Certification What's the CAHP Track? Full Curriculum Levels 2 and 3 Fall 2025 FAQs

Animal Hospice Certification Programs

Curriculum

Self-Paced / On-Demand / Online

SPECIALIZED CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES

What to Expect Once Enrolled

The Animal Hospice Group's all-encompassing Certification Program comprises of Level 1 Foundations Program that includes 24 hours of online learning, monthly live discussions with Animal Hospice Group Founders and students, focused reading on the best practices in Animal Hospice Care, quizzes to test your understanding, and a final exam to demonstrate your knowledge. Once you pass the exam, you will receive a Certificate of Completion plus the Certified Animal Hospice Foundations (CAHF) credentials.
After completing the Level 1 Foundations Program, you may proceed to the Level 2 Counselor Training Program. You will be required to submit writing assessments combined with participating in role-playing to receive the Certified Animal Hospice Counselor (CAHC) credentials upon completion.
The Level 3 Practitioner Training Program is the final step, self-guided, and includes professional integration with reflective essays. Upon completing a final assignment, you will become a Certified Animal Hospice Practitioner (CAHP).
Successful completion of all three levels will lead to your certification track as a Certified Animal Hospice Practitioner (CAHP).

Please read below for more details.

Full Certification Program Timeline:

Level 1 Foundations:

Includes the Coursework (Modules 1-9) - click here to see list of lectures within Modules
It is self-paced / on-demand / online
There are 24 hours of recorded lectures, recommended reading, and quizzes
One exam when you have completed the Coursework
It is highly recommended to complete the Coursework within 6 months of beginning the course/program
The time to complete Level 2 and Level 3 are separate - see below
- However, Fall 2025, we will offer Level 2 and Level 3 concurrently if that fits your goals and schedule
The full program includes Discussion Groups* and Peer Support Groups
You will receive a Certificate of Completion after all of the above (Modules 1-9 and attend a minimum of 8 hours of Discussion Group meetings) have been completed
You will also receive the credentials of Certifed Animal Hospice Foundations (CAHF) after completing Level 1

➡️ Click here for more details about Level 1 Foundations

Level 2 Counselor:

Online/virtual counseling training
Instruction by expert mentors
LIVE on Zoom
Level 2 is approximately 11 to 12 weeks (depending on holidays)
They are 3-hour sessions (with a bio break in the middle of each session)
6 Sessions held on Sundays - every other weekend
This level is offered in the Spring and Fall
- Fall 2025 (September until the end of November)
- Fall 2025, we will offer Level 2 and Level 3 concurrently if that fits your goals and schedule
- Click here for our Fall 2025 Curriculum ☑️
During Level 2, there will be written assessments
48 hours of brainstorming, research, preparation, and writing
66 hours total of training includes the LIVE Sessions with role-playing
Includes Discussion Groups and Peer Support Groups (not required but you are welcome to continue to join in)
We accommodate our International Students - there are options with the time difference
You will receive the credentials of Certifed Animal Hospice Counselor (CAHC) after completing Level 2

➡️ Click here for more details about Level 2 Counselor

Level 3 Practitioner:

Self-guided training, critical thinking, research, and develop solutions
Expert mentors guide you along the way
Level 3 Training takes place partially LIVE virtually/online on Zoom and partially self-guided time
There will be 2 LIVE Sessions on 2 separate Sundays
They are 3-hour sessions (with a bio break in the middle of each session)
This level is offered in the Fall 2025 (September until the end of December) and TBD in 2026
- Fall 2025, we will offer Level 2 and Level 3 concurrently if that fits your goals and schedule
- Click here for our Fall 2025 Curriculum ☑️
During Level 3, there will be written assignments and a final assignment
48 hours of brainstorming, research, preparation, and writing
54 hours total of training includes the LIVE Sessions
Includes Discussion Groups and Peer Support Groups (not required but you are welcome to continue to join in)
We accommodate our International Students - there are options with the time difference.
You will receive the credentials of Certifed Animal Hospice Practitioner (CAHP) after completing Level 3

➡️ Click here for more details about Level 3 Practitioner

CAHP Certification Track:

The certification levels are offered in a way that you can move to the next level to fit your schedule
Level 1 is Self-Study
Level 2 is offered twice a year in the Spring and Fall
Finally, Level 3 is offered twice a year and in 2025 will be in the Fall and in 2026 TBD
You will receive the complete certification as a Certified Animal Hospice Practitioner (CAHP) after all of the above (prior Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3) have been completed.

➡️ Click here for more details about the CAHP Certification Track

*Discussion Groups:

LIVE on Zoom! One or two AHG Founders with Students and Interns.
Held multiple times a month (up to 2-hour meetings), alternating days, mornings, and/or afternoons. The morning Discussion Groups are a good option for International Students with the time difference.
Required to attend at least 8 hours of Discussion Group meetings for graduation with a Certificate of Completion or Level 1 CAHF.

Enroll & Begin Your Educational Journey in Animal Hospice & Palliative Care

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

Certified Animal Hospice Practitioner (CAHP) Track

Levels 1, 2, and 3 = CAHP Track

Level 1 - Certified Animal Hospice Foundations (CAHF)

The first level of the CAHP Certification Track is designed to furnish a comprehensive and fundamental understanding of Animal Hospice and Palliative Care, taught by the Founders of the Animal Hospice Group. The four Animal Hospice Group Founders bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Coursework, ensuring that you receive personal instruction during LIVE Zoom Discussion Groups and high-quality self-paced online recorded instruction. It is an essential milestone in your journey to becoming certified as a Certified Animal Hospice Practitioner.

Learn About Level 1 Foundations

Level 2 - Certified Animal Hospice Counselor (CAHC)

Our Level 2 program is an important next step in your journey. It combines what you learned in the Level 1 Coursework with practical experiences that help you better understand and connect with pet parents. This level is about turning your knowledge into helpful counseling guidance.

You'll master the art of navigating complex conversations about terminal diagnoses, end-of-life choices, and grief recovery. You'll learn how to be a guiding light for pet parents in uncertain times while inspiring them to stay positive and hopeful.

Learn About Level 2 Counselor

Level 3 - Certified Animal Hospice Practitioner (CAHP)

Level 3 Certified Animal Hospice Practitioner Program is your chance to shine as a leader in Animal Hospice and Palliative Care. We will help you synthesize your training by reflecting deeply on your future role in real-world settings, and how you would handle diverse scenarios with pet families. You will master the skills and become a guiding light for pet parents in emotional turmoil.

You will receive insightful feedback from mentors, refine your skills, and enhance your ability to handle complex situations. Get ready to make a difference in the world of Animal Hospice and Palliative Care with the Level 3 CAHP Program.

Learn About Level 3 Practitioner