Preparing For The Unbearable Loss of Your Pet and AFTER - Nationwide

5 out of 5

(4 reviews)

Verified Member since May 2020 Verified checkmark

Honor Your Grief. Honor Your Bond. Heal Your Heart. Transform loss into love and grief into growth.

Nancy M. Gordon, LCSW, CLC, knows firsthand the profound heartbreak of pet loss. After “Lifting UP®” both of her beloved service dogs within just nine months, Nancy transformed her own grief journey into a mission to help others. With over 45 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Life Coach, and Pet Loss Grief Specialist, Nancy offers a rare combination of clinical expertise and deeply personal understanding, providing a very unique perspective and methodology on navigating loss and transformating grief.

What makes Nancy’s approach unique is how she walks with you through every stage of the journey:

*Anticipatory grief while your beloved pet is still with you (I Miss You Already book + course)
*Euthanasia decision-making support, using her signature concept of “Lifting UP®” instead of putting down.
*After-loss grief support and transformation, when you feel lost, empty, and wonder, “How do I go on?”

Nancy’s methodology integrates emotional healing, mindset tools, and spiritual growth to support you in turning grief into personal transformation. Her services also extend to consultations for veterinarians, animal care professionals, and grief-informed workplace support.

Special Pre-Sale Offer
Nancy’s upcoming book and online course, I Miss You Already: Preparing for the Unbearable Loss of Your Pet, is now available for pre-sale, along with exclusive rewards and bonuses for both pet parents and professionals.

Ways to Work With Nancy
~50-minute full intake session: Get personalized grief support, coping tools, and a clear healing path.
~90-minute emergency session
~20-minute introductory session: A connection call to explore what you need and how Nancy can help.
~Discounted professional consultations available for animal care providers.

Ask your accountant: Pet loss bereavement services with a licensed professional like Nancy may be tax deductible as a medical expense on your 1040.
Nationwide services via Zoom. Book now on Petworks for a discounted rate.

Wishing you peace, love, and transformation,

~ Nancy M. Gordon, LCSW, CLC
Transformational Loss and Grief Expert | Author | Speaker | Consultant

  • Licensed
  • Insured
  • Online Sessions

Pricing Packages

Select a package, then tap Book now

Specialties

  • Pet Loss Grief Counseling
  • Pet Bereavement
  • Pet Loss Support

What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?

  • Birds
  • Cats
  • Dogs
  • Horses
  • Parrots
  • Rabbits

What licensing do you have?

  • Business License
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

What size animals do you work with?

  • 20-39 lbs
  • 40-79 lbs
  • 80+ lbs
  • under 20 lbs

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

  • Pet Loss Grief Counseling
  • Pet Euthanasia
  • Pet Memorials

Bonded and Insured

  • Insured

Proud member of...

  • International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC)

Cat-astrophes happen! What is your cancellation policy?

PetWorks Cancellation Policy Pet Care Professional's Own Policy If a pet care professional has published their own cancellation or refund policy, that policy governs the refund of the service amount only. Any PetWorks fees, including the Care Coverage Fee and Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee, are governed by this PetWorks Cancellation Policy and not by the pet care professional's policy. Pet Parent Cancels If the pet care professional has not published their own cancellation policy, the service amount is refundable only if the pet parent cancels at least 72 hours before the scheduled start time of the booking. Cancellations within 72 hours of the scheduled start time are non-refundable for the service amount. The Care Coverage Fee is non-refundable when a pet parent cancels, regardless of timing and regardless of whether the pet care professional has their own cancellation policy. Pet Parent No-Show If a pet parent does not show up for a confirmed booking, no refund will be issued for the service amount or the Care Coverage Fee. Pet Care Professional Cancels If a pet care professional cancels a confirmed booking, the pet parent receives a 100% refund of everything they paid, including the Care Coverage Fee. The pet care professional receives no payment for the canceled service and is charged a Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee equal to 10% of the service amount, up to a maximum of $150. PetWorks may collect this fee by deducting it from a future payout through PetWorks or by other means if no future payout is available. Policy in Effect at Booking The cancellation rules that apply to a booking, including any pet care professional cancellation policy on file and the Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee rate, are those that were in effect when the booking was confirmed.

Education

Licensed Clinical Social Worker Certified Life Coach

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

I serve anyone in the world via Telehealth live video sessions.

What year did you begin serving pets?

2018; Since 1980, serving adults in other sources of loss and grief.

How did you hone your craft?

