Nothing can really prepare you for a euthanasia, especially for the first time. It is one of the unfortunate things we in the field of veterinary medicine have to deal with on a daily basis. Although it can be very distressing and sad, it can also be a blessing. You have the unique opportunity to alleviate the pain and suffering from someone’s beloved companion when no other options are available. Depending on where you work, sometimes crying in front of the client is discouraged, not necessarily because your clinic is being insensitive but usually it is to spare the owners from getting more upset. Crying is like yawning, it is highly contagious. I have seen doctors, techs, office managers, receptionists, etc break down and cry when that certain patient has grabbed a hold of their heart. Don’t ever be ashamed or made to feel guilty for expressing such a deep and true emotion, we are human after all and it is our natural response to loss. Certainly dramatic theatrics and dropping to the floor heaving and weeping is not recommended.
- If you are able to talk to the client to ease their grief, by all means do so. Offer them a tissue, a cup of water, or a chair to rest. If your efforts are not received well don’t be offended, just give them their space to grieve as they wish.
- Try to calm your patient by talking to them and telling them how much a “Good boy or Girl” they are, pet them, but try not to push their family out of the way. Encourage the family to talk to their pet, stroke their ears, kiss them, whatever makes them comfortable.
- Many times owners are afraid to touch their pet due to the presence of I.V. catheters, bandages, and feeding tubes. Let them know that it’s OK. If it really is upsetting them you can cover any “scary” things with a nice fluffy blanket.
- Once the euthanasia solution is administered you should try to discreetly exit the room and allow the clients to leave when they are ready.
- Some clinics will make clay paw prints of the deceased pet for the owner, will clip a lock of fur from the tail, even take a picture of them together before the euthanasia at the clients request.
I always remove the patient’s collar (unless the owner wants it to go with them) take out any catheters, remove bandages, and sometimes clip the patients nails before placing them in cold storage. It personally makes me feel better that they are buried or cremated similar to the state they were born in; trimming the nails also helps to not rip the bags. If the pet was a particularly difficult patient I will also take this opportunity to finally give them a kiss on the head, because even if they didn’t necessarily want me bothering them while they were living, I think everyone deserves a kiss goodbye.
- What do you do at your clinic?
- Is there a special way you honor the pet after they pass?
- Feel free to share and offer your suggestions.
Comments
Of course there is always the
Of course there is always the financial aspect that must be dealt with, which can be uncomfortable. I try to follow this pattern, which makes me the most comfortable knowing that I eventually will need to ask for payment:
– Get the family in the room as quickly as possible, and have a nice blanket already there for the pet.
– Assess the situation. If it is a sick pet you have been dealing with for awhile, likely you can be sure the owners are ready. Sometimes you get a new patient, or one you have not seen for awhile, and you need to find out exactly what is going on if it is not obvious (and sometimes it isn’t!) You can say something like – “has Fluffy been sick for awhile?” or “Tell me what’s been going on with Spot”.
– Ask the owners if they are ready to let the pet go today, or if they need to see the vet first. (or YOU may want the vet to see the pet first, if the situation seems somewhat questionable )
– If all is to proceed, let the owners know that you are going to prepare some paperwork that will need to be signed. Ask their wishes for disposition of the body. Get everything signed and the invoice ready.
– I usually ask the owners if they have been with a previous pet for a euthanasia; if so I ask if they have any questions about the procedure itself. If they have not had such an experience before, I go ahead and explain what will happen. I also ask if they would like to be present; sometimes people change their minds or decide not to have children present.
– I then ask if they would like to make their payment now. I usually say something like “usually I take payment in the room now. This way, that part is over with. You can be with your pet during the procedure and stay with him as long as you like afterwards, then leave when you are ready” Most of my clients have no problem with this, and I take care of everything in the room. I then tell them that the doctor will be right with them.
– I also ask if they would like a paw print done; some owners do not
– Sometimes the doctor will sedate the pet first so they are relaxed
– We will mail sympathy cards, and the paw print when dry, to the owner a few days later. If there are cremains to be picked up, we call the owners when they are ready, and have everything in a discreet bag for the owner.
– If there is an invoice involved that has not been paid, that will always get sent 1-2 weeks later.
– My hospital is planning to implement a memorial garden, not sure of the details of that yet.
– Ask the
Of course there is always the
Of course there is always the financial aspect that must be dealt with, which can be uncomfortable. I try to follow this pattern, which makes me the most comfortable knowing that I eventually will need to ask for payment:
– Get the family in the room as quickly as possible, and have a nice blanket already there for the pet.
– Assess the situation. If it is a sick pet you have been dealing with for awhile, likely you can be sure the owners are ready. Sometimes you get a new patient, or one you have not seen for awhile, and you need to find out exactly what is going on if it is not obvious (and sometimes it isn’t!) You can say something like – “has Fluffy been sick for awhile?” or “Tell me what’s been going on with Spot”.
– Ask the owners if they are ready to let the pet go today, or if they need to see the vet first. (or YOU may want the vet to see the pet first, if the situation seems somewhat questionable )
– If all is to proceed, let the owners know that you are going to prepare some paperwork that will need to be signed. Ask their wishes for disposition of the body. Get everything signed and the invoice ready.
– I usually ask the owners if they have been with a previous pet for a euthanasia; if so I ask if they have any questions about the procedure itself. If they have not had such an experience before, I go ahead and explain what will happen. I also ask if they would like to be present; sometimes people change their minds or decide not to have children present.
– I then ask if they would like to make their payment now. I usually say something like “usually I take payment in the room now. This way, that part is over with. You can be with your pet during the procedure and stay with him as long as you like afterwards, then leave when you are ready” Most of my clients have no problem with this, and I take care of everything in the room. I then tell them that the doctor will be right with them.
– I also ask if they would like a paw print done; some owners do not
– Sometimes the doctor will sedate the pet first so they are relaxed
– We will mail sympathy cards, and the paw print when dry, to the owner a few days later. If there are cremains to be picked up, we call the owners when they are ready, and have everything in a discreet bag for the owner.
– If there is an invoice involved that has not been paid, that will always get sent 1-2 weeks later.
– My hospital is planning to implement a memorial garden, not sure of the details of that yet.
– Ask the
Thank you Diane!
Thank you Diane!
Thank you Diane!
Thank you Diane!