Vetnews | Mei 2026 30 « BACK TO CONTENTS Article Psychological implications of humane endings on the veterinary profession Nathaniel S. Kollias, DVM1*; Elizabeth B. Strand, PhD2; Lori R. Kogan, PhD3; Kendall E. Houlihan, DVM1; Sally Thompson-Iritani, DVM4; Donald E. Hoenig, VMD5; Zenithson Y. Ng, DVM2; Lynette A. Hart, PhD6 1. Animal Welfare Division, AVMA, Schaumburg, IL 2. College of Veterinary Medicine and College of Social Work, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 3. College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 4. University of Washington, Seattle WA 5. MIM Consulting, Belfast, ME 6. School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA *Corresponding author: Dr. Kollias (nkollias@avma.org) doi.org/10.2460/javma.22.06.0234 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 endof-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 decisionmaking 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 decisionmaking 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. An Overview of AVMA Humane Endings Introduction Veterinarians are empowered to deliver euthanasia in a compassionate manner with a goal to create a peaceful and meaningful experience for owners.4 Most of the research to date has focused on the impact of euthanasia on the mental health of veterinarians in a clinical practice setting and on the human animal bond of the owner with their pet.5 There is also a significant proportion of veterinarians who work in other sectors of the profession and whose jobs also involve the euthanasia, slaughter, or depopulation of animals. These smaller communities include (but are not limited to) veterinarians that work in zoo, shelter, aquatic, wildlife, equine, livestock, poultry, and laboratory disciplines, as well as others engaged in governmental oversight and regulations—all of whom are greatly outnumbered by small animal practitioners within the US.6 This can lead to feelings of isolation, being misunderstood, and potentially being unprepared to deal with the unique mental health challenges of their chosen fields.
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