Plus-Hex CLINICAL
Boatright [ 18 ] recommends five tools for addressing euthanasia reluctance in pet owners:
• Prioritise compassionate communication
• Provide multiple perspectives
• Provide resources to the owner
• Explore hospice options
• Debrief to protect the mental health of the veterinary team.
Eliciting owner perspectives enables the veterinary team to adapt their recommendations to the owner ' s goals for their pet, based on their expectations, feelings and suitability or functionality at home. To ensure a duty of care is upheld, the team must be able to empathise with owners facing euthanasia, whether or not they agree with the owner ' s decision [ 19 ]. Understanding the ethical and moral values behind an owner ' s decision allows the team to act in a professional and lawful manner, in the interests of colleagues, owners and animal welfare [ 19 ].
Fears around payment can also be addressed, and any practice protocols or payment plans explained to the owner at this point rather than immediately after their pet ' s euthanasia. Owners may even wish to make the payment before the euthanasia appointment, and this is often recommended to avoid feelings of disrespect at the start of the grieving process.
During the euthanasia appointment
At the start of the appointment, it should be made clear that the owners can change their minds if they feel uncertain, and a professional conversation on the patient ' s QoL and palliative care can be undertaken and the appointment rescheduled if desired. Consent for the euthanasia should be obtained before the procedure, without making the owners feel rushed or coerced into the decision, to avoid resentment [ 18 ]. The owner should be provided the opportunity for a final discussion with a team member and plenty of time to say goodbye to their pet in an isolated, quiet space( Figure 2).
A bond-centred approach
Allowing owners to express their concerns, ask questions and convey their feelings and emotions helps the veterinary team determine how to best meet the needs of both the owner and pet without compromising the animal ' s welfare [ 19 ]. Involving the client in open and honest discussions and giving them opportunities for input can also strengthen the bond between the practice and the owner, and show the team ' s empathy. Staying present and having a non-judgemental attitude will show compassion and respect, and enable the owner to feel safe when relaying their thoughts during the decision-making process. Their input will be helpful when devising a plan for ongoing treatment or recommendations for euthanasia to ease suffering.
Before the euthanasia appointment
Following the decision to euthanase an animal, preparation will be key to minimising stress and avoiding scenarios that could have a negative impact on the owner. The veterinary team should ensure the owner understands all of the available options and feels content with the decision for euthanasia.
Matters to be discussed with the owners will include the post-euthanasia options( and costs), such as cremation services and home burials, with reference to online resources or leaflets to allow reflection on this sensitive decision. It may also be appropriate to discuss the possibility of sedation for the pet before euthanasia, to allow a smooth, peaceful process for both client and pet.
Figure 2. Owners should have the opportunity for a final discussion, and time alone to say goodbye to their pet.
The required equipment should be prepared before the consultation, and all forms ready to be explained and signed. Pre-drawing the drugs needed and keeping them out of sight until they are required can help reduce the owner ' s distress. Only remove the pet from the owners if completely necessary or if the owners request it, as this can break the human – animal bond [ 20 ].
While euthanasia is a common procedure for veterinary professionals, the event will become a core memory for the owner. It can be helpful to explain some of the processes to the owner, such as intravenous catheter placement and flushing, to avoid any confusion or unnecessary upset about the events occurring. It is also worthwhile remembering that euthanasia can involve unexpected events the owner may find distressing, such as veins‘ blowing’, the leakage of bodily fluids, unexpected noises and their pet taking longer than expected to die. Although it can be distressing for the clients to hear, it is important to explain any unexpected
Volume 40( 4) • August 2025
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