We can be an important part of an interdisciplinary team.
We often talk about how doulas can help the pet and their human; but it is a versatile enough role that we can benefit the pet, their companion, and the veterinary team administering the care.
Veterinary care is demanding.
It is physically and emotionally intense. Those working in veterinary medicine face constant pressure, long hours, and the emotional weight of loss. Many experience compassion fatigue or burnout. As an ordained animal and veterinary chaplain, I understand these challenges and aim to ease the load by providing emotional and spiritual support where it’s needed most.
My work often intersects with veterinary care. Once a diagnosis has been shared and a care plan established, I can assist with implementing the plan by helping clients process the information, understand options, and navigate emotional decisions. My services are non-medical and always respectful of the veterinary team’s expertise.
II maintain clear boundaries- refraining from performing clinical tasks, giving medical advice, and interfering with treatment. Instead, I hold space, reinforce the plan, and help establish structure and calm. By clarifying next steps and offering reassurance, I can reduce the number of emotional phone calls or questions that reach the clinic, giving the team more time to focus on their other patients.
In some cases, I can even serve as a stand-in during euthanasia if the owner cannot or does not want to, be present- helping to bring peace the animal and relief to the staff. Simply put, doulas lighten the load.
I offer support for veterinary teams. I can provide a listening ear for the team. The nature of this work can take a toll, and having a confidential, judgement-free space to release the stress of the day can make a difference. I can provide you with a confidential place to talk and release your stresses of the day. Together, we can create grounding rituals or small practices to help staff reconnect with calm and compassion throughout their day.
If your clinic would like to provide clients with a referral for emotional and spiritual support, I can provide business cards to include with sympathy cards.
Ongoing Wellness & Team Care
Caring for others can be sacred work, but it can also be exhausting. These offerings are designed to restore balance and nurture the heart of the team itself.
In addition to individual and situational support, I offer group-based services designed to nurture the well-being of veterinary teams. These can include guided meditations, stress-release practices, or reflective sessions centered on compassion and renewal.
By making space for reflection, gratitude, and renewal, we honor not just the animals we serve, but the humans who care for them.
Clinics can also choose to participate in a subscription-style wellness program, available monthly or quarterly. Each visit introduces new tools for emotional care- such as meditative practices, seasonal rituals, or symbolic gestures of gratitude and grounding. This can serve as an ongoing act of care for your team, helping to foster resilience, connection, and a sense of sacred balance in the workplace.