Updated January 2025

The Fear Free movement is alive and well thanks to the Fear Free Pet Initiative, led by Dr. Marty Becker. The goal of the Fear Free program is to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress, known as FAS.  In reducing FAS, the pet patient will feel safer in the veterinary hospital. Throughout the patient’s life, the veterinary team has built up trust and demonstrated care and compassion. The hope is that if and when the patient must return for a life-ending euthanasia procedure, the patient will be as relaxed and comfortable as their state of health allows.

Euthanasia is defined as a “good death.” What is a good death? Research tells us that clients and veterinary teams use descriptors like peaceful, pain-free, stress-free, comfortable, and even meaningful (1). In fact, if one considers euthanasia to be one of the most impactful appointments in a patient’s life, one might say that all Fear Free work has come to a culmination during this time, and that the euthanasia appointment itself is the most meaningful expression of love and gentleness we offer our patients. A strong understanding of Fear Free teachings will be called upon to make the patient’s last moments peaceful for them and comforting for clients.  

Fear Free Handling Tips During Euthanasia

• Move slowly; let the patient come to you.
• Ask the client if the patient is sensitive anywhere before touching.
• Offer treats and distractions when giving pre-euthanasia sedative injections.
• If sensitive to injections, use oral medications first.
• Offer non-slip surfaces to improve patient mobility and stability.
• Allow patients to remain in their carriers or home cages (e.g. exotic pets) if they prefer, and reduce handling.
• Consider soothing music, pheromones, and natural elements (plants) in the room.
• Help calm the client so they are calmer around their pet.
• Talk in a low, gentle voice at all times.
• Keep the client and pet together through the entire appointment, or at least until the patient is sleeping.

The human-animal bond is rich with emotions like love and trust. Everything we do during euthanasia must consider the potential depth of this bond and the importance of preserving our patient and client’s connection throughout. It is necessary to view our patient as a collective unit, both pet and client, as the loss will affect the client long after death has occurred. A Fear Free euthanasia takes into consideration the patient’s needs as well as the client’s, recognizing that reduced FAS in both leads to a more controlled and relaxed experience. It means exploring all possibilities on behalf of the patient, including performing euthanasia in the home setting rather than the hospital.  

The Fear Free program developed a euthanasia-centric module, which has been available since 2019. Designed by the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy, the module helps learners understand how to elevate the euthanasia experience the Fear Free way. They have additional euthanasia modules, articles, and podcasts you may find useful(2). Everyone benefits when euthanasia training like this is offered for the betterment of the pet, caregiver, and veterinary team.

References

1. Kogan, L.R. and Cooney, K.A., 2023. Defining a “Good Death”: Exploring Veterinarians’ Perceptions of Companion Animal Euthanasia. Animals, 13(13), p.2117.
2. Fear Free Euthanasia Courses. https://fearfreepets.com/?s=euthanasia