Why Doula?
You're here because you don't want to be. Your cat has been given a terminal diagnosis, or a chronic condition is no longer manageable, or something else is going on that's making their lives less and less as time passes. During a cat's decline, their end-of-life, the stress and strain on you can be unbearable. Every day can feel like there are so many decisions to make and each one can feel momentously important, because they are. Every day has its own ups and downs. Every moment of joy is etched with happiness and despair that this could be the last time this special interaction with your cat happens.
Do I know what you're going through? No. And I can't. Every cat is different, and every relationship between cat and owner is different. But I have gone through it—I've had the joy and the sorrow to love 10 cats who are no longer here with me. Every time is different. Every love is different.
What I can offer you is support—both while your cat is still with you and after. I can listen to you, I can be a sounding board if you're not sure what the right decision for today is, I will do my best to honor the bond you have with your cat, I can be present when it's time to say goodbye, I can help support your grief.
Every cat, every cat care-giver, and every relationship between cat and cat care-given is different and unique; I approach each client as an individual and work with clients to best fit their needs during this very difficult time.
About My Doula Work:
I'm a 2023 graduate of UVM's "Companion Animal End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate" program, specializing in cats. I'm available to support cat care-givers through the heart-breaks and challenges of end-of-life care. In addition to my cat behavior consulting background, I serve on the Board of Directors of Diabetic Cats in Need (a non-profit dedicated to helping low-income caregivers of diabetic cats) and was a volunteer feline medical director at a local rescue for 4 years. I have a deep knowledge and understanding of many complex cat medical conditions and have personal experience with end-of-life care, having lost 10 of my own cats. I work with cat caregivers to ease the stress and confusion that often comes with end-of-life care. I am also available to be a mindful presence at euthanasia appointments (in-person if possible, virtual if in-person is not possible), as well as bereavement support.
Fees:
My fees are $65/hour for consults, plus minimum $20 travel fee for in-person sessions. Consults can either be in-person or virtual (through Zoom, video chat, or telephone); each consult comes with a personalized Doula Plan and an hour of after-session email support. I do require an Initial Virtual Consult (video chat/telephone) for all new clients. This consult is for us to get to know one another and see if I will be able to meet your needs; it lasts 30 minutes and costs $30.
Please CLICK HERE to fill out the new client form for Cat End-of-Life Doula support; I will be in touch ASAP!
Policies:
- Payment Policies:
- A minimum $30 deposit is required within 3 business days of scheduling to reserve your appointment.
The remainder is due 2 business days prior to time of service or your appointment will be canceled. - All fees are non-refundable.
- Payment preferred through PayPal.
- A minimum $30 deposit is required within 3 business days of scheduling to reserve your appointment.
- Clients are required to provide advance notice at least 2 business days prior to the scheduled appointment time if there is a need to reschedule or cancel.
- Confidentiality: personal information will not be shared without explicit permission from the client.
- Non-discrimination policy: I do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, disability, neurodiversity, gender, gender identity, health status, religion, political beliefs, national origin, sexual orientation, or relationship/family structure.
In Memory Of:
Emily | Cinnamon | Zathras | George | Snowcrash | Rube | Kosette | Min | Sugar | Oatmeal
