Elevating End-of-Life Care
Veterinary end-of-life care has evolved into a vital specialty, combining medical expertise with emotional intelligence and compassion.
For decades, euthanasia was seen as a single medical event, rather than part of a comprehensive care continuum honoring the human-animal bond.
Now, veterinarians recognize that guiding families through this final stage can profoundly influence their healing and trust in veterinary medicine.
This awareness has created a demand for consistency, training, and standards ensuring dignified and compassionate care for patients and families.
Veterinarians performing this emotionally demanding work deserve structure, community, and recognition for their unique skills.
How AAHA’s specialty accreditation is raising the standard.
Author's summary: Elevating end-of-life care in veterinary medicine.