Pet Loss Grief Counseling Classes and Certification Program

Almost 200 million Americans have pets. For many, the loss of a companion animal feels like the loss of a child or a best friend. Traditionally, there has been little support for people dealing with such intense grief – until now. The field of pet bereavement counseling, although in its infancy, is teaching us how to help these people with their anguish. When looking for a program in pet bereavement counseling, I took courses from a number of organizations, but it wasn’t until I met Teresa Wagner that I began to truly understand what it means to share genuine empathy with someone grieving the loss of a beloved animal.

As a scientist, I had anticipated the subject of human-animal connections covered in Teresa’s classes would be too ‘warm and fuzzy’ for me to take completely seriously. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Teresa’s client-centered, empathic counseling takes you deep into the heart of ‘hearing’ another’s pain and teaches you how to soften their sorrow. On a personal level, Teresa’s classes have changed both my world view and the way I see myself. Not only have I learned how to open my heart to another’s suffering, but I’ve also learned how to see the world through the eyes of the creatures who share our Earth. I cannot recommend this program highly enough.

I am enjoying my experience with the certification program. My life has and always will be hectic so the self guided pace of the class coupled with the encouragement and always positive assurance from Teresa has made my experience nothing but amazing so far. I always seem to find myself unknowingly enrolled in the classes I am meant to be in given my current life situation so that some of the lessons or shared stories from class translate into being able to assist myself or guide others through a trying time or situation. The interactiveness of the live classes are very well organized and implemented and I’ve cherished the time spent with classmates. I’m looking forward to continuing my remaining classes and recommend the Animal Loss & Grief Support Institute program to others seeking certification.

This certification program was recommended to me when I was looking to augment my experiential learning, and to add professional development and credential to the work I was doing in pet loss grief support. As a recent graduate of the program, I can wholeheartedly say that it far exceeded my hopes and expectations, both personally and professionally.

I found the courses and material to be comprehensive, thorough, and engaging. Packed with information and resources, the classes were validating, thought provoking, and really helped add layers of learning to what I already knew. In addition, working through the material helped me better define my own core values, and to gain clarity and confidence in the work I do.

My work is taking off in new and exciting directions. And I’m greeted with an enhanced level of respect in the veterinary and animal support communities. I really cannot speak highly enough of Teresa Wagner and the amazing program of study and certification that she has developed. For me, it has been transformative!

These classes are extremely valuable to me. The extensive volume of enlightening materials, plus the class hours and practice sessions, give me as much or more than any master’s level class in the field of psychology ( a degree that I hold ) .

Teresa’s wonderful spirit, rich tapestry of knowledge and ability to teach, makes participation in the classes an experience I will not only treasure, but will be able to put it to use immediately.  

Teresa has a deep, profound ability to love and communicate with animals. Thru the classes and her mentorship with the students, she helps others to develop their empathy, compassion and understanding for all creatures.

The other part of this experience that I love, is the ability to connect with people who care about animals as much as I do. The sharing of thoughts, ideas and memories, good and bad, with other ‘animal people,’ have given these classes, to me, a level of connection I haven’t had in any other class, anywhere else, ever.

Knowing Teresa has been a rare, cherished gift for me, in my life and I can’t say enough about the whole course of study. It was life-changing for me.

The depth of knowledge I’m gaining is transforming me as a person in addition to becoming a professional pet loss grief counselor. Teresa has such a gentle and loving way of teaching and supporting me as a student. I appreciate the recorded and live classes as that gives a variety of learning environments. The class handouts that accompany each module are invaluable! I feel Teresa has left ‘no stone unturned’ when compiling this information. I know I will be consistently referring back to the material throughout my studies and as well as when I am working with my own clients. 

The client centered, empathy based approach of counseling resonated with me immediately. The program has given me confidence in my counseling abilities already and I’m eager to continue and learn more. I love the variety of classes offered, from the Core Classes to the Electives…there is so much of value to learn and then apply…with Teresa guiding me all the way. I feel blessed to have found this program which will allow me to be of service to people and their animals who are grieving. Thank you!!

Since starting this program, I have achieved an enormous amount of self-healing, personal and spiritual growth in a safe and supportive environment. Having no counseling skills in my background before taking this program, it has provided me with the knowledge, skills, and self confidence I needed to help guide others to their own path of healing.