Discover a World of Compassion and Expertise with Our Certified Animal Hospice Foundations (CAHF) Program
Begin an enriching and transformative journey with our Level 1 training, meticulously designed for those passionate about offering the highest care and empathy for animals at the end of their lives. This foundational level is not just the start of an educational path; it represents the core of compassion and understanding essential to support animals and their families through life's challenging transitions.
Our curriculum is a celebration of life, teaching how to compassionately support a pet's final days and enrich every moment of their journey with love and attentive care.
OFFERING
Comprehensive Learning in
9 Engaging Modules:
TIMELINE
Level 1 CAHF Program:
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Coursework (Modules 1-9):
- On-demand recorded lectures which you may begin at any time
- It is highly recommended to complete the Coursework within 6 months of beginning the course/program
- The program includes several Discussion Groups* available each month, online Communities, monthly Student & Alumni Support, and Networking Groups
- You will receive a Certificate of Completion with the CAHF Credentials after you have completed Modules 1-9, attended a minimum of 8 hours of Discussion Group meetings, and passed the final exam
*Required Discussion Groups:
- LIVE on Zoom! One or two AHG Founders/Facilitators with Students, Interns, and Graduates
- Held two or three times a month (75 minutes to 2-hour meetings), alternating days, mornings, and/or afternoons
- You sign up for the meetings that fit your schedule
- The morning Discussion Groups are a good option for International Students with the time difference
- The shorter afternoon Discussion Groups are good for long lunch breaksÂ
- Required to attend a minimum of 8 hours of Discussion Group meetings for Level 1 CAHF
Course Curriculum (Modules 1-9)
Required for Certificate of Completion with the Certified Animal Hospice Foundations (CAHF) Program
Request a printable list of Lectures within the Modules
Module 1:
Introducing Animal Hospice and Palliative Care
Instructors: Dr. Kathryn Marocchino, Michelle Nichols, Gail Pope, and Dr. Amir Shanan
Uncover the evolution of animal hospice care with industry pioneers. Understand the intricate differences and similarities between human and animal hospice and palliative care, and delve into the unique terminology of this compassionate field.
- Lecture 1: The Evolution of the Animal Hospice Movement
- Lecture 2: Fundamentals of Hospice and Palliative Care
- Lecture 3: A Pioneer's Perspective
- Lecture 4: Ethical and Legal Issues
Module 2:
Managing an Animal's Well-being through Decline, Disability, and End of Life: Navigating A Terminal Diagnosis
Instructors: Gail Pope, Dr. Amir Shanan, and Michelle Nichols
Learn to manage an animal's well-being through terminal diagnoses. Explore the role of the hospice care team as a guiding light in these challenging times and understand the nuances of euthanasia decision-making.
- Lecture 1: Managing an Animal's Well-being Through Decline, Disability, and End of Life: Navigating a Terminal Diagnosis
- Lecture 2: The Animal Hospice and Palliative Care Team As a Navigation System
- Lecture 3: Planning for a Path of Least Regrets - Euthanasia Decision-Making
Module 3:
Practical Patient Issues and Nursing Care
Instructors: Dr. Amir Shanan and Gail Pope
Gain insights into the central role of veterinary nurses and their diverse tasks—master practical skills in patient comfort, medical care, and creating a patient comfort care kit.
- Lecture 1: The Nurses' Roles
- Lecture 2: Practical Animal Hospice Patient Issues and Nursing Care
Module 4:
Quality of Life (for Living and for Dying) in the Animal Hospice Patient
Instructor: Dr. Amir Shanan
Delve into what “quality of life” means in animal hospice care. Explore its physical, psychological, and social domains, ensuring a dignified life journey for every animal.
- Lecture 1: What is “quality of life,” and why is it important in end-of-life care?
- Lecture 2: Physical, Psychological, and Social Domains of Animals' Quality of Life
Module 5:
Understanding the Animal Dying Experience
Instructors: Gail Pope and Dr. Kathryn Marocchino
Explore the physical and behavioral changes during an animal's final stages. Learn about death awareness, consciousness, existential suffering, and how these affect both animals and their human families.
