BIO
Families often tell me I'm the first person they call when they're experiencing a crisis with their pets. That level of trust is something I take seriously, and it reflects the transparency and communication I bring to every relationship — right alongside the experience I've cultivated over 23 years in the pet care industry. The work I do with senior and geriatric pets, and those of any age navigating a life-limiting diagnosis, is where my skills truly shine, though I'm happy to welcome pets of any age into my care.
Around 2013, I began to see a growing gap: the pet care industry hadn't kept pace with the advances in veterinary medicine that were transforming the lives of the animals we serve. Pets were living longer and better than ever before — thanks to improved diagnostics, new treatments, a deeper understanding of animal behavior, and a richer appreciation of the human-animal bond. But with longer lifespans comes age-related decline, and pet guardians were wanting and needing more support. I was feeling emotionally and physically weary, stretched thin by a sense that I was failing my families and their pets. I was experiencing empathetic distress — often incorrectly called "compassion fatigue."
Rather than walk away — which I seriously considered — I got curious and blazed my own trail. At the time, no formal education in animal hospice existed for professionals in my field, so I joined the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care and cobbled together every resource I could find to build what has become a deeply rewarding practice.
In 2016, I trained as a death doula for humans. The following year, I became a pet loss and grief companioning certified professional, which allows me to support families through the emotional weight of end-of-life care, as well as individuals navigating pet loss and grief. When the Fear Free Certified Professional program launched, I pursued that credential immediately as well.
Over time, my practice grew a devoted following among local pet guardians, and other veterinary interdisciplinary team members — veterinary professionals, dog trainers, and canine massage therapists — all of whom I partner with regularly. Over the past decade, I've supported countless families through their most difficult seasons: connecting them with the right resources, products, and strategies; coordinating with interdisciplinary veterinary teams, including in-home euthanasia practices; and providing hands-on support throughout. If pets can't live forever, my goal is to help families access what they want most: a meaningful, peaceful end-of-life experience.
Until recently, formal credentialing in animal hospice and palliative care didn't exist for professionals outside of veterinary medicine and social work. In 2024, the International Association for Animal Hospice & Palliative Care launched the Certified Hospice & Palliative Care Advocate program, and as a longtime member, I leapt at the opportunity. This followed my graduating with honors from the Animal Hospice Group's credentialing program as a Certified Animal Hospice Practitioner in 2023, and serving as a mentor to fellow graduates during my required internship. Together, this training has rounded out and deepened my practice in animal hospice and grief support.
A significant part of my role involves facilitating communication between veterinary teams and families. One family described me as a "project commissioner" — and that resonates. After reviewing medical records and assessing both the family's needs and the pet's needs, I identify gaps in care and support, troubleshoot challenges, and determine what can be addressed from a non-medical standpoint versus what requires veterinary attention. Coordinating all aspects of end-of-life care — including humane euthanasia, aftercare, memorialization, and grief support — is central to what I offer as an animal hospice professional.
My investment in the work goes beyond this practice. I believe great veterinary interdisciplinary team care starts with a strong community — which is why I've invested in ongoing education, shared resources, and relationships with fellow independent and small businesses. This network means families receive meaningful, team-based care, local revenue stays and circulates locally, and the veterinary interdisciplinary team members who show up as community leaders are supported in that role. This all reinforces sustainability, which means the much-needed care and support that we veterinary interdisciplinary team members aim to provide area families will remain available and accessible well into the future.
With all of that said, I warmly welcome the chance to explore whether we're a good fit — whether you're looking for peace of mind while away from home, or seeking support and resources through one of the most significant chapters of life with your pet.
-- Lorrie
Let's Get
Social
