Pet Care Research Articles

Когнитивный маркетинг как инструмент формирования эмоциональной связи потребителей с брендом на рынке товаров по уходу за домашними животными

The annual increase insize of the pet care market makes new requirementsfor brands and its communications. This is why it’s important to create a communication system by the brand that forms a stable emotional connection between the brand and the consumers. The authors propose a method for creation a brand communication system in the pet care market based on the concept of cognitive marketing and give practical recommendations for its application. The results of the application of the author’s method are the development of brand communications at the strategic and tactical levels, which are aimed at creating a single brand image, increasing its awareness and consumer loyalty, form-ing a new model of consumer behavior of choosing products for the pet’s care.

Uncovering Pet Issues: A Survey of Professionals Working With Older Adults and Care Partners

Pets can play an important role in older adults’ health behaviors and decisions. However, the degree to which these issues are encountered or addressed by professionals working with this population remains unknown. An interdisciplinary (e.g., healthcare, social services) sample of professionals (N=72, 93.05% female, Mage=48.82, SDage=12.57) completed an online survey focused on the pet ownership issues they have encountered while working with older adults, persons with dementia, and care partners. The professionals (n=66) estimated 42.86% of their clients had been pet owners, and 45.58% regularly asked their clients about pets. Issues raised to the professionals varied by type of client. Older adults most often brought up exercising the pet, routine veterinary care, and the financial aspect of ownership (all 37.50%). Persons with dementia most often discussed accessing pet care items (12.50%), exercising the pet (9.72%), and basic pet care (8.33%). Care partners brought up basic pet care (33.33%), planning for the pet due to their care recipients’ housing transition (26.38%), and exercising the pet (25.00%). Professionals reported talking to clients about planning for the pet due to housing transition, concerns about falling, and concerns about the pet’s behavior (all 31.94%). The professionals (n=69) were very favorable toward pet ownership in general (M=4.43, SD=0.78) (1=extremely unfavorable, 5=extremely favorable), less favorable about older adult pet ownership (M=4.15, SD=0.72, p=.002), and even less favorable about persons with dementia owning pets (M=3.51, SD=0.93, p<.001). The results provide evidence that pet ownership issues are likely encountered in geriatric service settings and may shape healthy aging.

Determinant factors of chronic Strongyloides stercoralis infection among schoolchildren in Amhara National Regional State, northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundStrongyloides stercoralis is one of the most neglected parasites that is commonly found in tropical and sub-tropical countries. The majority of chronic S. stercoralis infections are characterized by minor clinical signs and symptoms. The extent to which socio-demographic, personal and environmental risk factors associated with S. stercoralis infection is not well known in Amhara Regional, Ethiopia. ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess socio-demographic, personal and environmental risk factors associated with S. stercoralis infection among schoolchildren in Amhara Region. MethodsA total of 844 schoolchildren were randomly selected and participated in the study. Stool samples were collected and checked for S. stercoralis infection using five diagnostic methods. A structured questionnaire was also used to obtain socio-demographic, personal and environmental data from parents of the children. The degree of association between socio-demographic, personal and environmental factors with S. stercoralis infection was first assessed by univariate logistic regression and then analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. Variables with p<0.05 were considered as statistically significant. ResultsAmong 844 participants, 329 (39.0%) were infected with S. stercoralis. Prevalences of S. stercoralis among 12–14 years old, males, and rural dwellers were 48.2% (109/226), 45.0% (196/436) and 41.1% (306/745), respectively. Being in the age group of 10–11years (AOR=1.56;95%CI:1.10–2.24), and 12–14 years (AOR=1.96;95%CI:1.32–2.90), male (AOR=1.55;95%CI:1.16–2.06), and rural dweller (AOR=1.86;95%CI:1.12–3.10); having family income of < 1000 Birr per month (AOR=2.03;95%CI:1.48–2.77), and family size of 5–9 members (AOR=2.36; 95%CI:1.57–3.54) were significantly associated with S. stercoralis infection. The habit of not wearing shoes (AOR=1.41; 95%CI:1.05–1.90), close contacting with pets (AOR=1.49;95%:1.09–2.04), participating in irrigation (AOR=1.49; 95%CI:1.10–2.00) and playing with soil (AOR=1.62;95%CI:1.20–2.18) were risk factors of S. stercoralis infection. Besides, presence of wet environment (AOR=1.62;95%CI:1.19–2.22), living around sandy soil (AOR=2.75; 95%CI: 1.81–4.19) and red clay soil (AOR=2.24;95%CI:1.58–3.17), living in semi-highland folds (AOR=2.47;95%CI:1.48–4.14) and highland areas (AOR=1.65;95%CI:1.06–2.57) were determinant factors for S. stercoralis. ConclusionS. stercoralis infection among schoolchildren was highly prevalent in Amhara Region. Several determinant factors were also identified. Therefore, proper implementation of sanitation and hygiene programs and health care of pets should be advocated to break the transmission cycle of S. stercoralis.