- Lecture 1: Physical and Behavioral Changes During the Stages of Dying
- Lecture 2: Awareness of Death and Existential Suffering
Module 6:
End-of-Life Options and After Death Care
Instructors: Gail Pope, Dr. Amir Shanan, and Dr. Kathryn Marocchino
Discuss hospice-supported natural death and the various facets of euthanasia. Learn about after-death care, including honoring the animal through rituals, funerals, and more.
- Lecture 1: Hospice-Supported Natural Death
- Lecture 2: End-of-Life Options - Euthanasia
- Lecture 3: Caring for the Animal Patient After Death
Module 7:
Care for the Caregivers
Instructors: Dr. Kathryn Marocchino, Dr. Amir Shanan, and Michelle Nichols
Focus on caregivers' mental health. Understand the emotional, psychological, and spiritual support they require, enhancing your communication skills and caregiving strategies.
- Lecture 1: Mental Health Considerations in Caring for Animal Hospice and Palliative Caregivers and Providers
- Lecture 2: Helpful Interventions by Animal Hospice Practitioners
- Lecture 3: Spiritual Care of the Caregiver and the Dying Animal
- Lecture 4: Supporting the Caregiver's Grief Recovery
Module 8:
Grief and Honoring the Life
Instructors: Michelle Nichols and Dr. Kathryn Marocchino
Understand the complexities of grief, including anticipatory and disenfranchised grief. Learn to create meaningful rituals and keepsakes to honor the memory of companion animals.
- Lecture 1: Understanding Grief: Grief Theories and the Bereavement Needs of Diverse Populations
- Lecture 2: Honoring the Legacy: Memorialization and Aftercare Options
Module 9:
The Practitioner's Experience
Instructor: Michelle Nichols
Engage in the nuances of interdisciplinary teamwork. Learn about the roles of various team members and enhance your understanding of case management, spiritual care, and community resource networking.
- Lecture 1: Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) Dynamics
- Lecture 2: The Interdisciplinary Team and YOU: Building Veterinary Partnerships
- Lecture 3: Roles in Animal Hospice IDT: Case Manager, Mental Health and Spiritual Care
Enhancing Your Learning Journey:
Community, Discussion, and Networking
- Engaging Discussion Groups: Participate in enlightening discussions with AHG Founders and guest speakers, enriching your learning experience.
- Vibrant Online Community: Connect with a community of students, alumni, and instructors. Share stories and experiences, and receive support through our dedicated online platforms.
- Networking and Support Meetings: Participate in student-moderated Zoom meetings for networking and peer support. Additionally, benefit from sessions focused on developing entrepreneurial and business skills led by experienced professionals.
Achieve Your CAHF Certification
Upon completing all lectures, participating in at least 8 hours of discussion groups, and passing the assessments (lecture quizzes and final exam), you will be awarded the Certificate in Animal Hospice and Palliative Care Foundations (CAHF). This certification is more than a credential; it's a testament to your commitment to making a difference in the lives of animals and their families.
Join Our Compassionate Community
Enroll now and become part of a community dedicated to making every moment count for pets and their families. As a student and alumni of AHG, you'll enjoy lifetime access to our Community and the opportunity to continue learning, sharing, and growing in this heartfelt field.
Ready to Begin Your Journey in Animal Hospice Care?
Enroll in the CAHF Program Today and Make a Difference in the Lives of Animals and Their Families
AHG Level 1 CAHF Program
- Option 1 -
4 Monthly Payments of
$219.05 USD*
$876.20 total with sales tax**
ENROLL IN LEVEL 1 CAHF TODAY!AHG Level 1 CAHF Program
- Option 2 -
Single Payment of
$749.00 USD*
$818.28 total with sales tax**
ENROLL IN LEVEL 1 CAHF TODAY!
* Recommended Resource Materials
- The recommended reading/booklist will be available upon enrollment.Â
- Books are highly recommended for the Certified Animal Hospice Practitioner candidate.Â
- Books will total less than $175 and are the student’s responsibility.
- Most resources are online and are included in the course fee.
- Copyrighted materials are available for viewing. Students will also be able to receive downloadable versions for an additional fee.
** A 9.25% Santa Rosa, California Sales Tax will be applied to all our AHG online course products. Disclaimer: additional taxes may apply if the buyer has a higher sales tax rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
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