet, most veterinary graduates enter the field with minimal preparation in this area, leaving them under-equipped to handle these critical moments. This deficit can lead to professional burnout, decreased client trust, and suboptimal outcomes for pets and their families. The Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy (CAETA) is uniquely positioned to fill this void, offering evidence-based, advanced programming that equips students with essential skills for this technically and emotionally challenging aspect of veterinary practice.
CAETA’s comprehensive curriculum includes:
Technical Excellence: Advanced euthanasia techniques, including sedation protocols, catheter placement, and intraorgan injections.
Client Communication: Skills for navigating sensitive conversations about quality of life, grief, and decision-making.
Grief and Emotional Support: Training to provide meaningful support to pet owners while safeguarding the mental well-being of veterinary professionals.
Hospice and Palliative Care: An introduction to the principles of hospice, giving students the tools to offer holistic end-of-life solutions.
Why CAETA?
Proven Educational Impact
CAETA programs are developed and led by Dr. Kathleen Cooney, a globally recognized leader in EOL care. With an evidence-based approach based on years of practical experience, CAETA’s courses are trusted by veterinary professionals worldwide. Our program aligns seamlessly with AVMA Core Competencies, providing your institution with a rigorous academic resource that meets the highest standards.
Enhanced Student Readiness
Veterinary students who receive specialized training in EOL care graduate better prepared to serve clients with compassion and expertise. This readiness enhances their confidence and improves client satisfaction and loyalty, contributing to long-term professional success.
Easy Integration
CAETA’s modular approach allows for seamless integration into existing curricula, with options for standalone workshops, supplementary lectures, and/or online coursework.
Flexible Delivery Options
Our programs are adaptable to meet the needs of your institution:
- Virtual Delivery: The Peaceful Euthanasia Certification can be delivered online through the CAETA LMS or integrated into your school’s LMS. This option is ideal for existing courses or as a standalone assignment for advanced students.
- Hybrid Delivery: Combine CAETA’s online certification with an onsite euthanasia techniques workshop. This hands-on training can form the foundation of a core course, elective, or selective opportunity, tailored to fit within a semester or intensive week-long format.
The CAETA Advantage
- Risk Reduction: Euthanasia appointments pose the highest reputational risks for clinics.
- Client Retention: Nearly 1 in 5 clients leave a practice after a euthanasia appointment, often due to dissatisfaction with the experience.
- Staff Retention and Well-being: Proper training reduces burnout, stress, and fatigue while building confidence and emotional resilience.
- Professional Development: With fewer than three hours of euthanasia-related training in most vet school curriculums, CAETA fills a critical educational void.
Benefits for Your Institution
Leadership in Veterinary Education
Integrating CAETA programming positions your institution as a leader in veterinary education, addressing a growing demand for humane and compassionate EOL care. This will enhance your school’s reputation and attract prospective students who value a comprehensive education.
Support for Faculty and Staff
CAETA provides resources and training for your faculty, enabling them to confidently teach EOL care and support students as they navigate this emotionally charged subject.
Improved Outcomes for Graduates
By providing CAETA’s advanced EOL care training, you ensure your graduates enter the field with a critical skill set that differentiates them from their peers, boosting employability and career satisfaction.
Partner with CAETA Today!
oin leading veterinary schools across the country in preparing the next generation of veterinarians to provide exceptional, compassionate care at every stage of a pet’s life. Let us help you integrate CAETA programming into your curriculum and give your students the tools they need to thrive in their careers.
Contact us today to learn more about how CAETA can elevate your veterinary school’s educational offerings.
75% of veterinary students graduate without ever having performed a euthanasia.
Today’s Veterinary Practice,
Jan/Feb 2016 issue