Pets and people: information experience of multispecies families

PurposeThis paper introduces more-than-human perspective in information behaviour and information experience studies. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to understandings of the concept of multispecies families by exploring their significant dimensions related to information phenomena involving multiple contexts, situations, spaces, actors, species, and activities.Design/methodology/approachBased on previous research in human information behaviour and human-animal studies, our ideas around information experience of multispecies families are developed conceptually. The paper builds both on previous empirical findings about human information behaviour and the new domain of information experience.FindingsThe paper proposes a holistic approach both to information phenomena in everyday living with companion animals including embodied, affective, cognitive, social, digital, and objectual information that shapes pet care and management practices, and to the context of study, including work, domestic, and leisure aspects of multispecies family.Originality/valueThis study broadens our understanding of information phenomena in multispecies families, and so contributes to the field of information experience. It also provides insights for animal welfare scientists to help them understand the information behaviour of humans who are responsible for keeping and caring for animals.

Measuring Changes in Perceptions of Access to Pet Support Care in Underserved Communities.

Understanding social, economic, and structural barriers to accessing pet care services is important for improving the health and welfare of companion animals in underserved communities in the U.S. From May 2018-December 2019, six questions from the validated One Health Community Assessment were used to measure perceptions of access to pet care in two urban and two rural zip codes. One urban and one rural community received services from a pet support outreach program (Pets for Life), while the other served as a comparison community. After propensity score matching was performed to eliminate demographic bias in the sample (Urban = 512 participants, Rural = 234 participants), Generalized Estimating Equations were employed to compare the six measures of access to pet care between the intervention and comparison communities. The urban community with the Pets for Life intervention was associated with a higher overall measure of access to pet care compared to the urban site that did not have the Pets for Life intervention. When assessing each of the six measures of access to care, the urban community with the Pets for Life intervention was associated with higher access to affordable pet care options and higher access to pet care service providers who offer payment options than the community without the Pets for Life intervention. Further analyses with a subset of Pets for Life clients comparing pre-intervention and post-intervention survey responses revealed statistically significant positive trends in perceptions of two of the six measures of access to pet care. This study provides evidence that community-based animal welfare programming has the potential to increase perceptions of access to pet support services.

Pets and a Pandemic: An Exploratory Mixed Method Analysis of How the COVID-19 Pandemic Affected Dogs, Cats, and Owners

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted dogs, cats, and interactions between these pets and their owners. Participants included 102 dog and/or cat owners residing primarily in the United States. Participants completed an online questionnaire between late April to late May 2020. Analyses included t -tests comparing retrospective estimates of pre-pandemic functioning and functioning during the pandemic, and qualitative thematic analysis was used to analyze participants’ responses to three open-ended questions. Quantitative analyses found that pets and owners spent significantly more time together, with increases in physical contact between owners and pets, exercise with dogs, and engagement in dog-related activities. No significant changes were found regarding owners’ percentage of pet care responsibility, attachment to their pets, pleasantness derived from pet-related activities, or upset feelings toward their pets when comparing pre-pandemic and during pandemic scores. Five themes arose from the thematic analysis: Social/Attachment (i.e., changes to owner-pet, pet-pet, and owner-owner relationships), Physical (i.e., increases in owners’ physical contact and proximity with pets, physical benefits to pets and owners), Psychological (i.e., changes in owners’ and pets’ behavior and emotionality), Safety/Well-Being (i.e., health concerns regarding owners and pets), and Responsibilities/Routines (i.e., changes in owners’ and pets’ daily routines, changes in owners’ responsibilities and productivity). These findings provide valuable insight into how dogs, cats, owners, and interactions between these pets and owners were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as considerations for animal welfare in the wake of the pandemic. Additionally, the study generated many hypotheses pertaining to how and why these changes occurred, providing a foundation for additional research in this area.

