tvpjournal.com | January/February 2016 | Today's VeTerinary PracTice
PracTice BUiLdinG
133
tvpjournal.com | January/February 2016
PracTice BUiLdinG
133
Provide the kind of care that exceeds the expectations
of 95% of the population. For example, almost
everyone loves the paw print. yes, one or two may not
want it, but that's okay. Provide what you consider to
be top notch, and adjust your procedures only if the
clients ask. The euthanasia appointment should not be
the end of the client relationship, but instead should be
the beginning of the next relationship you have with
them. and remember, if it were your own pet, what
would you want?
A Word on Compassion Fatigue
The veterinary industry is the perfect environment for
compassion fatigue, but euthanasia does not need
to be a contributing source. Talk to your team about
the triggers in the euthanasia appointment that
cause them stress or compassion fatigue, because it's
different for everyone. See if you can fgure ways to
avoid those triggers. For example:
• If it's difficult for the receptionist to quote prices for
cremation, then don't have him or her do it.
• If the team doesn't like the way the crematory
handles the bodies, speak to the owner of the
crematory.
• If a veterinarian has a hard time euthanizing the
"drop-offs," then have a couple of technicians
serve as "family" for the pet, and even perform
the euthanasia in the comfort room, with the same
love, care, and dignity as if the owner were there.
FIGURE 4. Proper handling of the euthanasia process
can take a diffcult moment and turn it into a more
positive experience.
A W