What shelters can do about euthanasia-related stress: an examination of recommendations from those on the front line

J Appl Anim Welf Sci. 2007;10(4):331-47. doi: 10.1080/10888700701353865.

Abstract

Shelter employees with euthanasia responsibilities are an at-risk population for a variety of psychological and emotional ailments. This study surveyed 305 employees from 62 shelters throughout the United States to gather first-hand perspectives on what should be done to assist shelter workers in dealing with euthanasia-related stress. Researchers conducted a qualitative analysis of 359 improvement suggestions to identify broad common themes and sorted the suggestions into 26 thematic categories. The most common participant suggestion concerned management supportive-ness (13.17% of participants). Some other issues raised involved providing counseling, job rotation, assistance or more help, breaks and time off, support groups and meetings, better communication, skills-based training, stress and coping seminars, and employee appreciation and morale-boosting initiatives.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Euthanasia, Animal*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Stress, Psychological*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States
  • Veterinarians / psychology*