Course Overview
Supporting animals at the end of life is a profound responsibility. When done well, it safeguards animal welfare, supports whānau, and promotes the wellbeing of veterinary professionals.
This course addresses a genuine need in veterinary practice: clinicians frequently face end-of-life decisions, yet few receive formal training in navigating the interpersonal, ethical, and procedural complexities involved. We provide a space for guided reflection, skill development, and sustainable professional identity formation.
This course guides veterinary teams — including veterinarians and allied veterinary professionals (AVPs) — through the entire end-of-life care process. It covers not only the technical and procedural aspects but also the ethical complexities, emotional labour, and interpersonal skills needed to provide compassionate, contextually appropriate care.
Building on a solid background in animal welfare science, ethics, law, communication, and reflective practice, this course adopts a Competency-Based Veterinary Education (CBVE) approach to develop the practical skills necessary for daily practice. The course highlights practical skill development in communication, cultural responsiveness, and ethical decision-making needed for delivering compassionate end-of-life care across various settings.
What You Will Learn
By the end of this course, veterinary team members will be able to:
- Recognise clinical situations where euthanasia is warranted due to animal welfare concerns, client-related constraints, or legal requirements.
- Provide appropriate supportive care to keep the animal as comfortable as possible until euthanasia is performed.
- Support clients and whānau through ethically complex end-of-life decisions using empathetic, culturally responsive communication and shared decision-making frameworks.
- Document communication and ethical reasoning clearly and professionally, using consult notes and clinic records that align with legal, ethical, and professional expectations.
- Perform euthanasia procedures competently and compassionately, including appropriate sedation protocols and technical adaptations for different species and circumstances, to ensure the best possible experience for animals, clients, and veterinary team members.
- Manage the practical, ethical, emotional, and interpersonal elements of euthanasia aftercare to support the well-being of individuals, clients, and veterinary teams.
- Maintain personal and professional wellbeing whilst providing end-of-life care through self-awareness, peer support, and sustainable practice.
