“Euth Tunes”: A Simple Trick to Create a More Respectful Environment During Euthanasia's

The title might be a little cheeky, but the idea came to me after yet another meeting where we reminded staff to keep their voices down during an in-hospital euthanasia. Despite the (fake flame) candle in the lobby and the flags on the exam room door, someone inevitably forgets there’s a grieving family just a few feet away.

It made me realize something:

Veterinary teams are excellent at recognizing sounds—IV pumps, anesthesia monitors, lab machines, you name it. So why not use sound as a cue to remind the team when a euthanasia is taking place?

A White Noise Machine With a Purpose

We purchased a small white noise machine that hangs by a simple ring. I couldn’t tell you the brand, but our hospital manager gave it a new name: Euth Tunes.

Here’s how it works:

• The white noise device is placed near the room where the euthanasia is happening.

• Staff hear the gentle, unusual sound and instinctively pause, thinking, “What is that?”

• Then it clicks: “Oh right… there’s a family saying goodbye in Room 1.”

The best part? We no longer need to “shush” each other. The sound itself becomes the reminder.

Why It Works So Well

A white noise machine offers several benefits:

• It alerts the team without making an announcement.

• It provides a more peaceful sound for clients compared to hearing case discussions, barking, lab machines, or clinic chatter.

• It creates a natural moment of awareness and respect.

• It reduces the stress and awkwardness of having to remind staff to keep voices down.

This small, inexpensive tool has made a meaningful improvement in the atmosphere around euthanasia appointments—and it has truly worked better than expected.

Supporting Grieving Families Starts With Awareness

Creating a compassionate, respectful environment is part of high-quality end-of-life care.

Tools like candles, flags, and now Euth Tunes all help signal to the team that a family is saying goodbye.

It’s a simple solution, but one that genuinely enhances the clinic environment during some of the most emotional moments.

More Tips From the Clinic Floor

If you’d like more low-stress handling advice, workflow hacks, and real-life solutions from veterinary practice, connect with me on Facebook at Shan, RVT for more paw-sitive pointers.

Disclaimer

Be aware of your own limitations, be respectful in your comments, and always prioritize safety. The health, comfort, and well-being of our patients—and their families—remain our highest priority. All information shared here is intended to support compassionate, ethical, high-standard care for every animal entrusted to us.