Pet End-of-Life Planning & Care Services

Your pet is your companion. You rely on them for unconditional love. They are relying on you to get them to the end of their lives as safely, comfortably, joyfully, and lovingly as possible. I would be honored to join you on the journey to ease your and your pet’s travel to the Rainbow Bridge and to ensure they are cared for if you go ahead of them. Be prepared for the journey, whoever reaches the end first.

Preparing for the Journey

Our first step together will be a virtual meet-and-greet consultation to begin Your Roadmap (approximately 30 minutes, no charge).

What I refer to as “Your Roadmap” is a custom quality of life evaluation rubric and end-of-life care plan for your pet that we will create. You have the option to add to Your Roadmap (1) a contingency care plan in case of emergency; and (2) a directive for your own end-of-life documentation that specifies how your pet(s) will be cared for when you die. 

Before we craft Your Roadmap, we’ll be sure where you want to go. Through one or more in-person or virtual conversations, we will conduct an in-depth exploration of your end-of-life priorities for your pet and the values that inform your decision-making approach regarding their care. I will write and deliver Your Roadmap following these discussions.

I also recommend that we get your fellow travelers on board with Your Roadmap by doing all or some of the following: 

  • I will facilitate discussions among your pet’s loved ones to help them understand, contribute to, and accept the quality of life evaluation rubric and end-of-life care plan.

  • Together we will prepare you for the necessary end-of-life conversations with your veterinary medicine providers, so you know what questions to ask and what support you may need from them.

  • I am happy to refer you to and coordinate on your behalf with trusted veterinarians, animal hospitals, euthanasia specialists, pet burial and cremation services, pet grief and loss counselors, and pet memento creators.

You may choose to update Your Roadmap at any time in the future.

On the Road

We will walk side-by-side for the duration of your pet’s journey. At your option, I will be present during your pet’s illness, dying, death, and after their death, including by:

  • Crafting and carrying out final rituals and moments of joy before and during the dying process, 

  • Preparing a comfortable space for your pet to die, and

  • Emotionally supporting you through your pet’s final breath and the moments after.

We will hold the grief and loss together once we arrive at the end of the road. I will facilitate after-death processing conversations among loved ones and one-on-one as you begin to mourn, reflect, and navigate grieving.

We will honor the end of this journey and the memory of your beloved pet: 

  • I will assist you with organizing a celebration of life or memorial gathering. 

  • I will offer ideas and assist in creating mementos and ongoing rituals to stay in touch with your pet’s memory and their impact on your life.

Pet Pricing

My standard rate for all services is $85 per hour. Please reach out to me and we will discuss your unique needs and circumstances and I will provide you a cost estimate. I may be able to offer discounts for pre-payment of four (4) or more hours of services and fixed rates for certain types of services, such as preparing a quality of life evaluation and end-of-life care plan.

If paying for doula services is out of reach for you, please still contact me and we will discuss whether a sponsorship is available. Everyone deserves deathcare support. On a case-by-case basis, I am also open to an exchange of services or in-kind payment.