Episode Details

We talk a lot on this show about preparing for our own death. But what about preparing for the death of a pet, or making sure our pet is looked after if something happens to us?

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr Alicia Kennedy, an end-of-life veterinarian of over 40 years and the founder of Cherished Pets, a veterinary social enterprise and B Corp based in the Geelong region of Victoria. Alicia pioneered the field of veterinary social work in Australia, building a multidisciplinary HAB (Human Animal Bond) Care Team of vets, vet nurses, social workers and volunteers who support older people, people living with disability, and people experiencing mental illness, homelessness or family violence to stay together with their pets through life's hardest moments.

Alicia shares the personal story behind Cherished Pets, the three guiding principles she uses to decide when it's time to say goodbye, what actually makes for "a good death" for a pet, and why she believes every health care plan, from GPs to aged care, should ask the question: "Do you have a pet?" We also talk about the growing world of home euthanasia, memorialisation and cremation options, how to support children and other pets through pet loss, and why planning ahead for vet bills and end-of-life care can save families from financial and emotional crisis.

Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.

Take care,

Catherine

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