Fosters and Ferals
Animal Chaplaincy
Compassionately supporting animals and the people who love them.
The bond we share with animals can be one of the most meaningful relationships in our lives. At Fosters & Ferals Animal Chaplaincy, we honor that bond by offering care, comfort and compassionate presence throughout the journey we share with them.
Animal chaplaincy offers a caring presence through the many seasons of our relationships with animals, from welcoming a new companion and celebrating the life we share, to navigating illness, end-of-life, loss and remembrance. It can offer comfort during difficult times, create meaningful ways to honor important moments, and provide a safe and understanding space when one is needed.
Our work is rooted in the belief that every animal matters and every bond is worthy of being honored. Whether you share your life with a beloved companion, care for animals in a rescue or sanctuary, or simply hold a deep connection to the animals with whom we share this world, you are welcome here.
How I Can Support You
There are many moments in our lives with animals when it can help to have someone walk beside us.
I can offer compassionate support when you are:
Welcoming a new animal companion and would like to honor the beginning of your life together.
Caring for an aging or ill animal and navigating the emotions that can come with that time.
Approaching end-of-life and looking for comfort, support or a meaningful way to honor this transition.
Grieving the loss of a beloved animal, whether the loss is recent or happened long ago.
Looking for a meaningful way to remember or celebrate an animal's life through ceremony, ritual or remembrance.
Seeking a blessing or a quiet moment of intention for an animal you love.
Caring for animals in a rescue, sanctuary or other setting and looking for support around loss, remembrance or the emotional weight of that work.
Individual & Personalized Support
Every relationship with an animal is unique, and the support you need should be, too. These offerings can be personalized to reflect your animal, your relationship, and your own beliefs and wishes.
Welcoming New Companion Ceremonies
A joyful way to honor the beginning of a new chapter together. These personalized ceremonies celebrate the arrival of a new animal companion and the bond you are beginning to create.
End-of-Life Support
Facing the final chapter of an animal's life can bring uncertainty and many emotions. I offer compassionate presence and support for you and your beloved companion during this tender time, creating space for reflection, meaningful conversation, ritual or blessing, and helping you think about what would feel meaningful for you and your animal during the time you have together.
Personalized Memorial Services
A ceremony created especially for your beloved animal, honoring their life, the bond you shared, and the memories that remain. Services can incorporate readings, music, ritual, photographs, stories or other elements that hold special meaning for you.
Community Offerings
As part of our commitment to supporting animals and the people who love them, I offer several opportunities each month at no cost.
Pet Loss Support & Memorial Group
A monthly gathering offering a welcoming and understanding space for those grieving the loss of a beloved animal companion. Come as you are to share, listen, remember and be among others who understand the depth of the human-animal bond.
Sacred Sendoff Ceremonies
On the first Sunday of each month, I hold a private Sacred Sendoff Ceremony honoring animals who have died. You are invited to submit the name of a beloved animal to be included in the ceremony. Following each Sacred Sendoff, I share a remembrance on social media honoring the animals whose names were included.
Healing Blessings for Animals
On the third Sunday of each month, I offer private Healing Blessings for animals in need of healing, comfort or loving intention. You are invited to submit the name of an animal to be included in the blessing. The animals receiving blessings are honored afterward in a social media post.
A Few Practical Details
I believe it is helpful to know what to expect before reaching out. The following fees provide a starting point for personalized support. Because every animal, family and circumstance is different, we'll talk together about what would be most appropriate for you.
Welcoming New Companion Ceremonies — beginning at $250
Includes an initial conversation, preparation of a personalized ceremony, a meaningful blessing or ritual, the ceremony itself, and local travel within my standard service area.
End-of-Life Support — beginning at $150
Includes a private 60–90 minute in-person visit with you and your animal, as well as local travel within my standard service area. The visit can be shaped around what you need at the time and may include conversation, reflection, a blessing or simple ritual.
Personalized Memorial Services — beginning at $300
Includes time spent learning about your beloved animal and the life you shared, creation of a personalized ceremony, and the incorporation of meaningful elements such as readings, music, photographs, stories or ritual. The ceremony itself and local travel within my standard service area are included.
Accessibility
Accessibility matters to me. A sliding scale is available for those experiencing financial hardship. If cost is a concern, please feel welcome to reach out so we can talk about what may be possible.
Location & Travel
In-person services are available throughout the North Fork of Long Island and surrounding areas. If you are located farther away, please reach out and we can discuss what may be possible. Additional travel fees may apply.
Let’s Talk
If you’re wondering whether animal chaplaincy might be helpful for you, your animal, or someone you love, I’d be glad to hear from you.
You don't have to know exactly what you need before you contact me. Sometimes the first step is simply having someone listen.
A Few Practical Details
I believe it is helpful to know what to expect before reaching out. The following fees provide a starting point for personalized support. Because every animal, family and circumstance is different, we'll talk together about what would be most appropriate for you.
Welcoming New Companion Ceremonies — beginning at $250
Includes an initial conversation, preparation of a personalized ceremony, a meaningful blessing or ritual, the ceremony itself, and local travel within my standard service area.
End-of-Life Support — beginning at $150
Includes a private 60–90 minute in-person visit with you and your animal, as well as local travel within my standard service area. The visit can be shaped around what you need at the time and may include conversation, reflection, a blessing or simple ritual.
Personalized Memorial Services — beginning at $300
Includes time spent learning about your beloved animal and the life you shared, creation of a personalized ceremony, and the incorporation of meaningful elements such as readings, music, photographs, stories or ritual. The ceremony itself and local travel within my standard service area are included.
Accessibility
Accessibility matters to me. A sliding scale is available for those experiencing financial hardship. If cost is a concern, please feel welcome to reach out so we can talk about what may be possible.
Location & Travel
In-person services are available throughout the North Fork of Long Island and surrounding areas. If you are located farther away, please reach out and we can discuss what may be possible. Additional travel fees may apply.
Let’s Talk
If you’re wondering whether animal chaplaincy might be helpful for you, your animal, or someone you love, I’d be glad to hear from you.
You don't have to know exactly what you need before you contact me. Sometimes the first step is simply having someone listen.