A Talk in the Woods Counseling - Pet Loss Grief Counselor - Nationwide

Verified Member since Apr 2023 Verified checkmark

I am a certified Pet Loss Bereavement Specialist who has counseled hundreds of people after the devastating loss of a pet, or as they say, their best friend. I practice Dr. Alan Wolfelt's Companioning model and I also utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tools and techniques. Coupled with compassionate support, I provide real, tangible coping strategies to help you move forward in your grieving journey.

I hold a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from City University and am a certified grief counselor through the American Institute of Health Care Professionals. I obtained a Pet Loss Bereavement Specialist certification through The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement.

In 2006 I developed and implemented a Pet Loss Support Group sponsored by the Seattle Animal Shelter which I continue to facilitate. I also volunteer as a Chat Room Host for PetLoss Partners.

I offer sessions via Zoom or telephone. You don't have to travel this journey alone.

  • Certified
  • Online Sessions

Pricing Packages

Pet Loss Grief Counseling Session
$ 65.00 Per 60 minutes book

Student/Senior Discounted Session
$ 50.00 Per 60 minutes book

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Pet Loss Grief Counselor
  • Pet Bereavement
  • Pet Loss Support

How do you help pet parents honor the lives of their pets and cope with difficult loss?

  • Pet Loss Grief Counseling

What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?

  • Alpacas
  • Birds
  • Cats
  • Chickens
  • Chinchillas
  • Dogs
  • Ducks
  • Ferrets
  • Fish
  • Frogs
  • Gerbils
  • Goats
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Hamsters
  • Hedgehogs
  • Horses
  • Lizards
  • Mice
  • Parrots
  • Rabbits
  • Rats
  • Snakes
  • Turtles

Pet Certifications

  • American Academy of Grief Counseling Certification
  • Certified Pet Loss Professional (CPLP)

Do you offer mobile services?

  • No

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Nationwide

What year did you begin serving pets?

2006

BASED IN Cle Elum, WA

Distinction

Pw bees knees circle Pw without hitch Pw eager beaver circle American Academy of Grief Counseling Certification Certified Pet Loss Professional (CPLP) Petworks Best of 2023 Petworks Best of 2024 Petworks Best of 2025

Customer Reviews

Meeting with Connie was incredibly helpful. She helped me better navigate my Alfie's diagnosis and equipped me with great resources so that I can get through this grief. She's an amazing listener and was so compassionate and understanding of my situation. I can't thank you enough, Connie!

- Sarah R
Pet Pro's Response:

Thank you so much, Sarah! Give Alfie a scritch for me.

- Connie Starr

She was wonderful. Very kind and full of great information that is helping my process.

- Jhousy L

Thank you. Willing to give out more work

- Lisa R

Connie provided a safe, quiet space for me to explore my grief. Even in moments when I didn’t have the words, she sat with me and offered steady support. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking help processing the loss of a beloved pet.

- Jessica C

Connie is wonderful. I look forward to chatting more in the future.

- Siobhan R

Connie is a sweet soul. She really helped me with beginning to process this grief. I felt supported and genuinely cared for. Most importantly, I didn’t feel alone. She understood a lot of my feelings and validated them. There were some ‘truths’ I hadn't considered in dealing with guilt that she helped me work through. I’m very appreciative of her and will be seeing her again soon. Connie, thank you for listening to Jozi’s story and connecting with me.

- Evelyn T

I need the session so much to talk through all the grief. Thank you so much!!

- Deborah B
Pet Pro's Response:

Thank you, Deborah. It was a pleasure meeting you and hearing your stories of your beautiful Sabrina. Hold her memory near.

- Connie Starr

Losing my sweet Siamese cat Mia is one of the hardest things I’ve ever gone through, and I’m grateful I found Connie during this time. She created such a warm, safe space for me to open up and talk about Mia... her personality, her stories, and the love we shared. Connie listened with compassion and without judgment, which made it so easy to just speak from the heart. She also provided thoughtful resources to help me navigate this new chapter without Mia. I truly felt seen, heard, and supported. If you're grieving the loss of a beloved pet, I can’t recommend Connie enough.

- Meghan D

Connie is so kind and compassionate. I appreciate her empathy and understanding of the deep and consuming grief and guild I am experiencing. While it doesn't take it away, meeting with Connie has allowed me to vent my feelings in a safe space where I feel heard. Thank you.

- Cathy S

Connie was absolutely amazing! I was at week three of my grief after losing Luigi. My thoughts were consumed with an uncontrollable sadness. Connie listened to me, gave me actionable advice and resources. I highly recommend her and am so grateful for our time. I woke up the next morning feeling lighter and better enabled to tackle and live with my grief.

