Opinion
Referring to veterinary hospice and euthanasia client communications, Jessica Vogelsang, DVM, says it’s time we do better by our clients and empower them to implement an end-of-life plan that offers comfort, peace and reassurance.
To be clear, the advancements of especially the last decade addressing patient and client care at the end-of-life and euthanasia decision points is laudable. Establishing what to expect, how to proceed and the burdens of decisions and life quality extension is challenging. There are even end-of-life guidelines from AAHA. Truly, our industry is responding to a challenging time for animals, owners and veterinary team members.
Strategically, one must question why we subject healthy pets and their owners to 15-to 20-minute appointments instead breaking out of the transactional relationship mode to start offering more and building ongoing, long-term relationships. Connecting with clients, setting expectations, establishing priorities and next steps, plus discussing the dynamics and cost of adding a pet to the family has a lifetime value that could be around $6000 to $10,000 in business <Link>.
Our ability to help pets stay healthy depends on our skills in effectively partnering with clients. This relationship depends on thoughtful communication between the client and the veterinary team member.” – Wendy Hauser, DVM
Sources:
- Death and other client kindnesses, DVM 360, July 9, 2017. Link.
- Keeping the client, Vet Practice, June 28, 2021. Link.
- Communicating the cost of care, Animal Health Digest, October 27, 2020. Link
- About AAHA’s end-of-life care guidelines, AAHA. Link.
- First practice receives AAHA’s EOLC accreditation, AAHA Newstat, August 11, 2021. Link.