Plus-Hex CLINICAL
Introduction
Animals are living longer, veterinary medicine is advancing, and people are interacting and bonding more with their pets, which have become integral to their families [ 1 ]. These developments are shaping the veterinary profession, with the human – animal bond being integrated into daily veterinary care; this is approach known as‘ bond-centred practice’ or a‘ bond-centred approach’.
To move towards bond-centred veterinary practice, it is vital to understand the human – animal bond and its importance to the relationships between veterinary practices and their clients [ 2 ]. This approach, which has been adapted worldwide, ensures that pet owners feel heard and appointments are focused on their individual requirements.
Key considerations when developing this approach include recognising and responding to human needs [ 2 ], and identifying and acknowledging the role of emotions in end-of-life( EoL) discussions with owners [ 3 ]. These require the development of the veterinary team ' s communication skills, such as active listening and empathic verbal and non-verbal responses to an owner ' s conversations and feelings about the patient.
Team members should also be trained in responding to sensitive issues and approaching difficult topics with owners. Additionally, they should be aware of where to direct clients for further advice or resources if they are uncertain of the answers to clients ' questions. According to Knesl et al. [ 1 ], methods should be based on‘ an ethical decision-making process, a good communication system, and quality-of-life assessment and consent tools’.
Veterinary surgeons( VSs) will use quality-of-life( QoL) assessment tools, and help owners to use them, to guide treatment and ensure animal welfare is a priority [ 4 ]. Veterinary nurses( VNs) also play a pivotal role in assessing patients through nurse-led clinics, routine appointments, and general communication and discussions with owners about their pets. The role of VNs in communicating with owners and supporting them with their pet ' s care and wellbeing can be particularly significant towards the end of the animal ' s life.
Learning outcomes
• Understand the use of QoL assessments and discussions with owners
• Understand how to communicate with compassion
• Understand how to support owners throughout the euthanasia process
The importance of compassion
When an owner assesses their pet and determines that its QoL is declining, it can be an indicator to consider palliative care options or euthanasia. This can be highlighted in the course of a routine check-up or at an appointment scheduled due to an obvious decline in the animal ' s health status. In either case, it is essential for the veterinary professional to show compassion throughout what is often a difficult time for the owner.
Historically, the favoured approach of many veterinary professionals was to stay‘ professional’ and, where possible, not to show their emotions. However, increasingly, it is being recognised that showing you care makes a personal impression, and owners appreciate the support and understanding of their emotions.
Financial considerations
A common complaint by owners is the cost of veterinary care, and this has been identified as one of the ethical challenges facing veterinary team members when dealing with decisions linked to an owner ' s financial limitations [ 5 ]. This barrier to veterinary care should be explored on an individual basis to ensure the best outcome for the patient based on its welfare.
Clear communication with owners, and being transparent about costs before any decisions are made, can help minimise finance-related issues. Owners may be experiencing financial problems, as well as stress and anxiety, which may be related or unrelated to their pet ' s condition. Early discussions can lessen the sense of overwhelm and help minimise anxiety around decisionmaking. This allows owners to grieve with respect following euthanasia [ 6 ]. This more sensitive approach not only helps owners during the grieving process when they are saying goodbye to their pet [ 7 ], but it also supports client relations and retention.
According to Compassion Understood, 20 % of clients do not return to their usual veterinary practice when they get a new pet or after the death of a pet [ 8 ]. This could be due to memories associated with the practice or a negative experience with the staff during the process of EoL care and / or euthanasia.
Practice constraints
Common constraints on veterinary team members are time, space, cost, compassion and practice guidelines. Consideration should be given to the time allocated to appointments concerning euthanasia. Practice guidelines may not allow home visits, and longer appointments may be unavailable or difficult to provide due to emergencies [ 9 ]. Time restrictions, such as 10-minute consultations, can be a barrier to conversations about preventive healthcare and concerns because the focus is on the immediate problem [ 10 ]. However, it is
Volume 40( 4) • August 2025
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