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Support groups or therapist for those who have opted for behavioral euthanasia

  • 1.  Support groups or therapist for those who have opted for behavioral euthanasia

    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
    Posted 06-09-2025 09:50 AM
    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

    Does anyone know of a grief group/therapist available virtually for specifically behavioral euthanasia?  Thanks.


    #Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
    #PetSupportServices*


  • 2.  RE: Support groups or therapist for those who have opted for behavioral euthanasia

    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
    Posted 06-09-2025 11:58 AM
    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

    Following this as this is something that has just come up over the weekend. 


    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Support groups or therapist for those who have opted for behavioral euthanasia

    Posted 06-11-2025 10:05 AM

    Hi there, so I'm a therapist but can only serve people in my state, and most therapist are limited unfortunately by the state they work in. You may want to google "veterinary social work" and there are many therapists who work in the vet and animal services related fields or serve that population specifically. 



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    Jennifer Witkowski
    Owner
    Miles To Go Kitten Rehab
    NC
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Support groups or therapist for those who have opted for behavioral euthanasia

    Posted 06-11-2025 05:36 PM

    I'm interested in starting a pet grief support group - there is nothing like that in the area. We have a Children's Grief group in the area, but they only work with human grief and the director told me they often receive calls for kids working through pet grief.  I am not a therapist, but work in healthcare and am very well-read on grief and pet grief. I have a 'lesson plan' in mind that is grounded in therapeutic evidence and also exercises, journal prompts, etc.  Has anyone offered pet grief support groups, including anticipatory pet grief, but not been a licensed therapist? I feel like it is such a need in this area, as long as I have appropriate disclosures (not a licensed therapist, etc) it could still serve as a safe space for those with pet grief. But, I would be eager to hear if anyone has experience with this scenario? 



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    Alycia Norton
    President
    PALS of PAWS in Saginaw County
    MI
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Support groups or therapist for those who have opted for behavioral euthanasia

    Posted 06-12-2025 12:39 PM

    Hi Alycia, Palm Springs Animal Shelter has a pet bereavement group, maybe they can give you some information about starting one in your area. It doesn't say anything about whether or not it's led by a licensed therapist, but here's the link: https://psanimalshelter.org/services/help-for-pet-owners/sammys-circle/



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    Sincerely,
    Johanna Spielman
    Founder of Jamie Brianna's Legacy Fund
    https://jamiebriannaslegacyfund.org/
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Support groups or therapist for those who have opted for behavioral euthanasia

    Posted 06-13-2025 01:11 PM

    Hi Alycia!  Great question!  Many support groups are lead by individuals that are not mental health professionals as that is not a requirement.  If it is a therapy group, then yes, it needs a licensed mental health counselor or therapist.  I have created and lead several support groups and would be happy to chat more about your ideas!  Feel free to email me at valeriebogievsw@gmail.com and check out my resources (including pet loss grief) here: https://linktr.ee/valeriebogievsw



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    Valerie Bogie
    MSSW, Veterinary Social Worker
    Valerie Bogie, LLC
    TN
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Support groups or therapist for those who have opted for behavioral euthanasia

    Posted 06-11-2025 05:45 PM

    Hi,

    You might reach out to Valerie Bogie, who's a dog trainer and a veterinary social worker.  https://linktr.ee/valeriebogievsw



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    Sheila Segurson, DVM, DACVB
    Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist
    Director of Shelter Solutions
    Maddie's Fund
    Pleasanton CA
    9258608284
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Support groups or therapist for those who have opted for behavioral euthanasia

    Posted 06-11-2025 09:05 PM

    Hi there!  I have my MSSW and am a Veterinary Social Worker.  I offer 1:1 support sessions for Insight Animal Behavior Services, a veterinary behaviorist practice, and speak with clients about euthanasia for behavioral reasons frequently.  I would be happy to meet with you.  

    https://linktr.ee/valeriebogievsw

    My Linktree has the support sessions as well as other animal loss grief resources.  Lap of Love typically has a support group for euthanasia for behavioral reasons as well if you want to take a look there for group support. 

    Take care and hope to speak with you soon <3



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    Valerie Bogie
    MSSW, Veterinary Social Worker
    Valerie Bogie, LLC
    TN
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: Support groups or therapist for those who have opted for behavioral euthanasia

    Posted 06-12-2025 12:46 PM

    Thank you so much! I will review the resources and get some questions ready, then will reach out to schedule. I appreciate it! 



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    Alycia Norton
    President
    PALS of PAWS in Saginaw County
    MI
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 10.  RE: Support groups or therapist for those who have opted for behavioral euthanasia

    Posted 06-12-2025 03:45 PM

    Hi there! I spotted this resource on another discussion thread, so I thought I would pass it along:

    Hi all! My name is Haley and I work for Pet Loss Community, an organization dedicated to providing support for people grieving the loss of a pet. We're excited to announce the launch of our virtual Animal Welfare Support Group- a supportive space specifically designed for volunteers and employees in animal welfare organizations. 

    Our next group will be on Monday, June 23rd from 12 pm- 1 pm EDT. 

    Here's the link to sign up: https://pet-loss-community.mykajabi.com/offers/3d4vgejp

    This resource is new and we are still working on building an ongoing schedule. For now, the cost of groups will be $6/group.
    We're so excited to be able to offer this much-needed resource and are hopeful that it will grow into something really special for the animal welfare community. Feel free to share this with anyone that you think may benefit from this resource!



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    Jenifer Reed
    Maddie's® Human Animal Support Services Program Implementation Trainer
    AmPA!/HASS
    TN
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    Original Message


  • 11.  RE: Support groups or therapist for those who have opted for behavioral euthanasia

    Posted 06-14-2025 10:43 AM

    I offer grief support for all types of animal loss. jillsajec.com

    If knew of enough people, I would love to host a grief group.



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    Jill Sajec
    Animal/Veterinary Chaplain
    Wolf Moon Spiritual Care
    WA
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    Original Message


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