11/04/2026
This feels like such a full circle moment.
I’m so proud to share that myself and vet Dr Megan Anderson have created a brand new course, the first of its kind in Ireland, designed specifically for veterinary professionals who support grieving pet owners.
Euthanasia is a part of everyday practice in companion animal care. However, many practitioners receive very little training, or none at all, on how to navigate these deeply emotional consults.
This is often one of the most difficult days in a pet owner’s life. Knowing how to comfort and care for both the pet and their owner is so important. The emotional toll can also build for veterinary professionals, especially when you’ve cared for these animals over many years.
That’s why we created this course.
Inside, we cover
- What euthanasia is and how to approach it with clarity and compassion.
- Understanding and supporting pet owners through grief and difficult decisions, including creating emotional safety and using helpful language.
- Preparing owners for the procedure itself.
- Technical skills including sedation protocols, IV catheters, and intra-organ techniques.
- Respectful body care, the importance of memorialisation and keepsakes.
- Signposting to support resources.
- Supporting ourselves and each other as veterinary professionals.
This course is now available through Premier Skills Institute (Duggans Veterinary Group), and it means so much to finally bring this level of support into the veterinary community.
Because grieving pet owners deserve to feel seen, heard, and supported.
And the people caring for them deserve support too.
This is just the beginning.