The Role of the Pet End-of-Life Doula

• The essence of doula care is to provide non-medical, non-judgmental support and guidance to pet guardians  through times of critical, transformative life change.

• Pet EOL doulas nurture, inform, support, guide, empower and comfort.

• For client needs outside of the doula’s scope of practice, the doula makes referrals to appropriate professionals and community resources.

• Doula support is focused on, and adapted to, the unique needs and requirements of each pet and guardian served.

Limitations to Practice

• As non-medical care providers, end-of-life doulas do not perform clinical tasks

• The doula refrains from giving veterinary advice or from persuading clients to follow a specific course of action or treatment.

• The doula refrains from imposing his/her own values and beliefs on the client.

• Doulas do not undermine their clients’ confidence in their pet’s veterinarian.

• Doulas do not usurp the role of other professionals and caregivers such as the veterinarian, acupuncturist, or other medical support professionals.

• Doulas may be present at the request of the client, but doulas do not facilitate the euthanasia process

Adapted from the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA)