In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Jenn Galvin to talk about something we don’t speak about enough in vet med or pet parenting: grief 💛

We share what it looks like behind the scenes for the vet team when a beloved patient passes… how we somehow hold it together between appointments… and what actually helps when the waves come crashing in later. Jenn opens up about what it means to support families through euthanasia — creating calmer spaces and gentle rituals.

We also talk about anticipatory grief and the simple ways pet parents can ask for the goodbye that feels right for them.

If you’re navigating loss (or holding space for someone who is), this conversation is tender, practical, and full of heart. Tune in, you're not alone in this 🕊️

KEY INSIGHTS:

✨ Why grief never really goes away and how it becomes a lasting reminder of love.

✨ How veterinarians and pet parents carry layers of grief that resurface with every loss.

✨ Why guilt often shows up after euthanasia and how to remind yourself you truly did your best.

✨ How to recognize anticipatory grief when you know a pet’s time is near and ways to cope through it.

✨ Why being vulnerable as a leader can strengthen your veterinary team and create deeper trust.

✨ How to support grieving families with rituals, compassion, and permission to take their time.

✨ Why crying isn’t weakness but sacred self-care for both vets and pet parents.

✨ How creating a calm, private space for euthanasia can completely change a client’s experience.

✨ Why it’s important to ask for what you need—whether it’s time, keepsakes, or specific end-of-life rituals.

✨ How loss can inspire new forms of healing, like Dr. Lily’s Kidney Protection Plan in honour of her pet patient Chloe.

✨ And how every goodbye, no matter how painful, deepens our capacity to love, lead, and honor the pets who’ve shaped us.

Resource: Jill Cooper Coaching (end of life / transitional support for people): [email protected]

FOLLOW:

Jenn Galvin’s practice: https://aac.vet/

Jenn Galvin’s practise on IG: @aacvet

Integrative Pet Wellness Center: https://integrativepet.com

Integrative Pet Wellness Center on Instagram: @integrativepet

Dr. Lily Chen on Instagram: @dr.lilychen @the.unicorn.vet 

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