Privacy

When the client has made an appointment for an expected euthanasia, clinic staff should try to make sure that there is a quiet room to take them to upon their arrival. Emotions may be running high, and having them in the waiting area amidst the noise and activities should be avoided. If there isn’t a free room, as soon as an examination room opens they should be asked to enter.

If an emergency brings a client in with a gravely injured animal or one that has just died, it is also important to find a quiet room for them to wait. Not only will the trauma of the situation be felt by the clients involved, but it will also be felt by the other clients sitting in the waiting room. Show respect to the family by providing them with a room to grieve in private.

Comfort

There is no way to know how a client will react when they lose their pet. While it is natural to expect a display of sadness and loss, not knowing the true depth of the bond or the role the animal played in their life makes it difficult. The following points offer advice on how to respond during the time spent with the client after the animal’s passing.

• Offer condolences and acknowledge their loss:
• The simple phrase “I’m sorry” will let clients know that you care
• Statements such as “I can tell your pet was a big part of your life” show clients that you recognize how much they loved their pet
• Listen and be patient:
• Let the client talk if they need to
• During this time there is no need to respond, just let them say what they need to say
• Read body language:
• Some clients will welcome a hug or a pat on the arm, but some may not
• If you are not comfortable with this type of expression, do not do it
• Sometimes a less direct form of contact is appropriate
• For example, eye contact is all that some people need
• What not to say:
• Phrases that are meant well, but that are often considered inappropriate include:
• “I know how you feel”
• “You were lucky you had them this long”
• If you feel that you must say something, it is better to instead respond with:
• “I have felt the pain you are feeling”
• Don’t watch the clock:
• You know how busy your days are and how quickly the waiting room fills, but at this time your attention needs to be on this client
• If you must step out of the room, offer that time as a moment to spend alone with their pet
• If you are unable to return quickly, inform staff to check on the needs of the client
• Respect
• Treat the pet in death as you did in life, with care and compassion
• Place a cloth under the animal’s body, so it is not laying on the cold table
• Pet the animal and talk in a soothing, tender voice
• Clients often want to show their pet comfort, offer a blanket to cover the body
• If the pet was euthanized remove all signs of the procedure immediately

Keeping these simple steps in mind will help when working with clients who are grieving over the loss of their pet. For more ideas on helping your clients through this difficult time, contact your Covetrus representative at 855.724.3461.

Information taken from:
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/grief-loss/coping-with-pet-loss.htm
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2100&aid=635
http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/June-2009/Respect-And-Accept-A-Look-At-Grief-With-The-Veterinary-Client/