Pet Grief Counseling Certification

The loss of a longtime companion is never easy, and professionals can help in this trying time with the American Institute of Health Care Professionals’ (AIHCP) pet grief counseling certification program. The six-course program offers comprehensive overviews on pet grief concepts, specific strategies for adults and children, and techniques for managing a wide range of emotions. Learn more about the program below and register today to add to your growing counseling skill sets.

 

Pet Loss Grief Counseling Certification Course Requirements & Prices

To participate in our pet loss counseling certification program, you must meet one of the following pre-requisites:

Other credentials may apply if approved by the American Academy of Grief Counseling. You can also fill out our qualification review form to see if your current standings qualify you for the program.

The program itself consists of six required CE courses, which will cost a total of $925 and include the courses below. After completing the courses there is a certification fee for Pet Loss Grief Support Specialist Certification of $220, plus shipping and handling, which includes the official certificate, ID card, and other related documents. The certification program includes the following courses:

• GC 400 – Death, Dying & Mourning
• GC 410 – Grief Counseling for the Helping Professions
• GC 580 – Pet Loss and Human Emotion
• GC 585 – Pet Loss Grief Support
• GC 590 – Strategies for Pet Loss Grief Support
• GC 595 – Pet Loss & Children

Once you complete the program, you can fill out our application for certification to to become certified with AIHCP for a period of four years. With the certification, you can use the initials/credentials “PGSS-C”, or “Certified Pet-Loss Grief Support Specialist”.

You can also get healthcare fellowship status from AIHCP. This requires 250 hours of continued education over six years from the date of the application to the fellowship program. Once completed, you can add the “FAIHCP” or “Fellow in the American Institute of Healthcare Professionals in Pet-Loss Grief Support” to your title.

 

Renewing Your Pet Loss Counseling Certification

Your pet grief counseling certification is valid for four years, and you will need to get recertified within that time frame to continue valid use of the credentials in your title. AIHCP offers a recertification program to enable continued use of the credentials. The recertification fee is $220, plus shipping and handling, and you need to provide evidence of at least 50 contact hours of continuing education in the form of studies, lectures, and learning activities related to pet loss counseling. You will also have to show proof of at least 500 hours of practice, specifically with the pet loss grief counseling certification over the initial four-year certification period.

 

Pet Grief Counseling Certification Testimonials

Many healthcare professionals choose AIHCP’s programs because they offer paths to new skills, career advancement, and, in some cases, the ability to pass knowledge on to other professionals. Dr. Elaine J. Dispo-Rendón added to her skillset with the pet grief counseling certification and continues to teach at AIHCP, specifically on our grief diversity counseling specialist program.

“I picked AIHCP to pursue my Grief Counseling certification because options also include Pet-Loss Grief Support, which I specifically sought. I enjoyed courses from both programs that covered thorough info from the textbooks, and some courses also included supplementary materials: studies, slides, and videos. I like the convenience of our classes being self-paced to fit around our schedules, plus I appreciate the promptness and punctuality of email inquiry replies and course access after registration, which have taken 1 business day or less, and continuing education certificates typically have been issued within 2-3 business days. I highly value the accredited programs and courses thereof offered by the AAGC and look forward to putting my certificates to good use by helping fellow grievers. I already had been looking ahead for other certificates and courses to get re-certified in the course menu plus have considered proposing new courses and certificates through AIHCP/AAGC.”

Elaine J. Dispo-Rendón, Ph.D., GC-C, PGSS-C

Read more success stories from other professionals who flourished with AIHCP on our testimonials page.

 

The Benefits of a Pet Loss Grief Counseling Certification

Dealing with the recent loss of a pet or even the inevitable passing of one puts a mental and emotional strain on the owner and their family. A pet loss counseling certification from AIHCP aims to provide much-needed care during an emotional time. The strategies discussed in the course help people and whole families slowly heal after this monumental loss, and incorporating techniques learned from specific courses allows for effective healing that builds on itself over time. 

AIHCP continues to provide past students and the industry at large with news on the latest techniques and skills that can make pet grief counseling an even more effective healing tool. Stay tuned to our pet loss grief support blogs, which offer valuable findings and insights for all professionals.

 

FAQs on AIHCP’s Pet Loss Counseling Certification

What are the benefits of a pet grief certification?

The pet loss grief counseling certification from AIHCP isn’t just for show; it offers valuable insights into the many emotions evoked from the loss of a pet. With guidance from AIHCP instructors, professionals with the pet loss grief counseling certification are well-equipped to speak to individuals of all ages as well as entire families about the grieving and healing process surrounding the loss of a pet. 

 

Do I have to take the program and its courses to achieve my certification?

Our model for certification is designed so that our certified members have accomplished the same educational achievements and have consistency in knowledge and skills attainment. Many have experience in many types of specialty practices, but they are varied. Our model focuses on core and solid, comprehensive knowledge and skills that have been determined to practice the specialty at a higher level of quality practice. However, there are instances where past education may be used to waive some of the courses required. View our FAQ page to learn more.

 

Do you offer a curriculum of continuing education courses for recertification?

Each of our certification programs offers continuing education curricula designed to meet the full requirements for recertification.

 

Do your continuing education courses have any board approvals?

Most of our continuing education courses do have some or many board approvals, though specific approval depends on the type of professional boards. You can see the full list on our healthcare CE approvals page.

 

Is the certification necessary for pet loss grief counseling?

Your pet grief counseling certification is a sign of commitment to providing high-quality care during an emotional time. Learning about new techniques and how to approach adults or children in these times shows a willingness to be patient and flexible when providing care to different groups. Taking time to learn about various situations and having the appropriate skills to provide expert care is only possible with the curriculum obtained by AIHCP.

 

What is the process for your Certification programs? How do I enter and complete a the case management certification program?

We have a dedicated page that provides a quick over-view of our certification process. It will provide you with good information about the process/phases of both the education courses and application for certification.