Last Wednesday, the GSPCA proudly hosted a special Pet Loss Support training session for its dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and placements. The session, delivered by the Blue Cross, was attended by over 30 members of the GSPCA team and focused on how to compassionately support the thousands of islanders who experience the loss of a beloved pet each year.

The hour-and-a-half online session was led by Lisanne McEvoy, Pet Loss Support Training Officer at the Blue Cross, and provided insightful, caring, and practical guidance on how to support bereaved pet owners. The training was both emotional and deeply appreciated by all who attended.

“I’d just like to say that I found working with your organisation has been fascinating, and different from our usual clients – you provide a lot of services to animals and their people, and it was lovely to see you all online,” said Lisanne McEvoy.

The GSPCA supports in excess of 1500 of grieving pet owners every year, from the 150–300 cat owners whose pets are tragically killed on Guernsey’s roads, to those who use the GSPCA’s pet cremation service. The charity also offers an online bereavement support page, which includes links to Blue Cross helplines and chat groups for those in need of additional support.

Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Blue Cross for delivering such a thoughtful and supportive session. Every day, our team helps islanders through the heartbreak of losing a pet, and this training has given us even more tools to do so with empathy and care. Pet loss is a deeply emotional experience, and we’re proud to be here for our community during those difficult times.”

The GSPCA team found the training to be a valuable and moving experience, reinforcing their commitment to providing compassionate care not only to animals, but also to the people who love them.

For more information on pet bereavement support, visit:
www.gspca.org.gg/services/pet-bereavement-support

To see events, ways to support and animals in need please see our latest blog https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog