The University of New England’s Biddeford, Maine, campus.
Edited from a New England Council report
The University of New England has announced a new initiative in its online curriculum to include certification for students to work as end-of-life pet doulas. Pet doulas are non-medical-care providers who form companionships with pets, their human families, and veterinarians to guide all concerned through the pets’ dying process.
The fully online program is six weeks long and designed to provide students with expertise in advanced pet-care planning, grief support and emotional guidance. The course is open to participants from all backgrounds and will run from April 1 to May 12.
“It is important to acknowledge the loss people experience when their pet dies and give them the space for emotional expression and validation,” said Tracey Walker, the course instructor, “The more we can work to normalize talking about pet loss, death overall, and the deeply personal journey of grieving, the better we will be equipped to support each other when we need it most.”
