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, and perhaps as important, how would our learners respond to the change? After many years of using cadavers in our CAETA technique workshops, it would be a big leap. Through creativity and ingenuity, we created the models, and following three training events in 2025, it appears that moving away from cadavers is working.
Last year, CAETA made the move to using models for a few key reasons. The first was to end the struggle to find ethically-sourced canines and felines that we knew had a good life and a good death before coming to us. The second was to have models we could use repeatedly for consistency in teaching. The third reason was to improve cleanliness and reduce the presence of death in our workshops. Just because we teach about death doesn’t mean we need a death touchpoint in the room.
CAETA was tasked with creating models that would replace dog and cat cadavers. The models needed to be lifelike, easy to transport, provide a practical euthanasia injection experience, and ultimately increase the learner’s confidence so they could become better euthanasia practitioners. The models were to look and feel like a real animal, to prepare learners for the day when a real client would ask them to euthanize their beloved pet. CAETA is an advocate for having multiple injection protocols ready to use, which includes intraorgan injection sites. The challenge became how to replicate what it feels like to locate blood during an intracardiac injection or feel the kidney swell during an intrarenal injection. Along the way, we found so many benefits we didn’t expect.
From CAETA’s first conference event using the new feline models, we discovered our learners had a brighter energy and lightness. They seemed more open to sharing stories and connecting with each other. While CAETA technique workshops had always fostered a strong sense of fellowship among our learners, this felt different, as if removing the dead from the room gave permission to enjoy the learning experience. The sight and smell of blood was gone, and in its place was a greater softness.
What Moving Away from Cadavers Has Provided:
- Easier conference preparations
- Increased training opportunities around the world
- Equal learning experiences
- Improved cleanliness and odor management
- Greater fellowship amongst the learners and instructors
The respect for the seriousness of the subject matter remains, but so far, it appears that using models instead of cadavers to teach pet euthanasia techniques is working well. It feels like a positive step in the right direction to elevate veterinary training. CAETA plans to continue teaching with them at veterinary conferences around the world in 2026 and beyond. Interested in booking CAETA for a training event? Contact us.
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