In theory, it’s best for pet owners to make decisions about their pet's care based on their own values. However, many pet owners prefer to leave these decisions up to their veterinarian. If a pet owner wants to do this, it is reasonable for them to ask their veterinarian what they would do for their own pet and then make the same decision. This is called "informed paternalism." It’s fair as long as the veterinarian carefully explains that their decisions are based on their own personal values and risk tolerance.

• The UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence provide free guidelines on shared decision making.

• This review article discusses the factors which affect patient preferences in human healthcare.

• This human healthcare study suggests that patients wish to be informed but not involved.

• This 2019 US study assessed clinical decision thresholds in small animal veterinary practice.

• This 2022 study published in BMC Veterinary Research discusses pet owner preferences.

Decision aids are multi-media resources with simple, clear explanations about the condition, options, outcome, and risk probability. Information is provided dispassionately and at an eighth-grade reading level (i.e. easily understood by a 13-year-old).

Decision aid content is based on the most recent published evidence and should be checked for comprehensibility. They do not advise people to choose one option over another, nor are they meant to replace practitioner consultation. Instead, they prepare pet owners to make informed, values-based decisions with the help of their practitioner.

Published research has identified several barriers to effective use of decision aids. One of the foremost barriers is an attitude that practitioners “already use them”. In veterinary practice, “them” can’t refer to resources which satisfy the criteria for improved decision quality because there aren’t any. In future, veterinary decision aids should be designed and tested according to International Patient Decision Aids Standards.