FAQ
An End of Life Doula, or Grief Doula, provides a loving and comforting presence in advance of, during, and following the death of your companion animal. I help you not only manage the logistics and planning of end of life care, but also provide you with emotional and grief support to navigate the final chapter of your pet’s life.
As a trained specialist, I offer a safe and held space for you to be heard and seen, as you go through the experience of losing your pet. Too often pet loss is not sufficiently valued in our culture. People do not equate it as “reel” grief, because it is not a loss of a human loved one, and this can be alienating and isolating for the pet guardians. In addition, the majority of companion animals die via euthanasia and this can incite intense feelings of guilt and regret. You do not have to walk this path alone.
What is a Death/Grief Doula?
A death/grief doula is a non-medical professional who provides emotional, spiritual, and practical support to individuals and their families during the end-of-life time period. We help guide you through this journey, offering comfort, planning assistance, and emotional and spiritual support before, during and after the death of your companion animal. We work both in-person and virtually with clients.
What will working with you look like?
You can expect a safe and comfortable environment in wish to share and be resourced around what you are experiencing in the wake of your pet’s end of life journey. Each session is different, depending on the level of care you invest and also the current wellbeing of your companion animal. You can expect a mix of counseling, support in planning and preparation for end of life, spiritual and emotional guidance, legacy projects, reiki work and/or rituals to help you and your pet.
When should I consider hiring a
Death/Grief Doula?
It’s never too early to start planning for the end of life. A death doula can be
helpful at any stage, whether your pet has recently received a terminal diagnosis, you have scheduled a euthanasia appointment, you are experiencing intense grief over the loss of your pet; I am more than happy to meet you where you are in your journey. The earlier we begin, the more I can help you and your pet navigate this journey with peace and intention.
How much does it cost to hire a
Death/Grief Doula?
My services are tailored to your specific needs, so costs can vary. We offer
hourly rates, packages, and sliding scale options to ensure that our support
is accessible to everyone. Unfortunately at this time, death and grief death doula services are not covered by insurance. Please contact us for a personalized quote.
Can you work with my existing
healthcare providers?
Absolutely. We collaborate with your vet and any other healthcare providers to ensure that your pet is well taken care of and that your needs are fully supported. Working with a death or grief doula means you will have greater individualized attention. Our goal is to complement the medical care you
already receive so that you and your pet are comfortable and that you can be fully present with your beloved companion during this time.
What is reiki therapy, and how does it
help at the end of life?
Reiki is a form of energy healing that promotes relaxation, reduces stress,
and can help alleviate pain for both humans and animals. At the end of life, reiki therapy can create a peaceful atmosphere, helping both the pet guardian and pet themselves find comfort and serenity during this time.
Do you work in partnership with veterinarians, clinics and hospitals?
Yes, we work very closely with veterinarians and other companion animal healthcare facilities. We are more than happy to discuss partnership opportunities, as often vet’s and animal clinics/hospitals lack the time and ability to emotionally, spiritually and practically support pet guardians through the end-of-life journey. Please reach out to discuss ways that Graceful Passings may be able to collaborate with your establishment.
Can your services help clients feel more prepared for euthanasia decisions?
Vets and their staff only have so much availability and bandwidth during their day to fully support their clients. Much like an birth doula supports people through the birthing process in humans, end-of-life doulas do the same at the end of a life and pet end-of-life doulas are even more specialized to work with pet guardians through the wake of their companion animal passing. We reduce strain on vets and their teams, improve client satisfaction during this time and provide closure to pet guardians. One of the hardest and most guilt-ridden decision pet guardians have to make is to euthanize their pet. This is one area where soliciting the support of an end-of-life pet doula can really be tremendously helpful. More than sending resources, a pet doula can offer counseling, ritual work and greater presence to you as you navigate through this time.