Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Advocate (CHPA)
Become a certified advocate for animals and their families who are in need of compassionate end-of-life care and support.
The Animal Advocate Certificate Program Educates & Advocates
Our Animal Advocate Certificate program offers the opportunity to deepen your understanding and expertise in animal hospice and palliative care. You’ll gain insights and skills from leaders in the field for an education unmatched anywhere. This course is tailored to equip professionals with the expertise and confidence needed to provide compassionate and comprehensive care to animals and their families during challenging times.
Program Description
The CHPA program consists of 18 hours of recorded lectures provided by industry-leading experts and explores specialized topics and approaches, allowing participants to expand their knowledge and capabilities as advocates for animals in need of end-of-life care.
Program Tuition
The program is offered at $899, offering exceptional value for the comprehensive education and resources provided. This investment in your professional growth equips you with the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact in veterinary hospice and palliative care, all while enhancing your career opportunities.
Program Curriculum
Topics include:
- The Foundations of Pet Loss Support
- End-of-Life Communication
- Conducting a Pet Loss Support Group
- Understanding Pet Parents’ Spiritual, Religious, and Cultural Needs
- Losing a Pet: A Child’s Perspective
- Facilitating Communication
- Anticipatory Grief and the End of Life Walk
- Shifting Paradigms
- The Interdisciplinary Team
- The Hospice Consultation
- Education of the Patient’s Caretaker
- AHPC Terminology
- Ethical Decision-Making in Animal Hospice and Palliative Care
- The Psychosocial Needs of Pet Owners and Supporting the Pet Owner’s Needs
- The Animal Dying Experience
- Honoring and Memorializing
- Understanding Options in Body Care
- Legal and Safety Concerns
Elevate Your Certification with Advanced Education
Upon successful completion, students receive the credentials of Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Advocate (CHPA). The Advocate certificate enhances the participants’ ability to provide holistic and compassionate care and support to animals and their families at every stage of the end-of-life journey.
Graduates of the CHPA program have the exceptional opportunity to advance their expertise by enrolling in additional elective courses offered by the IAAHPC. Among the most highly regarded and sought-after offerings are the renowned communication module and workshop, which continue to set the standard for excellence in the field.
Stay tuned for the launch of new educational courses, coming soon!
IAAHPC is the only organization offering certifications for every part of an animal’s end-of-life walk.
Earning credentials demonstrates your commitment to providing exceptional care & support to pets and their families during difficult times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can enroll?
The Animal Hospice and Palliative Care Advocate program is open to a wide range of individuals who are passionate about providing compassionate care and support to animals and their families during end-of-life transitions. Eligible participants include:
- Veterinary support staff
- Veterinary technicians
- Non-credentialed veterinary assistants
- Customer service representatives in veterinary practices or animal-related organizations
- Social workers with an interest in animal welfare and end-of-life care
- Grief counselors specializing in pet loss and bereavement support
- Office managers and practice managers in veterinary clinics or animal care facilities
- Shelter and rescue staff involved in animal welfare and caregiving
- Crematory staff responsible for handling the remains of deceased animals
- Reiki/Healing Touch for Animals® practitioners interested in integrating holistic healing modalities into end-of-life care
- Animal communicators who facilitate communication between animals and their caregivers
- Pet death doulas providing emotional and practical support to pet owners during the dying process and after death
Please note that all participants must be members in good standing of the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC) throughout the entirety of the program. This requirement ensures that participants are committed to the values and principles of the association and have access to the resources and support necessary for their professional development in animal hospice and palliative care.
What does the application process look like?
The application process for enrolling in the program typically involves the following steps:
- Enroll online.
- If you’re not already a member of the IAAHPC, you’ll need to join prior to enrolling.
- Complete a short enrollment application form.
- Complete your registration by purchasing your course.
What is the time commitment?
Can this program be completed virtually?
Yes, the program can be completed entirely virtually. Regardless of your location, you can participate in the program remotely. It’s worth noting that every other year there is an opportunity to attend our in-person conference. This conference provides a unique opportunity for attendees from around the world to gather together.