- Annie L

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Pet Loss Grief Counselor
  • Pet Bereavement
  • Pet Loss Support

How do you help pet parents honor the lives of their pets and cope with difficult loss?

  • Pet Loss Grief Counseling

What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?

  • Alpacas
  • Birds
  • Cats
  • Chickens
  • Chinchillas
  • Dogs
  • Ducks
  • Ferrets
  • Fish
  • Frogs
  • Gerbils
  • Goats
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Hamsters
  • Hedgehogs
  • Horses
  • Lizards
  • Mice
  • Parrots
  • Rabbits
  • Rats
  • Snakes
  • Turtles

Pet Certifications

  • American Academy of Grief Counseling Certification
  • Certified Pet Loss Professional (CPLP)

Do you offer mobile services?

  • No

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Nationwide

What year did you begin serving pets?

2006

Customer Reviews

Meeting with Connie was incredibly helpful. She helped me better navigate my Alfie's diagnosis and equipped me with great resources so that I can get through this grief. She's an amazing listener and was so compassionate and understanding of my situation. I can't thank you enough, Connie!

- Sarah R
Pet Pro Response:

Thank you so much, Sarah! Give Alfie a scritch for me.

- Connie Starr

She was wonderful. Very kind and full of great information that is helping my process.

- Jhousy L

Thank you. Willing to give out more work

- Lisa R

Connie provided a safe, quiet space for me to explore my grief. Even in moments when I didn’t have the words, she sat with me and offered steady support. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking help processing the loss of a beloved pet.

- Jessica C

Connie is wonderful. I look forward to chatting more in the future.

- Siobhan R

Connie is a sweet soul. She really helped me with beginning to process this grief. I felt supported and genuinely cared for. Most importantly, I didn’t feel alone. She understood a lot of my feelings and validated them. There were some ‘truths’ I hadn't considered in dealing with guilt that she helped me work through. I’m very appreciative of her and will be seeing her again soon. Connie, thank you for listening to Jozi’s story and connecting with me.

- Evelyn T

I need the session so much to talk through all the grief. Thank you so much!!

- Deborah B
Pet Pro Response:

Thank you, Deborah. It was a pleasure meeting you and hearing your stories of your beautiful Sabrina. Hold her memory near.

- Connie Starr

Losing my sweet Siamese cat Mia is one of the hardest things I’ve ever gone through, and I’m grateful I found Connie during this time. She created such a warm, safe space for me to open up and talk about Mia... her personality, her stories, and the love we shared. Connie listened with compassion and without judgment, which made it so easy to just speak from the heart. She also provided thoughtful resources to help me navigate this new chapter without Mia. I truly felt seen, heard, and supported. If you're grieving the loss of a beloved pet, I can’t recommend Connie enough.

- Meghan D

Connie is so kind and compassionate. I appreciate her empathy and understanding of the deep and consuming grief and guild I am experiencing. While it doesn't take it away, meeting with Connie has allowed me to vent my feelings in a safe space where I feel heard. Thank you.

- Cathy S

Connie was absolutely amazing! I was at week three of my grief after losing Luigi. My thoughts were consumed with an uncontrollable sadness. Connie listened to me, gave me actionable advice and resources. I highly recommend her and am so grateful for our time. I woke up the next morning feeling lighter and better enabled to tackle and live with my grief.

- Annie L

💙 You don't have to carry this alone.


The loss of a pet can stop your world. The house feels quieter. You reach for them out of habit and they're not there. Grief like this is real — and it deserves real support.


Connie Starr provides compassionate, one-on-one pet loss grief counseling to help you process grief, navigate difficult emotions, and find peace after losing a pet you loved. Whether your loss is recent or happened years ago,


Connie offers a safe, judgment-free space to share memories, work through feelings of sadness, guilt, or anger, and develop coping strategies tailored to your unique situation.


Sessions are conducted online, so you can reach out from anywhere — whenever you're ready. Based in Cle Elum, WA, Connie Starr serves pet parents nationwide, and also works with clients in Roslyn, Ellensburg, South Cle Elum, Kittitas, Ronald, Easton, Thorp, Snoqualmie Pass, Tieton, Naches and throughout Kittitas County.


How do I book a session with Connie?


Browse Connie's availability on PetWorks, select a session that works for you, and complete your booking securely online. Payment is accepted via Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Klarna. All sessions are covered by PetWorks Care Coverage.


🦔 What is PetWorks Care Coverage?


PetWorks Care Coverage is our satisfaction guarantee. If something isn't right with your session, we'll work to make it right — so you can focus on healing, not logistics.