Professional Certificate in
Companion Animal Death Doula
Learning Style
100% Online Courses Fully OnlineRegister By
9/13/26 No Application RequiredEarn CEUs
Earn 1.2 CEUs Finish in Six WeeksSave Money
Get 25% Off Alumni DiscountCompanion Animal Death Doula Certificate Program Overview
The University of New England Online College of Professional Studies is offering a six week, 100% online Companion Animal Death Doula Certificate program designed to provide students with the skills needed to deliver practical, compassionate, informed, and supportive care for pets and their families as they approach the end-of-life. With a Companion Animal Death Doula certificate, students will gain expertise in areas such as advanced pet care planning, grief support, and emotional guidance. Moreover, the certificate fosters personal growth and fulfillment, empowering individuals to make a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and their families, providing solace, companionship, and a peaceful transition for our beloved animal companions.
Students will develop an understanding of how compassionate care, support, and advocacy can enhance end-of-life companion animal care at home and within the veterinary medicine framework. As non-medical care providers, Companion Animal Death Doulas form companionships with pets, their families, veterinary professionals, and those involved in informal care to guide them through the dying process. Designed to empower you with the specialized skills needed to provide compassionate and informed care for pets during their end-of-life journey.
The 6-week program includes four modules covering:
- Module 1: Introduction to End of Life Pet Doula Care
- Module 2: Pet Bereavement, Grief and Coping
- Module 3: Communication and Practical Skills
- Module 4: Pet Care and Decision Making
- Module 5: Hospice, Home-Based Care and Monitoring
- Module 6: Rituals, Ceremonies and Self-Care
Please note: This certificate program is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal, financial, or medical advice. A Companion Animal Death Doula role is unlicensed and unregulated. Upon completion of the University of New England’s Companion Animal Death Doula Certificate program, participants will receive a certificate of completion.
How Can I Register?
Ready to take the next step? Getting started is simple, just follow the registration process to reserve your place and complete your program payment. With limited availability in each cohort, we encourage you to secure your spot early to ensure access to this experience.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your expertise or build new skills, this is your opportunity to move forward with confidence.
Companion Animal Death Doula Add-On Module
Enhance your skills and deepen your understanding with this optional module. This is not required for completion of the core Companion Animal Death Doula course, but offers valuable opportunities for those who wish to specialize further.
This fully online certificate supports new and experienced death doulas in creating or strengthening a sustainable, values-driven practice. The course centers community care, emotional intelligence, and ethical entrepreneurship, offering practical tools to build a compassionate, authentic, and financially sustainable deathcare practice.
- Length: 4 weeks
- Cost: $250
- CEUs: 1.6
What are the Learning Outcomes?
Supporting companion animals—and the people who love them—at end of life is deeply meaningful, relationship-centered work. With the right preparation, you can guide families through anticipatory grief and difficult decisions with compassion and clarity.
UNE Online’s Companion Animal Death Doula Certificate helps you build the confidence and presence needed to offer thoughtful, non-medical support in partnership with veterinary teams or within your community.
What you’ll gain:
- Skills to support grief, communication, and end-of-life decision-making
- Approaches for creating calm, compassionate experiences for families
- Confidence navigating emotionally complex situations with care
- A grounded, professional presence in end-of-life support settings
This certificate is designed to help you grow your practice, deepen your approach, and support others in one of life’s most sensitive moments.
Important Dates
Register By
9/13/26Registration Deadline
Courses Start
9/14/26Start Courses Soon
Next Registration Deadline
1/10/27Explore the Program
What is the Tuition?
Tuition for our Companion Animal Death Doula 6-week certificate program is $550. This competitive tuition covers the comprehensive curriculum, expert instruction, and invaluable information provided throughout the duration of the program. By investing in this program, you will gain the necessary knowledge, skills, and insights to become a compassionate and skilled companion animal death doula.
Alumni Discount Available: Contact ceonline@une.edu to claim your code for 25% off.
*Tuition subject to change
**Please note: The Building a Deathcare Practice Module is designed for students who have already completed the Companion Animal Death Doula course.
Why Choose UNE?
Flexible Online Formats
Flexible online formats designed for working professionals, career changers, and lifelong learners balancing goals, schedules, and responsibilities confidently.
Applied Learning
Applied, real-world learning focused on practical skills, clear outcomes, and immediate relevance across diverse professional contexts and industries.
Superior Faculty
Expert instructors, supportive advising, and intentional design ensure learners gain confidence, momentum, and meaningful progress through every program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please email ceonline@une.edu with any registration issues and our team can help to assist with your registration.
There are no required prerequisite courses or work experience to participate in our Companion Animal Death Doula Certificate Program. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life to join us on this transformative journey. While no specific qualifications or experience are necessary, we do encourage participants to have a genuine interest in supporting others through the challenging end-of-life process. Compassion, empathy, and a willingness to learn are the most important attributes for this program.
The Companion Animal Death Doula Certificate Program will be offered 3 times per year, and will run for 6-weeks, starting in January, April, and September.
You will receive a certificate of completion and 1.2 CEUs.
You will be able to reach your instructor through the course. Courses are held in the learning management system, Brightspace, and there is easy messaging available to communicate with your instructor.
UNE Online’s Companion Animal Death Doula Certificate program is delivered 100% online and asynchronous, meaning there are no scheduled meeting times for class. You can complete the coursework when it is convenient for you.
You will be assessed on your participation in discussion boards, completion of assignments, and comprehension of course material. In order to receive a Certificate of Completion students must receive an 80% or better in the program.
There are no refunds, but if you need to delay your start, we are happy to help you to do that for up to one year.
