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Pet Loss Grief with a Pet Death Doula Jessica LeBeau-Richman
Description
Host Jill McClennen, a death doula and funeral celebrant, talks with Jessica LeBeau-Richman, a South Jersey pet death doula, about the often overlooked grief of losing an animal and how people can stay connected through ritual, keepsakes, and conscious goodbyes.
Jessica shares how her rescue cat Sammy led her from years of nonprofit social services into end-of-life doula work for pets, and how she supports families with anticipatory grief, quality-of-life decisions, vet-visit advocacy, and after-death choices like burial or cremation.
They discuss the lack of cultural support for pet grief, including shame and limited workplace compassion, and both describe in-home euthanasia as a beautiful experience.
The conversation highlights how honoring pet loss can support healing, legacy, and more present, intentional living.
01:24 Jessica’s Pet Doula Path
03:11 Sammy’s Story Begins
04:55 Shelter Work to Doula Work
07:13 Why Pet Grief Hits Hard
07:50 In Home Goodbye Rituals
09:52 Keepsakes and Ongoing Bonds
11:55 Older Pets and Second Chances
13:49 Euthanasia Versus Human Endings
15:31 When Is It Time
16:26 Sammy’s Final Day
21:30 Support During Loss
22:46 Becoming a Pet Doula
23:12 Pet vs Human Care
23:45 Quality of Life Assessment
24:29 Pet Memorialization Options
25:53 Pet Doula Training
26:56 Building the Business
29:19 Pet Burial Options
29:56 Backyard Pet Burials
30:54 Personal Burial Stories
32:33 Honoring Animal Remains
34:55 Appreciating Life Through Death
35:49 Tactile Moments with Pets
37:46 Connect with Jessica
38:37 End of Life Planning
Website: https://jessicaendoflifepetdoula.carrd.co/
Instagram: @jessica.petlossdoula
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