Program Overview

We live in an immense interspecies world! So, it’s no surprise humans have practical and spiritual questions about what to do when animals are sick, injured, endangered, lost, or dying. How do we help animals thrive? What helps heal heartbreak over the loss of a companion animal or the extinction of a species? What do we do when our stress and grief are denied by others because the beings we care about are “not human”?

Animal chaplains provide support for both animals and humans by using deep listening skills, sacred ceremonies, interspecies spiritual practices, and compassionate companionship. Animal Chaplaincy Training helps you fulfill your heart’s call to support, celebrate, and honor all species by providing well-being practices for thriving to end-of-life decisions and grief support. Plus, learn to help the people who help animals—from animal guardians to veterinarians, shelter workers, and conservationists.

Our curriculum combines chaplaincy fundamentals and bereavement basics with best practices from the innovative fields of interspirituality, humane education, animal theology, nature spirituality, and human-animal studies. We offer a flexible, real-time, online program that develops the professional skills you need to:

• Channel your passion for animals and the planet into a caring and supportive vocation
• Develop creative rituals to support individuals, animal sanctuaries, nonprofits, veterinary practices, meditation centers, yoga programs, or religious communities
• Know what to do and say to help people navigate grief and loss in a meaningful way
• Lead individuals and groups in interspecies practices designed to increase well-being and compassion
• Expand your healing business, therapeutic practice, or volunteer activities to include conscious and compassionate life transitions for animals

Course Schedule

3-month, 6-month, and 9-month program durations are available. Choose the option that best fits your desired commitment and learning outcomes. All programs begin each September.

Learn from anywhere on the planet. Our program features live cohort-based online classes, curated reading and reflection, film discussions, peer-supported practice groups, 1-on-1 mentoring, and community-based experiential sessions. Our easy-to-use digital classroom encourages connecting and networking between classes. An optional in person and virtual retreat is also available at the conclusion of the program.

Program Cost

Learn more about program cost, scholarship options, and payment plans at compassionconsortium.org/act.

Application Process

Easily apply online at compassionconsortium.org/act.

"This program was beyond transformative! If you like engaging content, inspiring instructors, and learning creative human-animal techniques, don’t miss this opportunity.”—Cohort Member, Class of 2024