Veterinary Conversations about Euthanasia: A Call for Compassionate Communication Training

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study focused on communication between veterinary professionals and clients when pet owners are considering the euthanasia of a pet. Sixteen veterinarians and veterinary technicians participated in semi-structured interviews. The prevalent theme mentioned by participants about what they regarded as most important when discussing euthanasia was, to use a general term, caring. All participants stressed the importance of caring, voicing comments that reflected the need to convey sympathy, empathy, or co