Psychological implications of humane endings on the veterinary profession

Abstract

The veterinary profession has a unique responsibility to animals during the final stages of their lives. The veterinarian’s obligations extend to humane endings, involving all species of animals in a range of circumstances including, but not limited to, euthanasia of individually owned animals, euthanasia of animals for research purposes, depopulation of animals during emergencies, and slaughter of animals raised for food. The veterinary profession continues to improve animal welfare through advances in end-of-life decision-making and humane killing techniques,1–3 but the psychological impacts on veterinarians have not received the same level of consideration. Building on the influential AVMA Humane Endings Guideline, the AVMA recognizes that support for the mental health of veterinarians engaged in such activities needs to be a priority. This article aims to provide the foundation and rationale for improved preparation and establishment of sustainable mental health resources and to offer recommendations on pragmatic solutions to support and prepare veterinary professionals as leaders impacted by participation in humane endings–related activities. While end-of-life decision-making and implementation may present mental health challenges to veterinarians, it is crucial to recognize that there are stressors specific to each situation and that every individual’s experience is valid. Addressing the mental health issues surrounding the decision-making process and implementation of humane endings activities start with a comprehensive understanding of each activity’s unique context and the veterinarian’s leadership role. Therefore, this article highlights the psychological impact of depopulation and its similarities and exclusive challenges compared with euthanasia and humane slaughter.

Water-based medium-expansion foam depopulation of adult cattle

“…Studies from the 2001 foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in the United Kingdom found that those involved in animal depopulation had negative emotional impacts that included distress, bereavement, and fear ( Mort et al, 2005 ). Surveys of veterinarians involved in swine depopulation efforts associated with the COVID-19 pandemic showed high levels of burnout and emotional trauma ( Baysinger and Kogan, 2022 ; Bussolari et al, 2022 ; Kollias et al, 2023 ). While depopulation is always likely to cause some level of emotional stress on personnel, physical methods of euthanasia have been shown to be associated with higher rates of burnout, compassion fatigue, and poor professional quality of life as compared to nonphysical methods ( LaFollette et al, 2020 ).…”

Editorial: Occupational stress and joy of animal care professionals in zoos, sanctuaries, farms, shelters, and laboratory animal facilities

“…A particular stress of working with animals professionally is the requirement to deal with their deaths, often being in charge or participating in euthanasia, slaughter, or depopulation. The impact on the mental health of veterinary teams is a major focus of the American Veterinary Medical Association, which is building sources of support for those involved in the “Humane Endings” of animals in all contexts ( 1 ).…”

Zoo professionals and volunteers in the U.S: experiences and prevalence of burnout, mental health, and animal loss

“…In recent years, the issue of burnout and mental health among animal care and health professionals (ACHPs) has received increasing attention in the fields of veterinary science and humananimal interaction (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7). ACHPs is a broad term referring to employees or volunteers who look after animals, with roles including, but not limited to, veterinarians, veterinary nurses, animal attendants, wildlife carers, foster carers, zookeepers, and administrative workers (3).…”