Frequently Asked Questions

+ Why don’t I navigate through this process on my own?

The short answer is you absolutely can. There is zero pressure to work with me or anyone else for that matter. The choice is 100% up to you and what you feel is the best fit. However I will say that, in my experience, having someone to support you and walk side by side with you through such a difficult time can make a world of difference. And not only can that help you get more clear, empowered, and at peace with the tough decisions you’ll undoubtedly face but also free up emotional and mental space so you can focus on enjoying what time you do have left with your pet.

+ How is working with you different than working with my veterinarian?

I always encourage people to discuss any questions or concerns about their pet with their veterinarian. They are a trusted person in your pet’s medical care and someone you may have been working with for many, many years. They are likely already a huge part of not only your life but also your pet’s life, and the relationship and bond you share runs deep. While they may also provide emotional support and guidance, from my personal experience working in practice sometimes veterinarians can be quite busy people and may not have the time needed to dedicate to the additional support that you need. And that’s exactly what I’m here to do. Together, your veterinarian and I can provide you with the well-rounded support that you need.

+ Are you my veterinarian now?

While I am a veterinarian, I am not your veterinarian and will not be able to diagnose, treat, prescribe medications, or provide you with specific veterinary medical advice regarding your pet. Working together does not establish a Veterinary Client Patient Relationship (unless an in-person evaluation/examination of the pet has occurred) and is not a substitute for an in-person evaluation/examination and veterinary medical advice provided by your veterinarian. I advise you to consult with your veterinarian on your pet’s health, and to seek care immediately if your pet is ill and/or experiencing a life-threatening emergency.

+ My pet has been diagnosed with [insert disease]. I’m so overwhelmed with all of this new information. What are my next steps?

I recommend booking an Exploratory Call to see how we might work together and make sure we’re a good fit. You can also check out the Work With Me page to read the descriptions of the packages I currently offer to see if one meets your needs. If you already know I’m exactly who you’re looking for, go ahead and schedule a session.

+ I really want to set up a session but I absolutely hate talking about or even thinking about my pet aging and facing end of life. Will working with you really help me?

I totally understand your hesitation and where you are coming from. Thinking and talking about this stuff can feel downright scary, hard, and be super emotional. And it may feel easier to avoid talking or thinking about it and simply sweep it under the rug to be dealt with later. But you know what? We never really know when “later” will come knocking or become a panic filled need to make a decision right now situation. And it will more than likely feel way worse and even more uncomfortable trying to make important decisions under those circumstances. The confusion, doubt, and terror will likely cloud your judgment and you may end up doing something (or not doing something) that you later regret. So do I think working with me will really help you? Absolutely! Without a shadow of a doubt. Talking about it early, often, and well before you need it will not make the end come any faster. What it will do is allow you to know what you want and don’t want. And in turn, will allow you to feel more empowered and at peace with the decisions you will need to make in the future so when the end is coming sooner rather than later, you will be able to be more present and able to focus on what remaining time you do have left.

+ When is the right time to start working with you?

If you ask me, then I’d say it’s really never too early to start having these conversations. But if you’re looking for a more specific timeframe then I would say one of the following: (1) when your pet enters his or her senior or golden years which is usually around 7-8 years of age. By starting at this point, we can hopefully catch some changes early, get intervention or treatment if needed, and ideally maximize both quantity and quality of life; (2) when your pet is facing end of life (no matter their age); and/or (3) when you have lost a pet (whether recently or many years ago) and you need a little help working through and moving forward in your grief journey.

+ Can we set up more than one session?

Absolutely! We can discuss and work out all the details during an Exploratory Call or during our first session.

+ Who should work with you?

People who like to plan ahead and want to feel empowered in the decisions they make. People who are going through this process for the very first time as well as people who have been through it before. People who have senior pets that are looking for ways to maximize both quantity and quality of life. People who have pets dealing with a terminal or life-threatening illness (i.e. cancer), a chronic condition (i.e. arthritis, kidney disease), advanced age/geriatric pets who don’t have a specific diagnosis but just don’t seem to be thriving anymore, and/or have a pet who has one or more of these things going on at once. It’s also important to note that end of life doesn’t always mean advanced age – while rare, puppies/kittens and younger pets may also be facing end of life sooner rather than later and I’m here to help if that should occur. People who have lost a pet and need some help working through and moving forward in their grief journey.

+ Who should not work with you?

People who want someone to do the work for them or tell them what to do. While I am here to listen and provide guidance and support, ultimately I cannot make decisions for you. Only you can do that. And it’s going to require work on your part and will more than likely feel uncomfortable and emotional at times but I’m here to tell you that’s 100% okay and I totally expect that.

+ What kind of pets do you work with?

Primarily cats and dogs but I am open to helping people who are facing aging and end of life with their pet no matter what species we’re talking about.

+ Do you offer refunds?

Unfortunately, no refund will be offered for any portion of payment for our products, services, or programs that have already been delivered, for cancellations or reschedules within less than 24 hours from the scheduled session, and/or if you miss or do not show up for your scheduled session. If you need to cancel, we require at least 24 hours’ notice in order to receive a full refund.

+ What if I have more questions?

That’s great! Any and all questions are welcome. I highly recommend booking an Exploratory Call or heading over the the Connect page to send me a message. I typically respond within 24 to 48 hours Monday through Friday between 9 am and 5 pm (Note: Holidays may affect these days and times).