What is a Companion Animal Doula?
A Companion Animal End-of-Life Doula (CAD) is a professionally trained individual meant to provide non-medical, non-judgmental, compassionate support and comfort to animals with special-needs and their caregivers. A CAD can assist those facing their pet’s new illness, life-changing prognosis, loss of their beloved companion; and help owners make difficult decisions along the way. A death doula can work with you any time before, during, or after your pet’s passing and provides education to help you be the best pet parent you can be at a cost that works for you.
What kind of training does an animal doula have?
Lauren Bucciero with ‘Round the Rainbow completed her training as a companion animal doula through UVM’s End-of-Life certification program in the summer of 2024. She also holds a bachelors degree in Animal Behavior (UNE 2020) and an associates degree in veterinary technology (GBCC 2015.) As of right now in the United States, companion animal doula’s are not required to have any formal training. All that’s needed is a committment to keeping an open-heart and providing non-judgmental support. However, many choose to continue their education through doula programs as Ms. Bucciero did.
What tasks are within the scope of an animal doula?
- Companionship and active listening
- Education around the dying process
- Assessing households for ways to improve accessibility and provide comfort for disabled and/or ill pets
- Facilitating end-of-life planning
- Creating a calming enviornment for animals
- Assisting in legacy and memorial projects
- Connecting families with additional resources
What is NOT within the scope of an animal doula’s services?
As a doula, I CANNOT
- Diagnose your pet’s medical conditions
- Give medical advice for you or your pet
- Provide grief counseling
- Offer Therapy
However, as a doula I have a lot of resources at my disposal and can refer you to trusted professionals should the need for more care than I am able to provide arise.
What services do you offer?
- End of life planning
- At-home support visits for pet owners and their ill, disabled, and/or dying animal companions
- Caregiver respite
- Aromatherapy and energy work
- Presence for scheduled euthanasias
- Grief support
- Home funeral guidance and planning
- Virtual support
- Comprehensive care package
For a more comprehensive guide and pricing, please visit the Services page. I am willing to tailor plans and work with you on what best fits your family’s needs.
What activities can we do together?
- Create and complete your pet’s bucket list items.
- Coordinate care schedules with your pet’s other caregivers and providers.
- Perform quality of life assessments.
- Have discussions about advanced care and creating end-of-life plans.
- Provide non-judgmental, compassionate support while you face loss.
- After death education and assistance with body care.
- Be a supportive presence during scheduled euthanasia and offer grief support.
- Funeral planning for your companion.
- Memorial projects for your beloved pet.
- Resource and service referrals.
- And more! Contact today for a consultation.
What kinds of animals are you comfortable working with?
I am willing to work with ANY domesticated animal! From traditional pets such as dogs and cats, or small exotics such as hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits; to the less-traditional pet’s like reptiles, birds, even fish! I have some experience working with farm-animals and horses, and am always willing to learn.
What kinds of people do you work with?
At Round’ the Rainbow, everyone is welcome and strive to create an inclusive enviornment. I will not discriminate services based on income status, age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, language differences, religious beleifs, political affiliation, or immigration status. I simply ask for mutual respect and do not tolerate abusive langauge or behaviors. That being said, I understand grief makes people act out in atypical ways. Some grace may be given if I find words or actions to be unintetionally too aggressive, but if it continues after one warning, our professional relationship will be terminated without refund.
What is the cost of your services?
At ‘Round the Rainbow, I believe that income should not be a factor in whether you seek my support services. Therefore, I offer a variety of packages and also charge based on a three-tier sliding scale for hourly rates. I trust each client to accurately choose where they fall and what they are able to pay. Visit the Services page to learn more about the tier system and packages offered.
roundtherainbow.com 