Posts by Dr. Kathleen Cooney
The Role of Death Doulas in Pet Euthanasia
As the landscape of pet care evolves, the intersection of veterinary medicine, grief support, and holistic care has led to the emergence of new roles that emphasize emotional, spiritual, and…
Read MoreMoving Away From Cadavers in Pet Euthanasia Training
The Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy (CAETA) asked a big question in 2025. Could we teach pet euthanasia injection techniques just as effectively using models instead of deceased animal cadavers,…
Read MoreWhy Pet Euthanasia Work Speaks to Me
When the desire to become a veterinarian first occurred to me, handing my career over to death-centered work was not on my radar. I was primarily interested in caring for…
Read MoreEuthanasia-Related Highlights from the 2025 IAAHPC Conference
I recently attended the 15th annual International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC) conference in Louisville, Kentucky. It’s a gathering of veterinary professionals (DVM, technician, social worker, etc)…
Read MoreCAETA Euthanasia Case: Francisco the Itchy Cat
The Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy (CAETA) invites you to consider the following fictional euthanasia case and reflect on how to proceed. After reviewing the case, read the questions and…
Read MoreCommon Complaints About Pet Euthanasia
The euthanasia of a beloved pet is one of the most emotionally charged experiences a pet owner can face. While many families find comfort in a peaceful, compassionate process, others…
Read MoreThe Best Way to Euthanize Awake Pets with IV Pentobarbital (if you must)
CAETA is known for its advocacy of pre-euthanasia sleep for companion pets. It is part of our 14 essential components of companion animal euthanasia and the backbone of our ability…
Read MoreEmotional Blackmail by Pet Owners Demanding Euthanasia: How to Respond
What is emotional blackmail and how does it apply to pet euthanasia and veterinary medicine? Emotional blackmail is a form of manipulation where a person uses fear, obligation, or guilt…
Read MoreNew Study Shows Lidocaine as Euthanasia Agent in Dogs and Cats
Lidocaine is a local anesthetic drug that can be administered to dogs and cats in high doses to achieve death. It requires pre-euthanasia anesthesia to induce unconsciousness beforehand and appears…
Read MoreCAETA Euthanasia Case: Nugget the old horse
The Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy (CAETA) invites you to consider the following fictional euthanasia case and reflect on how to proceed. After reviewing the case, read the questions and…
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