Privacy, Please

• What's Going On Here? (189.0 KB)

Riley had been ill for quite awhile. He has been a part of Amanda’s life for 14 wonderful years, and the reality of deciding, with Dr. Pfeiffer’s help, to euthanize her boy was harder than she’d dreamed. Today, the time is here. Amanda doesn’t even recall how she drove to the practice. Walking Riley into the waiting area and sitting down with other owners was the most excruciating thing she’d ever done. Their laughter made her want to scream, “Stop it! Don’t you know why I’m here?” How could this hospital, which had always been a safe and considerate place, suddenly seem so cold and uncaring?

End-of-Life Care
Clients facing beloved pets’ euthanasia are in a world of their own, and rightly so. They are facing what many describe as one of the most difficult steps they’ll ever have to take; making the decision to help their pets die. Helping clients make this decision and assisting them through the euthanasia process, requires extra sensitivity. Following are tips to provide extraordinary care to clients during this painful transition.

1. Try to schedule planned euthanasias for down times in the clinic, so there is less chance the client will have to wait.

2. Before appointments start, make sure the team is aware of every euthanasia planned for the day so they can be conscious that extra sensitivity will be needed during those times.

3. Avoid having euthanasia clients wait in the sitting area when they arrive; escort them immediately to an exam room or the euthanasia room.

4. Have a team member go over the procedure with the client immediately, slowly and carefully. Remember that clients arriving for the euthanasia of a pet are likely somewhat in shock and therefore need simple, clear communication.

5. Set up the client-present euthanasia quickly, efficiently, and kindly. Take into account any special requests the owner may have.

6. Put a sign or signal on the door to the exam room where a euthanasia is being conducted so the team knows to conduct business quietly during and after the procedure.

7. Having tissues and a small mirror available in the exam room so clients can compose themselves before leaving is a thoughtful touch.

8. Walking the client out a back door and accompanying him or her to the car, avoiding going back through the waiting area, is much appreciated.