Delivering high-quality, sustainable pet care.

Veterinary RecordVolume 189, Issue S2 p. ii-ii Foreword Delivering high-quality, sustainable pet care Margo Mosher, Margo MosherSearch for more papers by this author Margo Mosher, Margo MosherSearch for more papers by this author First published: 05 November 2021 https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.1120Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume189, IssueS2November 2021Pages ii-ii RelatedInformation

Knowledge of pet-related zoonotic diseases and pet care in Hong Kong, a heavily crowded urban setting.

BACKGROUNDWith the rapid expansion of pet animal populations worldwide, pet‐related zoonotic diseases are becoming an important issue in public health. Hong Kong (HK), located in southern China, is one of the most crowded urban centres in the world. The population of pets, especially exotic pets, in HK has grown significantly in recent decades, potentially elevating the risk of pet‐related zoonotic diseases. However, no studies have been conducted to explore the knowledge of HK public towards pet‐related zoonotic diseases and animal husbandry practices.OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the level of awareness among the HK public of pet‐related zoonotic diseases and their understanding of proper animal husbandry practices.METHODSThe study was carried out in HK from June–August 2019 using both online and paper versions of a questionnaire. A total of 362 completed questionnaires (74.3% return rate) were collected and the responses analysed.RESULTSSixty percent of the participants were current or past pet owners or planned on becoming pet owners in the coming 2 years, irrespective of their income or size of their living space. Among the participants, pet owners (including those who planned pet ownership) had a relatively higher level of awareness of pet‐related zoonotic disease. However, the overall awareness of zoonotic diseases among both pet and non‐pet owners was low with a knowledge score of <50%. A similar trend was observed for knowledge about proper animal husbandry practices.CONCLUSIONSThis study showed that the HK public was generally not familiar with pet‐related zoonotic diseases and proper pet care. These knowledge gaps could potentially increase the risk of disease transmission. Further studies focusing on specific pet species and on people of different social‐economic backgrounds are needed to provide future direction of efforts to reduce the risk of pet‐related zoonotic diseases and to enhance pet‐related animal and human welfare.

10 The Impact of Global Disasters on Our Pets: Lessons from COVID-19

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic provided a unique insight into the impacts of global disasters on pet ownership and companion animal services. This talk will review research on the impacts of various stages of the pandemic on the human-animal relationship, surprising increases in the adoption of pets from animal shelters around the world, and the potential reasons for those increases. I will also present new research on the impact of the pandemic on pet support services within the city of Vancouver, Canada, that will highlight the complex relationships between vulnerable human populations, the city’s response to the pandemic, and pet care. Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic, and its associated economic impact, have completely re-shaped the field of animal sheltering and companion animal support services. In addition to being recognized as an essential service, animal shelter and veterinary staff were confronted with the need to identify only necessary operations to ensure care of animals and their communities without the risk of contracting and transmitting the virus. As a result, emergent animal sheltering trends now emphasize community-based approaches, abolishing harmful discriminative practices, and aiming to keep pets and their original owners together – all from the framework of One Health/ One Welfare. As global disasters are projected to increase in frequency due to climate change, a better understanding of impacts on the human-animal bond and support services will ensure that we can be better prepared for the future.

