WHAT IS AN ANIMAL CHAPLAIN?
When we lose a human loved one, we receive condolences, cards and casseroles, flowers and visits from friends, family and clergy. Most of us consider our beloved pets as dear family members and for many, they are the only family a person has. Their place in our lives is significant, providing comfort, companionship, and unconditional love.

 

Unfortunately, when an animal family member is lost, the grief can be as deep as the loss of any human loved one, and often even deeper. Yet, the cards and casseroles, flowers and visits from friends rarely come, and even more rare is the visit from clergy. Individuals are alone with their loss.

 

To address this omission in spiritual care, in 2003, I created the first Animal Chaplain Training Program in the world. I have trained and ordained Animal Chaplains in almost every state in the U.S., in Canada, England and a few other countries. Animal Chaplain roles are many, visiting animals in shelters and rescues, blessings for new pets, prayers for those in need, helping the elderly take care of their pets, providing blessings at euthanasia, memorial services, caring for individuals and families who are working through grief and loss of their precious family member. But I also reach out to all the wild creatures and to those caring for our animal friends in the wild, who also need our support, our prayers, our time and our compassion. 

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As a Humane Educator and Interfaith Minister, I honor all wherever they are - people of all faiths, or no faith at all. This ministry is about unconditional love, and that crosses all barriers - as well as species!.