Pet loss support. Part 1: communication and emotional support techniques

Background : The veterinary profession stands out within the medical field due to the regular practice of euthanasia, which is an integral part of our responsibilities. Euthanasia impacts the entire veterinary team including practice cleaners, reception staff, animal care assistants, veterinary nurses and veterinarians. Therefore, every team member needs to possess emotional support skills and self‐care strategies to ensure a mentally and physically healthy workplace by providing support to our clients and colleagues. The demands on veterinary professionals are continually increasing, fuelled by the accessibility of information and the advanced techniques now available. While we are not trained counsellors, anyone can provide emotional support to our clients and colleagues. Aim of the article : This article aims to enhance veterinary professionals' understanding of providing emotional support and knowing when and how to direct clients and colleagues to appropriate additional resources. This article explores various aspects of pet loss support, including the human–companion animal bond, emotional support techniques and the importance of viewing euthanasia from the client's perspective.