What Is A Pet End-of-Life Doula, and Why I Became One
A “Pet Death Doula” , “Pet End-of-Life Doula”, or “Companion Animal End-of-Life Doula” are professionally trained individuals meant to provide nonmedicinal, nonjudgmental emotional support and comfort to a dying animal and their caregivers.
I found this wonderful description on dvm360 regarding the work of a Pet End-of-Life Doula. “Companion Animal End-of-Life Doula’s accept that birth, death, and grief are a natural part of life. Their goal is to serve the family, and the animal, as companions, focused on calming, soothing, comforting, and supporting, rather than trying to cure or treat the animal. Among other things, they educate and empower clients in their decision making, support animal comfort and home safety, provide advice regarding care plans, make referrals to additional support services, and aid in grieving. They even serve as a stand-in during euthanasia if the owner cannot, or does not want to, be present.”
We do not intervene in medical treatment, facilitate the euthanasia procedure, diagnose, or prescribe medications. However, we are here to journey with you through each transition of your animal companion’s end-of-life. A Pet End-of-Life Doula works in coordination with your Veterinarian and the treatment plan recommended by your Veterinary team. Palliative care support is provided to your pet by a trained Doula. This ensures the physical, mental, and emotional well being of your pet companion is cared for. We work together in creating an accessible & safe home environment that provides comfort, ability to stay near family & have companionship, ability to access food & water, remove barriers such as stairs, and maintain a clean space. A Doula can provide guidance & assistance to ease the overwhelming amount of decisions, appointments, and planning that comes with this difficult time. We work to ensure your wishes are documented, your options are explained, and questions answered. An equally important role is providing memorial options and planning. This can be in the form of a candlelit vigil, funeral service, memorial service, or assistance in sending out an announcement. In all of the work and services provided by a Doula, there is always a focus on bereavement support and the well being of the pet parent/family. Grief support, self care support, and mental health resources are always provided. Pet End-of-Life Doula’s provide a safe space for all emotions to be expressed and journey alongside you in navigating your grief without judgement and with kindness.
Through my experience working in veterinary medicine and animal rescue, I have been witness to many animal companion end-of-life experiences. I’ve been witness to trauma, sudden & unexpected loss, disease processes, and abuse. Whether it is by natural death or traumatic circumstances, I soon realized that there are not enough resources available for the onset of grief and the abrupt changes that occur. I could see first hand the limited assistance for both the animal companion and the human, which could result in a number of preventable outcomes. My hope is to offer support pathways that will help navigate the overwhelm that can come along with pet end-of-life decisions, treatment, and care.
Death is scary to many folks and is something we do not always know how to talk about or process. In our society, the death of a pet companion is still not a form of “acceptable” grief. Most employers do not offer bereavement time for pet loss, as that is an “employee benefit” for human family members. Showing emotion at the death of a pet companion is often hidden or not socially acceptable. My goal is to assist in improving grieving practices, improving the perspective of death, and provide freedom from judgement when a pet family member dies. By valuing both human and animal lives, we can honor the loving companionship we share. Equal value of all sentient life is the only way to fully embrace animal companions as family members who are worthy of honoring and celebrating.
I have heard it said, “grief is a form of activism”. If you accept society's stance on death, dying, love, and life then you may not connect with this statement. If you live in alignment with healthy expression of love and loss, advocate for your right to a grieving process of animal companionship, advocate for human & animal bonds, and hold compassion for yourself in difficult times….without hardening to a societal expectation of your demeanor…then “grief is a form of activism”. The sadness we feel is a result of the love we have for our companion. We feel their absence in a profound way because they were our close companion. We often spend more time with animal companions than human companions and share significant life events with them by our side. If we do not express our grief, we continue to create a level of suffering that will remain raw and continue to have a negative impact on our daily well being.
Why do I want to work as a Pet End-of-Life Doula? To advocate for the well being of animal companions, to uphold dignity in their last days, and to provide exceptional care during a vulnerable time in an animal’s life. I do this work for humans who have to navigate the myriad of decisions and confusing aspects of disease processes, treatment options, aftercare options, and the range of needs that arise. I do this work to relieve pressure, stress, and overwhelm that hinders the ability to cherish the last days with pet companions. I do this work as activism, against societal norms that would have us ignore our grief, diminish our emotions, and lower the status of our beloved pet family members.
Quote Resource: https://www.dvm360.com/view/the-companion-animal-end-of-life-doula
