Pet loss: learning to deal with clients in distress

Blue Cross Pet Bereavement Support Service
The Blue Cross Pet Bereavement Support Service (PBSS) has launched a two-hour ‘Introduction to Pet Bereavement Support Skills’ e-learning course for practice staff who may be faced with having difficult and sensitive conversations with clients in distress after the loss of a much-loved animal.

Handling pet loss is now an essential skill as part of RCVS Practice Standards Scheme accreditation.

The online course, which costs £35 per person, covers these key areas:

  • Empathy versus sympathy

  • Communicating using active listening skills

  • Open questions

  • Face-to-face emotional support, telephone support, e-mail support and other written communication

  • How to support yourself, the importance of self-care and useful contacts

The charity also offers an accredited eight-week course for those wanting more indepth training. The Blue Cross ‘Pet Bereavement Support’ course (£280) requires a minimum of three to four hours of study per week and counts towards 32 hours of CPD. A one-hour webinar, which costs £20, is also available and is aimed at vet nurses, receptionists, vets and practice managers who regularly have direct contact with bereaved pet owners. The webinar also counts towards CPD.

The Blue Cross can also provide practices with bespoke training, specifically tailored and delivered at the practice. Visit the Blue Cross website or telephone 01993 867216.

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