Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula

What Happens to Your Pet If You Die?

Traci Arieli

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0:00 | 52:15

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In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, Traci Arieli sits down with Christy Bork, National Program Manager at Pet Peace of Mind, for an important conversation about what happens to pets when someone becomes seriously ill, enters hospice, or dies. 

For many people, pets are family. But when end-of-life planning begins, pets are often overlooked. This episode explores the emotional and practical realities families face when there is no clear plan in place for beloved animals. 

Together, Traci and Christy discuss how hospice organizations are helping patients stay connected with their pets through the end of life, how volunteers support both patients and animals, and why planning ahead can reduce anxiety for everyone involved. 

They also talk about: 

  • How Pet Peace of Mind partners with hospices across the United States  
  • What happens when there is no plan for a pet after death  
  • The emotional bond between people and their pets at end of life  
  • Practical pet care planning steps people can take today  
  • Financial planning for pets after death  
  • How doulas, attorneys, healthcare workers, and families can start these conversations earlier  
  • The free My Pet Placement Plan resource  

Whether you work in hospice, healthcare, elder care, estate planning, or simply love your animals deeply, this conversation offers practical guidance and compassionate insight into an often-overlooked part of end-of-life planning. 

Links/Resources 

Thank you for listening. If this conversation resonates with you, please like, share, comment, and subscribe to help normalize conversations around aging, dying, grief, caregiving, and end-of-life planning.