Pet Loss and Bereavement Counseling Course

Catalog description

This course introduces veterinary students to the key issues related to the loss of a companion animal and bereavement counseling. The course provides a structured background to assist students in developing the necessary skills to deal with clients and the grieving process. Students will participate in Cornell University's Pet Loss Support Hotline, a telephone-based community outreach program designed to provide support to callers grieving the loss of a companion animal. Students actively participate in the prerequisite 9 hours of training in the Fall Semester, followed by hands-on experience staffing the Pet Loss Support Hotline. Requirements include attendance at both a Pet Loss Support Hotline sponsored lecture (usually scheduled in the evening) and a rounds discussion session, a case log of calls received and a one page case report.