Grief counsellors to help vets comfort clients who lose their pets at Kelowna workshop

An Okanagan pet crematorium is hosting a workshop for vets to advise them on how to comfort grieving clients who lose their furry friends.

Lake Country-based Okanagan Pet Cremation co-owner Jared Starling said he was motivated by research into an “increased trend in humanizing pets” and the huge shock that comes following their deaths.

“It can be an emotionally devastating experience for the pet owner, and when additional support is required there are few social and community support resources for when one loses a pet,” a blurb from his business explained.

While vets try their best to comfort a bereaved pet owner, Starling said many are looking for more ways to help.

That’s why he has set up the Pet Loss Grief Support Information Forum, which is being held later this month.

Three grief counselling experts will be present at the free workshop.

“We are pleased to be able to provide an opportunity for our local pet professionals to come together and to learn and discuss about resources that they can use to help pet owners ease their loss,” Starling said.

“We also look forward to having three counsellors who specialize in grief support joining us to share their expertise: Christina Fenske, Michelle De Vies, and Jessica Hughes."

The workshop will be held on March 17 at 11 a.m. in the Kanata Hotel and Conference Centre in Kelowna.

Pre-registration is recommended by emailing js@okanaganpetcremation.ca.