The holidays are now in full swing. Family visiting from out of town, students on winter break, decorations going up, shopping being done, the list can go on. We know although this is a festive time of year, it can be a heavy time in your profession. We hear from many of our customers who make comments about how they “better stock up for the holidays” as the rise of euthanasia is prevalent.
Although there is no solid data for pet euthanasia during the holidays, many veterinarians usually see a 20-50% increase. Environmental factors and family dynamics are believed to play a part in the euthanasia surge during the holidays.
In an article by Today’s Veterinary Practice, Dr. McVety, DVM and co-founder of Lap of Love, mentions a couple things she believes contribute to the spike in pet euthanasia during the holidays.
First, with out-of-town friends and family visiting comments may be made regarding how ill or fragile an old pet looks. This can sometimes be missed by the family who sees the pet daily and can put things into perspective.
Secondly, with pets being such an important part of the family, some people try to get “just one more holiday together.” This can sometimes lead to an emergent situation amidst the holiday season.
No matter the reason, pet loss during the holidays brings another level of stress and grief to pet parents and also to you and your staff.
Helping Clients Cope with Pet Loss During the Holidays
Those who suffer a pet loss during the holidays have a much more complicated grief and stress response, feeling depressed and anxious despite the festive season. Your clients come to you with their pets because of the trust and care you have shown them. Your support is always appreciated amongst your clients, but can be even more meaningful during the holiday season.
Providing Clients with a Keepsake
Presenting a keepsake or memento to grieving clients has shown to be effective for both your clients and staff. By presenting your clients with a tangible and lasting keepsake like a ClayPaws Print, you are giving them something unique to their pet that they can have in the moment. This keepsake also serves as a reminder of your care and support. Many customers mention that presenting their clients with a ClayPaws print has also been healing for the staff, as they also carry the weight of a loss. Another highly treasured keepsake is a Furever Loved Clipping Container. This container holds a tuft of their pet’s hair that can be viewed and touched at any time.
Providing Resources
There are many feelings that accompany the grief felt when losing a pet. It can sometimes feel as though the grief of losing a pet is not widely recognized. We know the severity of pet loss is comparable to the loss felt with a human loss. Acknowledging feels associated with a loss, is the first way to start a healthy grieving and healing process.
It can be helpful to offer your clients resources that are specific to pet loss. You can direct them to our Resource Page for Pet Parents. This page has free e-books and a list of expert counselling hotlines. As the Founder of a rescue organization, I have utilized these resources many times for our adoptive and foster families when we experience a loss. Something as simple as an e-book can go a long way to make someone feel less alone in their grief.
Supporting Yourself and Team During the Holidays
In closing, we know the uptick in holiday euthanasia can take a toll on you and your staff. Many veterinarians report it being difficult, after days filled with loss, to go home and enjoy the holiday season with their family. The work you do, although difficult, is such a gift to clients and their pets. In an article on DVM 360, Kyle Palmer, practice manager Silver Creek Animal Hospital explained it well by saying, “ I think about how we’ve taken a pet through every stage of their life and now we need to be there to perform this one last service.” Every pet deserves to leave this earth with dignity and love — you make that possible.
We know supporting your staff through holiday losses is just as important as supporting your clients. Our HeartTouch Stones are a great way to remind your team of your support. These stones can be carried in a pocket and used a self-care tool for you and your team.
Please take time this holiday season for yourself. Do something that makes you happy, get some fresh air, and remember your feelings are valid too.
Thanks for all you do,
Cassie McArdle
Customer Service
World by the Tail, Inc.