About The Course

This course was designed to provide outstanding education in companion animal euthanasia to improve the overall experience for the pet, caregiver and the veterinary team.  By completing this course, you will earn a CAETA Certificate of Completion. You will also earn 10-hours of continuing education credit from the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB).

Note: All are invited to learn with us, but completion does not grant licensure to perform euthanasia.  Graduates have an elevated understanding of euthanasia to support their clients and patients.  Licensure to perform euthanasia comes from veterinary university, college, and animal shelter/institution program completion.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Introduction

    • Course Overview

    • Introduction Video

    • More CAETA Resources

    • Need Help? Contact us

  • 2

    Module 1

    • Overview of Companion Animal Euthanasia

    • Module 1 Quiz

  • 3

    Module 2

    • Caregiver and Pet Considerations

    • Module 2 Quiz

  • 4

    Module 3

    • Physiology and Pharmacology

    • Module 3 Quiz

  • 5

    Module 4

    • Pre-Euthanasia and Anesthesia Protocols

    • Module 4 Quiz

  • 6

    Module 5

    • Euthanasia Techniques

    • Module 5 Quiz

  • 7

    Module 6

    • Challenging Situations

    • Module 6 Quiz

  • 8

    Module 7

    • Case Review

    • Module 7 Quiz

  • 9

    Module 8

    • Euthanasia Technique Training

    • Module 8 Quiz

  • 10

    Module 9

    • Useful Supplies and Materials

    • Module 9 Quiz

  • 11

    Module 10

    • Euthanasia Team Support

    • Module 10 Quiz

  • 12

    Final Exam

    • Certificate Exam - Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy

  • 13

    Next Steps

    • We want to hear from you

    • Special promos for CAETA Graduates

Instructor

DVM, MS, CHPV, CCFP

Kathleen Cooney

Kathleen Cooney has been practicing advanced end-of-life care since 2006. She is well-known for her work in companion animal euthanasia and has authored two books on the subject. Dr. Cooney has collaborated in euthanasia training for the AVMA, AAHA, IAAHPC, HABRI, the Fear Free program, and is founder and Director of Education for the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy. The core certificate program is Dr. Cooney's design and is based around the 14 Essential Components of Companion Animal Euthanasia. She is a strong advocate for best practices in all aspects of end-of-life care and speaks nationally and internationally on such topics. Dr. Cooney is also the founder of Cooney Animal Hospice Consulting and past President of the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC) and remains active in their organization, including design of their Animal Hospice and Palliative Care Certification Program, launched in 2016. As of 2020, Dr. Cooney is working on becoming boarded in Animal Welfare through the American College of Animal Welfare.

Let's Get Learning

Start with outstanding education in companion animal euthanasia