Factors associated with client, staff, and student satisfaction regarding small animal euthanasia procedures at a veterinary teaching hospital.
OBJECTIVE
To identify factors influencing satisfaction with procedures for small animal euthanasia and to compare the relative importance of those factors among clients, staff, and students at a veterinary teaching hospital.


METHODS
Survey.


METHODS
18 nonclinical hospital staff members, 13 clinical staff members, 10 veterinary technicians, 19 veterinary students, and 91 clients.


METHODS
Participants were asked to complete a survey that was designed to assess satisfaction with various aspects of the euthanasia procedure.


RESULTS
Overall response rate was 48% (151/313). Respondents most strongly agreed with the statements that clients should have the option to be present, that having a private place was important, and that employees should be trained to attend to the emotional needs of the client. When asked to place factors in order of importance, those that were ranked the highest included compassionate and caring attitudes of the hospital employees, the option for the client to be present during the euthanasia, and the client being informed and well prepared.


CONCLUSIONS
Overall, all groups (nonclinical staff, clinical staff, veterinary technicians, veterinary students, and clients) identified the same factors as being important in the euthanasia of a pet. Results may help facilitate healthy euthanasia experiences.
Martin
François
F
People-Pet Partnership Program and Counseling Services, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-7010, USA.
Ruby
Kathleen L
KL
Deking
Tiffany M
TM
Taunton
Anne E
AE
D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic; D037901:Euthanasia, Animal / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006762:Hospitals, Animal; D001841:Human-Animal Bond; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D018634:Veterinarians / Q000523:psychology*