Masters in Social Work, Certified Life Coach and 40+years of service! Plus my own experience with Toaster and Pink, and training them as certified service dogs.

What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?

I get grief. I offer relief. Many pet parents are faced with a loss which they CAN anticipate. I specialize in helping pet parents navigate this part of the pet loss journey, called Anticipatory Grief, so that it's a healing journey for both people and pet instead of traumatic and a tragedy. Knowing your pet is dying and that you may have to make the decision to assist them is often is fraught with great angst, guilt, and deep sadness that can seem paralyzing. Many often wonder if they can even go on without their pet. Anticipatory grief is a window of opportunity for healing and growth if you get the support to transform that journey from loss into love and grief into growth. That is one of the services I offer in pet grief. I "lifted up" (vs put down) both my service dogs, within 9 months of each other. I used my own healing methodology called 7 Powerful Practices to Manage Your Mind and Heal Your Heart to get through it all and now help others do the same.

What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!

Animal Planet did a documentary on my story with my service dogs, Toaster and her whelping in which Pink, my 2nd service dog was born! Pink became 3 legged at age 1 and was my biggest mentor in dealing with my own disability.
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nancy gordon, lcsw clc

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BASED IN San Diego, CA

Distinction

Pw bees knees circle Pw without hitch Best of 2021 Award IAAHPC Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Petworks Best of 2023 Petworks Best of 2024 Petworks Best of 2025

Customer Reviews

Went well

- Erin R

Working with Nancy Gordon has been nothing short of life-changing. Her support through the loss of my beloved pet has been deeply attuned, compassionate, and uniquely tailored to my experience. Her guidance—before, during, and after—has helped me navigate overwhelming grief while uncovering unexpected strength and healing. Nancy brings lived experience, deep sensitivity, and practical insight not just into grief, but into how it touches every part of life and relationships. I truly don’t know where I’d be without her. I’m beyond grateful—and recommend her wholeheartedly to anyone facing this kind of loss.

- Veronica R
Pet Pro's Response:

I am deeply moved working with you. It is an honor to be on this journey of pet loss with someone who really is committed to growing through and beyond grief. I was touched to read this and to know I have made a difference in your grief and healing. Thank you Veronica for these beautiful expressions of the work we are doing. Nancy

- Nancy Gordon, LCSW CLC

I have been working with Nancy for several months. Nancy has been invaluable in my journey to work through anticipatory grief regarding my elderly dog. She has given me a lot of different ways to think about grief and loss and although losing a pet is terrible, she has taught me some ways to cope that I am sure will help.

- Julie S

Nancy was attentive and listened to what I was going through and helped provide me with some next steps. Grief is a journey and I'm glad to know there are people to help you along the way.

- Richelle S

Specialties

  • Pet Loss Grief Counseling
  • Pet Bereavement
  • Pet Loss Support

What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?

  • Birds
  • Cats
  • Dogs
  • Horses
  • Parrots
  • Rabbits

What licensing do you have?

  • Business License
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

What size animals do you work with?

  • 20-39 lbs
  • 40-79 lbs
  • 80+ lbs
  • under 20 lbs

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

  • Pet Loss Grief Counseling
  • Pet Euthanasia
  • Pet Memorials

Bonded and Insured

  • Insured

Proud member of...

  • International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC)

Cat-astrophes happen! What is your cancellation policy?

PetWorks Cancellation Policy Pet Care Professional's Own Policy If a pet care professional has published their own cancellation or refund policy, that policy governs the refund of the service amount only. Any PetWorks fees, including the Care Coverage Fee and Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee, are governed by this PetWorks Cancellation Policy and not by the pet care professional's policy. Pet Parent Cancels If the pet care professional has not published their own cancellation policy, the service amount is refundable only if the pet parent cancels at least 72 hours before the scheduled start time of the booking. Cancellations within 72 hours of the scheduled start time are non-refundable for the service amount. The Care Coverage Fee is non-refundable when a pet parent cancels, regardless of timing and regardless of whether the pet care professional has their own cancellation policy. Pet Parent No-Show If a pet parent does not show up for a confirmed booking, no refund will be issued for the service amount or the Care Coverage Fee. Pet Care Professional Cancels If a pet care professional cancels a confirmed booking, the pet parent receives a 100% refund of everything they paid, including the Care Coverage Fee. The pet care professional receives no payment for the canceled service and is charged a Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee equal to 10% of the service amount, up to a maximum of $150. PetWorks may collect this fee by deducting it from a future payout through PetWorks or by other means if no future payout is available. Policy in Effect at Booking The cancellation rules that apply to a booking, including any pet care professional cancellation policy on file and the Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee rate, are those that were in effect when the booking was confirmed.

