673: The Unspoken Grief of Pet Sitters with Joni Sullivan

Earn 1 CEU: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfaOdO8vwQU-xogogX8VcJesx_WqcWgBTh9ZvDO6xl5kxMS3A/viewform What do you do when the pets you care for pass away? In this deeply compassionate episode, Collin talks with Pet Loss Bereavement Specialist, Joni Sullivan, about the unique challenges pet professionals face when grieving. They discuss why it can be harder to process loss as a sitter or walker, how to support clients while protecting your own mental health, and what healthy grieving can look like. Joni shares the four stages of healing, creative rituals of remembrance, and how community helps prevent compassion fatigue. Together, they remind us that it's okay to cry—and that reaching out for help is one of the bravest things we can do. Main topics: Unique grief of pet professionals Healthy grieving and self-care Supporting clients through pet loss Community and emotional support Recognizing compassion fatigue Main takeaway: "Reaching out for help is one of the bravest things you can do." — Joni Sullivan In pet care, we're taught to stay strong for others—but that strength can sometimes silence our own needs. When we lose a client's pet or one of our own, it's easy to bury the pain under busy schedules and appointments. But true bravery isn't pretending we're okay—it's letting someone else hold space for us. Whether it's a trusted friend, a fellow sitter, or a support line, reaching out means you're choosing healing over isolation. You're not alone in this work, and you never have to be. About our guest: Joni Sullivan is a Certified Pet Loss Bereavement Specialist and the owner of Joan of Arc Pet Sitting, serving her community for over 27 years. With decades of experience in pet care, she's passionate about supporting both pet parents and professionals through the complex emotions of grief and loss. Joni facilitates monthly online grief support groups through the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS), creating safe, compassionate spaces for anyone mourning a beloved animal companion. Links: Earn 1 CEU: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfaOdO8vwQU-xogogX8VcJesx_WqcWgBTh9ZvDO6xl5kxMS3A/viewform Joan of Arc Pet Sitting – [email protected] NAPPS Pet Loss Support Calls – Open to all pet parents and professionals 2nd Wednesday (quarterly): Pet Professionals Group 4th Wednesday (monthly): Open Support Group National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (U.S.) – Dial 988 or 1-800-273-8255 International Crisis Lines: Canada: 988 (national) U.K.: Samaritans – 116 123 Australia: Lifeline – 13 11 14 Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off 📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: [email protected] Full show notes and transcript Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest. Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters   Time to Pet Visit: https://timetopet.com/confessional Code: 50% off first 3 months   Viists petsit.com/join and use code 'confessional15' at checkout to save $15 off your first year!