Grief Counseling
compassionate guidance
A key role of the Veterinary Social Worker (VSW) is to support pet parents through the emotional journey of caring for a beloved animal. This includes helping individuals cope with feelings of fear, anxiety, frustration, sadness, or grief.
Whether facing a difficult diagnosis or making end-of-life decisions such as euthanasia, the VSW offers compassionate guidance and a steady presence during overwhelming times.
In addition to emotional support, the VSW provides practical resources — including information on financial assistance, pet loss counselors, and community support options. They may also lead Companion Animal Loss Support Groups, offering a safe space for sharing and healing.
Companion Animal Loss Support Group
This free support group is open to the public and is held at Crown Veterinary Specialists the last Sunday of each month with Nancy Saxton-Lopez, LCSW, VSW from 4-5:30PM and the second Thursday of each month with Janet Depaolo, LCSW from 11-12:30PM.
Please call Crown at 908-236-4120 to RSVP or if you have any questions.
Nancy Saxton-Lopez, LCSW, DCSW, VSW
Nancy Saxton-Lopez, LCSW, DCSW, VSW is a licensed clinical social worker, Veterinary Social Worker, psychotherapist, coach, speaker and consultant. She has over 35 years of experience in behavioral health working in hospital systems, providing employee assistance programs and consulting with Veterinary practices. She is a partner in a behavioral consulting company and has a private practice.
Nancy has an expertise in bereavement, especially companion animal loss. She co-lead a companion animal loss support group for 30 years at St. Hubert’s Giralda in Madison, New Jersey. She co-authored a book with Ken Dolan-DelVecchio, “The Pet Loss Companion: Healing Advice from Family Therapists who Lead Pet Loss Groups” in 2013. Since 2020 she and Ken do a live podcast named “The Pet Loss Companion” every Thursday evening from 6PM to 6:30PM EST on YouTube. It is also airs on other media platforms.
Nancy is a graduate of New York University School of Social Work and has a Certificate in Veterinary Social Work from the University of Tennessee. She lives in Bergen County with her husband and two very spoiled rescue Frenchies.
Our Veterinary Social Worker provides compassionate, expert support for clients facing emotionally challenging situations involving their pets.
Services include:
- End-of-Life Guidance - Support with difficult decisions around terminal illness, euthanasia, and palliative care.
- Emotional Support & Counseling - Helping clients navigate feelings of grief, fear, anger, or uncertainty — especially during ER visits, financial stress, or conflicting medical advice.
- Grief Support Groups - Leads the Companion Animal Loss Support Groups for those grieving the loss of a pet.
- Client-Treatment Team Liaison - Communicating between pet owners and the veterinary team to ensure clarity and emotional support.
- Euthanasia Support - Providing presence and comfort before, during, or after euthanasia if requested. Family Communication Guidance
- Family Communication Guidance - Helping parents and families talk with children and loved ones about pet illness or loss.
- Resource Referrals - Connecting clients to books, websites, counselors, and other grief and animal-related services.
- Crisis Intervention - Offering immediate support during emotionally intense or crisis situations.