Many people consider their pets members of the family. When a beloved dog, cat, horse, or other companion animal is nearing end-of-life, the stress of decision-making coupled with the demands of caregiving can easily become overwhelming. Enter the End-of-Life Doula specializing in companion animals.
Who is this course for?
- Aspiring doulas for companion animals
- End-of-life care practitioners who would like further specialization in companion animals
- Pet hospice and palliative care workers/volunteers
- Veterinary Technicians
- Pet care takers, such as dog walkers and pet sitters
- Spiritual care providers
- Pet owners
Compassionate End-of-Life Care for Companion Animals
Topics include Doula Essentials, Components of Compassionate Care, Pet Hospice and Palliative Care, as well as After-Death Options and Support. Learners will develop a broad understanding of this difficult yet inevitable journey, with a focus on honoring and memorializing the enduring bonds between clients and their companions.
Two tracks are available for this program. For alumni of UVM’s End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate, you have the option to take the 4-week certificate knowing the first two weeks are a review from your certificate training or a 2-week specialization for EoLD alumni focusing on companion animal end-of-life care. If you are not an End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate alumni, you must take the 4-week program to acquire skills related to doula essentials and compassionate care.
About Our Approach
This course offers a deep journey into end-of-life care and working with the dying and their loved ones and caregivers. As part of your training, you will be exploring your own thoughts, feelings, and experiences about and around death and dying.
These explorations are designed to help you grow in your understanding of the end-of-life cycle. During your studies we strongly encourage you to engage in a manner that honors your needs and to practice self-care, which we have learned is a vital skill for a doula.
We invite you to come and learn more about death and dying. While here, you will be encouraged to remain open to the process of learning in community, where you will be learning from others, and from yourself, as you cultivate your doula heart.
We hope you join us.
