ABSTRACT: Dealing with clients’ distress, especially at euthanasia, is one of the main stressors for veterinary nurses. However, few have had formal training in how the death of an animal companion affects clients, and how to communicate with them. This article introduces some practical approaches and wording that you might use to support clients at the end of their animals’ lives.

Author

Caroline Hewson MVB PhD MRCVS

From 2000 to 2006, Caroline Hewson was Research Chair in Animal Welfare at the Atlantic Veterinary College, Canada. Returning to practice in the UK, in 2013 she created The Loss of Your Pet client-care packs and The Loss of Their Pet team training, to help practices bridge the gap with bereaved clients without needing more time or personnel.

Keywords: Clinical, Pets, Clients

To cite this article: Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 30 (01) • January 2015 • pp26-30

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