PSYCHOLOGICAL ACCOMPANIMENT OF JUNIOR SCHOOLCHILDREN’S ECOPSYCHOLOGICAL CULTURE DEVELOPMENT

The article considers the basic principles and methods of psychological support for the development of junior schoolchildren in the process of educating his ecological culture. The concept of ecological consciousness and ecological activity is revealed. The values of the development of eco- psychological culture of junior schoolchild are described. It is noted that one of the priority tasks of psychological support at the stage of development of eco- psychological culture of a schoolchild is process of identifying the values and ideas about nature and the environment and appropriate behavior and interaction with nature. It is the value system that determines the type of human relationship with nature. Theoretical aspects of the basic and specific methods of realization of psychological support of development of eco- psychological culture of a schoolchild are considered. Their content, meaning, types and forms of application are substantiated. It is established that to develop the effectiveness of the correct attitude of schoolchild to the environment, they should use various forms and methods of environmental education in class and extracurricular time, in classroom and extracurricular activities. It is in the period of primary school age that schoolchildren begin to quickly form their own conative or behavioral component of environmental consciousness. That is, there is a desire to grow crops, take care of pets, create comfort and coziness in everyday life. It is established that during the psychological support it is necessary to form the ecological responsibility of the junior schoolchild not only in the learning process, but also in the game and knowledge of the environment. This is a kind of psychological and pedagogical process aimed at forming a schoolchild’s knowledge of the basics of nature, gaining the necessary beliefs and practical skills, a certain orientation and active life position in the field of protection, conservation and increase of natural resources.

Advancing Human-Animal Interaction to Counter Social Isolation and Loneliness in the Time of COVID-19: A Model for an Interdisciplinary Public Health Consortium.

Simple SummaryThe value of the human–animal bond to human health and well-being, especially in a post-pandemic world, merits further study and advocacy. Social isolation and loneliness are widespread and exact a heavy toll on human physical and mental health, a burden worsened by the social distancing and quarantine measures of COVID-19. Interaction between humans and animals, whether experienced in the home or through animal-assisted therapy, has been shown to ease loneliness and lessen social isolation. This article describes how an innovative multidisciplinary partnership of leaders in the area of human–animal interaction—from veterinary science to nonprofit organizations and the pet care community—came together to advance research and practice, as well as tackle barriers in this promising area. It describes the concrete results already achieved by the initiative and offers a roadmap for others seeking to bring together diverse stakeholders to address issues and unmet needs through a similar collaborative model (herein called a consortium).The mental and physical human costs of social isolation and loneliness—and their possible amelioration through human–animal interaction (HAI)—have both received intense attention since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its lockdowns, quarantines, and related mitigation measures. Concern about society’s “loneliness epidemic”, however, predates the pandemic, as does serious inquiry into HAI as a positive intervention. Recognizing the potential of companion animals to make a difference on an important public health issue, the Consortium on Social Isolation and Companion Animals—a novel partnership of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and Mars Petcare—launched a joint initiative in 2019 to advance HAI research, address barriers to HAI, and support best practices in bringing together animals and people to ease loneliness. Beginning with a first-ever summit of multidisciplinary thought leaders, this collaboration has already yielded actionable insights and research projects. As a novel partnership initiative in the HAI field, it offers a promising model for future cross-disciplinary forward thinking to elevate HAI for the mutual benefit of companion animals and their welfare, as well as vulnerable human populations.

Smart Optic Fiber Mattress for Animal Sleep Continuous Monitoring Based Multi-Modal Interferometer

A smart optic fiber mattress for animal sleep continuous monitoring based on a multi-modal interferometer is presented. The sensor is fabricated by splicing two single mode fibers (SMFs) and a multimode fiber (MMF) with a grid structure. Due to the network structure of the sensor, it has wider contact surface for monitoring vital signs and reduces the detection difficulty caused by the change of measured object position. The sensing unit can be placed under the dog mattress. Experimental results show that it can continuously monitor the sleeping activities and respiration of the dog. The detected information includes activity rhythm, sleeping state and sleeping respiratory rates (SRR). This technique avoids some potential problems such as injuring caused by the sensor appendage and dispute caused by moral principles. It is qualified to be widely used in health care of pets and protection of wildlife.

Community Veterinary Medicine Programs: Pet Owners' Perceptions and Experiences.

Many American pet owners struggle financially, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this problem. Yet, the positive effects that companion animals have in people's lives create the need for supportive systems to ensure that financial limitations, and other barriers, do not preclude pet ownership. To help address these barriers, and reach underserved communities, various forms of community-based veterinary medicine programs have been developed across the country. This study assesses two community-based veterinary programs in North Carolina, USA. In addition to perceptions surrounding veterinary services, this study paid specific attention to communication and respect; two additional elements needed for successful community-based veterinary programs. Surveys were given to clients accessing Asheville Humane Society (AHS) mobile veterinary care clinic and Asheville Humane Society (AHS) Affordable Pet Care Clinic. Results of the anonymous survey indicate that the majority of clients had positive veterinary care experiences in terms of both veterinary services and client communication. In conclusion, low-cost or free community veterinary programs—with effective communication, empathy, and cultural competence—can help open the door to future positive veterinary experiences for disadvantaged pet owners.

