Frequently Asked Questions About the
Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy
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.
Most CAETA programs are offered online, including our Peaceful End-of-Life Practice Certification. From time to time, we also offer in-person lab experiences, often hosted in conjunction with veterinary conferences.
You can bring the Peaceful End-of-Life Practice Certification directly into your hospital through our structured, team-based approach.
CAETA partners with hospitals and clinics to support meaningful, sustainable improvements in end-of-life care. We begin by understanding your current protocols and goals, then guide your team through the online Peaceful End-of-Life Practice Certification. From there, we provide support and recommendations to help you integrate what you’ve learned into your daily workflows, enhancing both patient care and client experience.
Our goal is to make the process straightforward and impactful, without adding unnecessary burden to your team.
To explore bringing this certification to your hospital, click here to learn more and get started.
