What does an animal chaplain do?

An animal chaplain is someone trained to provide spiritual and emotional support around the deep bond we share with animals. I sit with people in moments of loss, transition, and uncertainty. I don’t offer quick fixes or clinical diagnoses — I offer presence. Sometimes that looks like a ritual or blessing. Sometimes it's simply listening with compassion and without judgment.

What are reasons why I might need an animal chaplain?

You might reach out because your pet is dying—or because they’ve already passed. You may be grappling with guilt, heartbreak, or spiritual questions. Or perhaps you're not facing a loss, but simply need someone to talk to who understands how much your animal means to you. Any reason is a good reason.

Do animals have souls?

Yes, I believe they do. Anyone who has shared life with an animal knows they are sentient beings with unique personalities, deep emotions, and an ability to love and connect. Their souls are as real and sacred as ours.

Does my pet go to heaven?

Of course. Heaven surely makes room for the beings who love us unconditionally. Your beloved companion is held in love, always.

Where does my animal go when they die?

There’s no one answer to this question, and it often depends on your own beliefs. What I can offer is this: the love you shared doesn’t disappear. It changes form, but it stays with you—in memory, in spirit, and in the quiet ways they shaped your life.

Why do animals suffer?

This is one of the hardest questions there is. I don't pretend to have all the answers. But I believe we live in a complicated world—one filled with both beauty and brokenness. What I can offer is companionship in the asking, and comfort in the wondering. You don’t have to carry these questions alone.

Why do bad things happen to good people (and animals)?

Sometimes there’s no easy explanation for why pain enters our lives. What matters is not just why it happened, but how we move through it. I’m here to help you make space for sorrow without rushing to make sense of it. Grief is not a problem to be solved—it’s a reflection of how deeply we’ve loved.

If you have a question not listed here, I welcome you to ask during your free visit.