Ethicists’ commentary on Euthanasia on demand
Ethical question of the month, February 2025
You are a mixed-animal practitioner and are facing a recurring problem. When the initial appointment request is to euthanize an old failing animal or a very sick animal, you have repeatedly been challenged about requiring an examination of the patient before the procedure. At best you are accused of “padding the bill” and at worst are told in future the client will allow the animal to suffer or will shoot it themselves. You have recently been subjected to a regulatory complaint over the matter, which thankfully was
dismissed, but the issue has caused you distress repeatedly.
Is it appropriate to allow requests for euthanasia on demand by clients? A colleague has suggested including an examination fee in your euthanasia fee, but this does not seem right to you as it feels as though you provide euthanasia “on demand,” which is absolutely not the case. What is the best way to resolve this problem?
Clare Palmer, Peter Sandøe, & Dan Weary comment on this dilemma and you can read it here: Ethicists' commentary concerning euthanasia on demand