About The Course

Providing euthanasia in an animal shelter comes with unique challenges, especially when pet owners are present. This CAETA course equips sheltering teams with the skills and knowledge to navigate these moments with professionalism and compassion.

Course sections include:

  • Communication With Pet Owners – Approach sensitive conversations with clarity and compassion.
  • Appointment Preparations – Set the stage for a smooth and supportive experience.
  • The Euthanasia Procedure – Follow best practices for a peaceful and humane process.
  • Grief Support, Deceased Pet Aftercare, and Case Examples – Offer meaningful support, discuss aftercare options, and learn from real-world scenarios.


Earn 4 hours of RACE-approved CE credit and build the skills needed to provide compassionate, high-quality care during this difficult but vital service in animal shelters.

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. Communication with Pet Owners Introduction

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. Communication with Pet Owners Part 1: Understanding Their Needs

    3. Communication with Pet Owners Part 2: Establishing Trust

    4. Communication with Pet Owners Part 3: Answering Important Questions

    5. Communication with Pet Owners Quiz

    1. Appointment Preparations Introduction

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. Appointment Preparations Part 1: Planning and Paperwork

    3. Appointment Preparations Part 2: Preparing the Staff and Space

    4. Appointment Preparations Part 3: Owner and Pet Arrival

    5. Appointment Preparations Quiz

    1. The Euthanasia Procedure Introduction

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. The Euthanasia Procedure Part 1: Patient Handling

    3. The Euthanasia Procedure Part 2: Describing What's Happening

    4. The Euthanasia Procedure Part 3: Challenging Situations

    5. The Euthanasia Procedure Quiz

    1. Grief Support, Body Care & Case Examples Introduction

      FREE PREVIEW

    2. Grief Support

    3. Deceased Pet Care

    4. Case Examples

    5. Grief Support, Deceased Pet Aftercare Quiz

    6. We want to hear from you!

Course Details:

  • $99.00
  • 4 CE credits

Video

Instructor

DVM, CHPV, CPEV, DACAW Dr. Kathleen Cooney

Dr. 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. She has collaborated in euthanasia training for the AVMA, AAHA, IAAHPC, HABRI, the Fear Free program, and more. Dr. Cooney is Board Certified in animal welfare through the American College of Animal Welfare (ACAW) and engages in research to improve veterinary medicine and patient care.