Veterinarians: You put the 'comfort' in 'comfort room'
According to hospice veterinarian Dr. Mary Gardner, peoplenot pillowshold the power to make veterinary euthanasia appointments better.
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Share this video from Dr. Gardner with clients struggling with the question of when it's “time.” She provides three considerations to guide their decision.
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Though Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice cofounder Mary Gardner, DVM, exclusively performs euthanasias in clients' homes, she knows this setting isn't always possible.
“So how can we make it better in the clinic?” she asks. “I have to tell you-it's not just about a comfort room.”
Instead, it's about the overall experience, not just a dedicated space, she says.
"It's how you answer the phone. It's how you escort them into that room-how you handle the euthanasia and how you explain it and give them time before and after and really honor that pet,” she says.
While a private room with soft lighting dedicated to the procedure is an excellent asset to your clinic, don't overlook the most important part: You.
"It's how we embrace the entire appointment-and make it good."
Watch the video below for more advice and insight from Dr. Gardner:
Dr. Gardner is a co-founder of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, a network of veterinarians around the country whose goal is to empower every owner to care for their geriatric pets. She is also co-editor and contributing author of the textbook Treatment and Care of the Geriatric Veterinary Patient available August 2017.
Click on the image to see the full series.
