Pet loss support. Part 2: the grieving process and care strategies

Background: The veterinary profession stands out within the medical field due to the regular practice of euthanasia, which is an integral part of our responsibilities. Euthanasia has an impact on the entire veterinary team, including practice cleaners, reception staff, animal care assistants, veterinary nurses, and veterinarians. Therefore, every team member needs to possess emotional support skills and self‐care strategies to ensure a mentally and physically healthy workplace by providing support to our clients and colleagues. The demands on veterinary professionals are continually increasing, fuelled by the accessibility of information and the advanced techniques now available. While we are not trained counsellors, anyone can provide emotional support to our clients and colleagues. Aim of the article: Part 1 discussed the complex human– companion animal bond, emotional support and the multifaceted issue of euthanasia from a client perspective. This article will explore the grieving process associated with pet loss and its impact across various life stages. It also explores strategies for veterinary teams to enhance emotional care and self‐care for themselves and their clients, emphasising the importance of establishing boundaries and prioritising mental health.