Blue Cross pet charity is offering an equine bereavement support webinar as part of a range of courses for professionals in the pet industry who are in contact with owners struggling to cope with the loss of a pet. The accredited, award-winning Continual Professional Development (CPD) training courses are available through e-learning and webinars – bespoke face to face sessions can also be arranged.

Diane James, Pet Bereavement Support Service Manager at Blue Cross, said: “We are excited to announce new training dates for our courses and webinars coming up this year. It is vital for anyone working with pet owners – from vets and vet nurses to groomers, pet sitters and dog walkers – to help them support their clients with the loss of their pet or making difficult end of life decisions. Whether through death or loss of a pet due to a relationship breakdown, theft or change in circumstances – many owners struggle to cope. These courses are designed to build confidence when facing a grieving owner and learn core techniques to support them.”

It is now a requirement of the RCVS Practice Scheme to have a fully trained pet bereavement expert in veterinary practices and Blue Cross courses have been accepted as meeting the RCVS Client Experience Standards.

• Planning in advance
• Quality of life End-of-life options – where, when, how?
• Coping with clients grief and guilt
• Options following euthanasia

The course will run on 22 May and 25 September 2019. 

The accredited Pet Bereavement Support CPD course is an eight-week e-learning course. Accredited by the NCFE, the course requires a minimum of three to four hours study per week and counts towards 32 hours CPD. The courses begin on 5 May and 8 September 2019 and are £280. This course is also offered for bespoke face to face training delivered locally.

The Introduction to Pet Bereavement Support course is a two-hour online CPD course (£35) is ideal for front of house and customer facing staff. This course can be completed at any time.

One hour CPD webinars (£20) are aimed at those who have regular contact with bereaved pet owners. They include an open forum to share experiences and hold discussions about bereavement. Webinars will take place 1 May, 17 July and 9 October 2019. A new equine bereavement support course is now also available on 22 May and 25 September 2019.

For more information about any Pet Bereavement Support courses or to arrange a bespoke session visit www.bluecross.org.uk or call 01993 867216 to find out more.