BOBBY IS DEAD, WHAT NOW - WHAT CLIENTS WA NT FROM VETERINARIANS FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF THEIR COMPANION ANIMAL

The aim of this investigation is to determine whether Dutch people wou ld appreciate support, either from or via veterinarians following the death of a companion animal. In general, clients believe both local pr actitioners and specialists, even though they might not have seen the animal more than once, should offer some form of support. Being called by the veterinarian in question, a few days after the death of the an imal, was the option that was most appreciated. Twenty one respondents (15%) wished to be able to attend a pet loss support group or call a hotline, following the death of their companion animal. The need to ha ve questions answered by the veterinarian and the role the respondents thought the veterinarian should play following pet loss, were signifi cant factors determining whether use would be made of support offered to them. Other factors included in the survey, such as age, set and so cial status were not significant.