Relationship between decreased visual acuity and physical activity time in school age children

Abstract Objective This study aimed to investigate the physical activity of children with decreased visual acuity, thereby providing basic data for developing strategies to enhance the physical activity of school-age children. Methods The participants were 1,194 children and 1,194 parents who participated in the 10th Korean Children Panel Survey. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the status of the physical activity of children with decreased visual acuity according to the accessibility of community facilities. Results The mother perceived the accessibility of community facilities as low, children with decreased visual acuity reported 1.20 times shorter over-the-weekend leisure activity time compared with vision-typical children, and they spent 1.41 and 1.33 times shorter on caring for pets and religious activity, respectively. Conclusions To increase the physical activity of children with decreased visual acuity, family-oriented interventions should be provided. It is also important to establish a community environment with enhanced accessibility of community facilities by examining the level of accessibility perceived by parents.

Examining the role of pets in cancer survivors’ physical and mental wellbeing

Purpose Australian cancer survivors have multiple wellbeing support needs, and Australians frequently keep pets, a practice associated with physical and mental health benefits. This mixed-methods study explores the influence of relationships of PERMA (positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment) wellbeing domains and pet ownership on cancer survivors’ physical and mental wellbeing and quality of life. Methods A convenience sample of Australian cancer survivors (N = 162) were surveyed, recording demographic, pet ownership, PERMA wellbeing, physical and mental health characteristics, and support needs. Quality of life and health scores were predicted from PERMA domains and pet ownership. Results Pet ownership was highly prevalent in participating cancer survivors, predicting increased mental health scores. No associations were seen for physical health. Cancer survivors sought instrumental pet care support and pet-owner relationship maintenance during survivorship. Implications: Pet ownership may be leverageable in interventions for mental health and wellbeing improvement during cancer recovery. Research should next clarify pet ownership prevalence in this population.

Dogs as Pets and Pests: Global Patterns of Canine Abundance, Activity, and Health.

Dogs (Canis familiaris) were the first domesticated species and, at an estimated population of 1 billion individuals, are globally ubiquitous today. Describing the tremendous morphometric diversity and evolutionary origins of dogs is a scientific endeavor that predates Darwin, yet our interdisciplinary understanding of the species is just beginning. Here, I present global trends in dog abundance, activity, and health. While the human-dog relationship has for millennia been close, it is also complicated. As pets, companion dogs are often treated as family members and constitute the largest sector of the ever-growing >$200 billion USD global pet care industry. As pests, free-roaming dogs are an emerging threat to native species via both predation and nonconsumptive effects (e.g., disturbance, competition for resources, and hybridization). Furthermore, I briefly discuss mounting evidence of dogs as not only infectious disease reservoirs but also as bridges for the transmission of pathogens between wild animals and humans in zoonotic spillover events, triggering intensive dog population management strategies such as culling. Dog mobility across the urban-wildland interface is an important driver for this and other adverse effects of canines on wildlife populations and is an active topic of disease ecologists and conservation biologists. Other canine scientists, including veterinary clinicians and physiologists, study more mechanistic aspects of dog mobility: the comparative kinetics, kinematics, and energetics of dog locomotor health. I outline the prevalent methodological approaches and breed-specific findings within dog activity and health research, then conclude by recognizing promising technologies that are bridging disciplinary gaps in canine science.

Publications

May heralds Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month which helps create awareness of the importance of the veterinary nursing profession and of the provision of responsible pet care. To celebrate the dedicated hard work nurses put in every day we thought to highlight some BSAVA resources that support veterinary nurses of all levels, from undergraduates to experienced practitioners handling advanced cases.

