I created The Kinship Collective because I believe the bond between humans and animals is one of the most special and challenging relationships we experience.

When that bond changes or ends, the impact can reach far beyond the initial event.

I learned that firsthand through my work in veterinary social work.

At Penn Vet, I found myself sitting at the intersection of two very different kinds of pain.

I worked with pet parents facing anticipatory grief, end-of-life decisions, and the heartbreak of losing an animal who was part of their family.

At the same time, I supported veterinary students, faculty, and staff carrying the emotional burden of caring for animals and the people who loved them.

I saw how much this work asks of people in all parts of veterinary care.

The human-animal bond deserves support from every angle.

Why The Kinship Collective Exists

The Kinship Collective grew out of that experience.

This is a place for clinician-led education and support around the work of love and loss. From preparing for goodbye, to learning how to live with the absence that follows, to helping the professionals who carry these experiences alongside their clients every day.

I'm not here to tell you how you should feel, how long grief should take, or what moving forward is supposed to look like.

I'm here to give you somewhere to start.

For Pet Parents

Support for the transitions surrounding pet loss, from anticipatory grief and end-of-life care to the days, weeks, and months after goodbye.

For Veterinary Professionals

Education and practical tools for navigating the emotional realities of veterinary medicine, grief, and the cost of caring.

For Veterinary Teams & Leaders

Training and licensing opportunities designed to support both veterinary professionals and the clients they serve.