Showing you care in a time of sorrow

A pet's euthanasia is always difficult for clients, and it can be tough for team members, too. Dr. Mark Reser of Neel Veterinary Hospital in Oklahoma City says he gets great feedback when he takes two key steps.

First, team members sign a card. "Particularly when the owner is a long-time client, this gives us an opportunity to write personal notes about the pet," says Dr. Reser. "Clients always appreciate our sentiments, and this gives team members an outlet that can help relieve the stress from euthanasia."

The team also sends a $5 donation to a charity, such as the Morris Animal Foundation. With each donation, the foundation sends the owner a card, letting them know that the practice made a donation in their pet's name, without naming the amount. "I receive more thank-you cards from the donation than I ever did from sending flowers," Dr. Reser says.