СHARACTERISTICS OF DIETARY FEEDS FOR DOMESTIC ANIMALS AVAILABLE ON THE MARKET OF UKRAINE

Complete and complementary dietary feeds are feeds intended for special nutritional purposes and used when the nutritional needs of the animal's body are met. The labeling of feeds intended for special nutritional purposes must contain the word "dietary". Their composition is balanced by proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, pre- and probiotics, and other pharmacologically active components that affect the digestive processes, excretion or prevention of kidney stones, strengthening joint tissue, suspending allergic reactions, renal dysfunction, liver, promote recovery from stress, etc.&#x0D; The article describes the characteristics of feeds intended for special nutritional purposes for pets, that are imported or the domestic products, which are authorized in Ukraine for the period 2015-2019. The names of finished feed products, in addition to trademarks, reflect the animal species and purpose, depending on the identified abnormalities in their health, which determines the special purpose for their use.&#x0D; According to the authorized products list, the largest number of names falls on dietary foods for pets used in kidney disease and kidney stones (70), digestive disorders (51) and allergies (37). A significant number (28) are low-calorie diets for overweight cats and dogs. The share occupied by certain groups of complete feeds by purpose meets the needs of the domestic market of complete dietary feeds for pets. This distribution of feeds intended for special nutritional purposes helps to ensure proper care for pets of different ages and breeds that are prone to disease. Feeds entering the market in Ukraine meet the requirements of national regulations and the main safety criteria of the European Federation of Animal Feed Manufacturers (FEDIAF) and the ISO standard 22 000: 2005.&#x0D; According to scientific research, the most common groups of feeds intended for special nutritional purposes for pets are described; the characteristics of the main feed ingredients in the formulas, and substantiated their function as a part of nutrition at special nutritional purposes of the animal's body.

Child and Pet Care-Planning During COVID-19: Considerations for the Evolving Family Unit.

ObjectiveUsing a mixed‐methods design, we aimed to understand household dynamics and choices in hypothetical planning for child and pet care if an individual is faced with hospitalization for COVID‐19.BackgroundAs the COVID‐19 public health crisis persists, children and pets are vulnerable to caregiver hospitalization.MethodsBivariate associations from a large‐scale survey explore hypothetical options for dependent care‐planning. An open‐ended question regarding pet–child interactions is coded applying a grounded theory framework.ResultsCaregivers expect to rely on family and friends to care for children, especially young children, and pets if hospitalized. The presence of pets in the home has been predominately positive for children during the pandemic, suggesting benefits of alternative care options that keep children and pets together.ConclusionsRelying on one's social network to care for dependents if caregivers become ill from COVID‐19 could place loved ones at risk for contracting the virus, which could present obstacles to arranging care plans, especially inclusive of pets and children.ImplicationsThe changing information regarding COVID‐19 warrants that families establish concrete care plans for dependent children and pets. The spread of COVID‐19 to the most vulnerable, such as grandparents and other family who may be expected to care for dependents, could create additional public health concerns.

A Call for Compassionate Empathy: Analysis of Verbal Empathic Communication between Veterinary Students and Veterinary Clients and their Dogs.

In human medicine, empathy contributes to enhanced patient satisfaction and trust, decreased litigation, and increased adherence to medical recommendations. Understanding client perspectives is crucial in the empathic process; failure to explore these perspectives has been linked to decreased client satisfaction in veterinary consultations. This article explores how veterinary clients verbally expressed emotional concerns during consultations and how veterinary students addressed them. The "Model of Empathic Communication in the Medical Interview" by Suchman et al., is the starting point for a thematic analysis of consultation transcripts. Clients expressed multiple emotional concerns both directly by using explicit words (coded as empathic opportunities-EO), and indirectly (coded as potential empathic opportunities-PEO), throughout the consultations. Indirect examples prevailed and included stories about previous experiences with pet illnesses and pet care received elsewhere. Clients used explicit words, including "fear" and "panic." Students usually responded with a biomedical focus, including asking medical questions and giving medical explanations. Although students demonstrated various communication skills, they failed to demonstrate a complete verbal compassionate empathic response (a novel code) that includes exploring and verbalizing accurate understanding of the clients' perspectives and offering help based on this understanding. These findings suggest that strategies to teach compassionate empathy and support its use in the clinical setting are not fully effective, and veterinary students risk entering practice unprepared to employ this vital competency. The authors also introduce an operational definition for compassionate empathy.