Recently I was in conversation with some colleagues, discussing a veterinarian’s right to choose whether they proceed with a client’s euthanasia request for their pet. It got me wondering how common it is for veterinarians to follow through with a euthanasia request, and how many will turn it down in the hopes of a different…

The original title of this blog was going to be “The Importance of Keeping Families and Pets Together During Euthanasia.” However, I thought, pets are family, so it seemed redundant to signal them out as somehow different. When it comes to companion animal euthanasia, pet owners are saying goodbye to a family member, and togetherness…

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 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 consider your answers before continuing to CAETA’s suggestions. This case is designed to test your knowledge of companion animal euthanasia and be a conversation starter…

Euthanasia appointments for animals center around the medical act to end life. The complete appointment layers in details that support the dying patient’s needs as well as loved ones. Euthanasias can take time, with many veterinary teams aiming for around 45 minutes to an hour from start to finish. This helps to provide extra room…

Discussing pet euthanasia with children has always been a challenge for veterinary professionals. It’s a bit unnerving to describe what’s about to take place to a young mind who may not be able to comprehend what’s happening in front of them. Most of the time, we are unclear about how much the parent/guardian has told…

I’m proud to be a nostalgic person who loves creating memories I can reminisce over. Reflecting on the life of my pets is a perfect example. Pets are woven into the fabric of our lives, and sometimes, we need a reminder of how special and valuable their friendship is to us. This is a great…

Long have veterinarians tried to reduce active signs of death during pet euthanasia. A quiet death, with minimal to no movement from the pet’s body, is always preferred. Seeing a pet’s body move in unusual ways during their last breaths can leave owners wondering what their pet is experiencing. Are they in pain? Are they…

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 consider your answers before continuing to CAETA’s suggestions. This case is designed to test your knowledge of companion animal euthanasia and be a conversation starter…

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of partaking in the 8th annual Veterinary Social Work summit hosted by the IAVSW. This was not my first time attending this event, and it won’t be my last. Talk about a wonderful gathering of bright minds and generous souls. I’ve often said that veterinary professionals (DVMs and…