Recommendations for practicing veterinarians during clinical management of terminally ill patients and euthanasia situations based on a retrospective investigation of client expectations and preferences

A survey instrument was designed to gather information about grief situations in a veterinary setting. The main goal was to get participants to reveal their preferences during such situations so that the information could be used to educate veterinarians on how to better handle grief situations of their clients. The results show that most clients do have preferences during these situations. They prefer as many options as possible when making decisions regarding their terminally ill animal. Clients also preferred veterinarians give them options during the euthanasia of their companion animal like: a) the place for the euthanasia to take place, b) what to do with the animal\u27s remains, and c) grief resources available. This report also goes through many other questions about euthanasia situations dealing with client preferences, such as: Do clients prefer to be present during the euthanasia? and Where would you prefer your companion animal be euthanized? Companion animal death and euthanasia occur on a regular basis in veterinary clinics. When the bond between owner and animal is broken, an owner may feel great distress. Owners have to deal with intense emotions, financial constraints, and time considerations. It is important that the veterinarian handle each situation in a respectful and supportive manner. The problem is that most veterinarians are unsure of what the owner needs and wants from them. They lack information on how to manage these circumstances. Most traditional veterinary education does not include material on how to deal with grieving clients. Experience and literature are the main source of education for most veterinarians on this important subject. Therefore, it is imperative to learn from owners themselves how to assist their needs during such a loss. Knowledge about what an owner expects from their veterinarian can be used to educate the veterinarian so that they may help the owner through the loss. That is the purpose of this study