Pet Grief Support
1:1 Pet Grief Support & AAA Companion Healing Sessions
Losing, preparing to lose, or grieving a beloved animal companion can feel deeply isolating. TheraPaws offers compassionate 1:1 pet grief support designed to honour the bond between humans and animals, with space for your story, emotions, and healing at your own pace.
What makes this offering special is the intentional inclusion of Animal Assisted Activity. The presence of an animal can be deeply grounding during grief — helping to ease anxiety, lower stress, and support emotional regulation when things feel overwhelming. Animals offer quiet, non-judgmental companionship that can make it easier to feel safe, connected, and open during difficult conversations.
Meet Your Counselor
Hosted by Natalie, her background in social service work and specialized training in pet grief support offers a gentle and supportive space for those navigating loss, anticipatory grief, end-of-life decisions, or life after a beloved companion animal.
Natalie’s experience as Manager of the Pet Visiting program directly informs this work. Through it, she has seen firsthand how powerful and regulating the presence of animals can be, and how meaningful that support is when thoughtfully integrated into grief care. Sessions are available indoors with animal support present, through walk-and-talk sessions outdoors, or virtually from home—meeting you where you feel most comfortable.
Your Support Options
Animal Assisted Activity Sessions
A calming, supportive in-person session where Larry is present as part of the experience. Animal companionship can help create comfort, emotional grounding, and connection while discussing grief and loss.
Walk & Talk Sessions
Meet in the community for a gentle walk alongside Larry. These sessions offer movement, fresh air, and conversation in a more relaxed setting for those who process emotions best while walking.
In-Person or Virtual Support
Traditional seated sessions are also available, either in person or virtually, without animal presence if preferred.
Is TheraPaws Right for You?
You may benefit from support if you are experiencing:
Begin With a Consultation
TheraPaws is committed to making support more accessible. The recommended rate is $75 CAD/45 min session, with sliding scale options available. If cost is a barrier, we are always open to exploring a rate that feels manageable within your means. Every grief journey is unique. We invite you to begin with a consultation to see whether TheraPaws feels like the right fit for your support needs. Click the button below to complete the consultation request form and get started.
Looking for Group Support?
Julie Brooks B.A. BSW SW has been a pet bereavement counselor for over 27 years. As a professional bereavement counselor, Julie understands that grieving the loss of a pet is a complete parallel to human bereavement and while the relationship is different, the love is very strong. At our Pet Bereavement Education and Support sessions, Julie connects with people who have lost their animal companions. They safely share stories and tears, photographs and memories, and heal together with Julie's skilled guidance.
Sessions are Held in Hamilton on the Second Tuesday of Each Month at 7:00 pm
To Find Out More & To Register, please call Julie Brooks.