Education

Licensed Clinical Social Worker Certified Life Coach

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

I serve anyone in the world via Telehealth live video sessions.

What year did you begin serving pets?

2018; Since 1980, serving adults in other sources of loss and grief.

How did you hone your craft?

Masters in Social Work, Certified Life Coach and 40+years of service! Plus my own experience with Toaster and Pink, and training them as certified service dogs.

What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?

I get grief. I offer relief. Many pet parents are faced with a loss which they CAN anticipate. I specialize in helping pet parents navigate this part of the pet loss journey, called Anticipatory Grief, so that it's a healing journey for both people and pet instead of traumatic and a tragedy. Knowing your pet is dying and that you may have to make the decision to assist them is often is fraught with great angst, guilt, and deep sadness that can seem paralyzing. Many often wonder if they can even go on without their pet. Anticipatory grief is a window of opportunity for healing and growth if you get the support to transform that journey from loss into love and grief into growth. That is one of the services I offer in pet grief. I "lifted up" (vs put down) both my service dogs, within 9 months of each other. I used my own healing methodology called 7 Powerful Practices to Manage Your Mind and Heal Your Heart to get through it all and now help others do the same.

What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!

Animal Planet did a documentary on my story with my service dogs, Toaster and her whelping in which Pink, my 2nd service dog was born! Pink became 3 legged at age 1 and was my biggest mentor in dealing with my own disability.

Customer Reviews

Went well

- Erin R

Working with Nancy Gordon has been nothing short of life-changing. Her support through the loss of my beloved pet has been deeply attuned, compassionate, and uniquely tailored to my experience. Her guidance—before, during, and after—has helped me navigate overwhelming grief while uncovering unexpected strength and healing. Nancy brings lived experience, deep sensitivity, and practical insight not just into grief, but into how it touches every part of life and relationships. I truly don’t know where I’d be without her. I’m beyond grateful—and recommend her wholeheartedly to anyone facing this kind of loss.

- Veronica R
Pet Pro Response:

I am deeply moved working with you. It is an honor to be on this journey of pet loss with someone who really is committed to growing through and beyond grief. I was touched to read this and to know I have made a difference in your grief and healing. Thank you Veronica for these beautiful expressions of the work we are doing. Nancy

- Nancy Gordon, LCSW CLC

I have been working with Nancy for several months. Nancy has been invaluable in my journey to work through anticipatory grief regarding my elderly dog. She has given me a lot of different ways to think about grief and loss and although losing a pet is terrible, she has taught me some ways to cope that I am sure will help.

- Julie S

Nancy was attentive and listened to what I was going through and helped provide me with some next steps. Grief is a journey and I'm glad to know there are people to help you along the way.

- Richelle S

💙 Online Pet Loss Grief Counselor | Virtual Sessions with Nancy Gordon, LCSW CLC


❤️ You Don't Have to Carry This Alone


Losing a beloved pet can change the rhythm of your entire life. The house feels quieter. Familiar routines suddenly have an empty space. You may find yourself reaching for your companion out of habit, remembering the last days you shared, or struggling with emotions that are difficult to explain to people who haven't experienced this kind of loss.


Grief after losing a pet is real, deeply personal, and deserving of compassion. Nancy Gordon, LCSW CLC offers one-on-one online pet loss grief counseling and emotional support to help pet parents work through the feelings that can follow the death of a cherished animal companion. Sessions provide an opportunity to talk openly, explore difficult emotions, and develop coping strategies that reflect your individual experience.


Whether your loss happened recently or years ago, you do not have to navigate every difficult moment by yourself. Virtual sessions make it possible to connect with Nancy from anywhere in the United States, without traveling or leaving the comfort of your home.


🌿 How Online Pet Loss Grief Counseling Can Help


The relationship you shared with your pet was part of your everyday life. When that relationship changes through death, the emotional impact can touch nearly every part of your day. Working with a pet loss grief counselor can provide dedicated time to talk about your experience and explore ways to cope.


Depending on Nancy's training, credentials, and approach, sessions may help you:


Process Sadness and Heartbreak: Find space to express the sadness, loneliness, and emotional pain that can follow losing a beloved companion.
Work Through Guilt: Explore difficult thoughts surrounding your pet's final days, medical decisions, or euthanasia, without judgment.
Navigate Anger and Confusion: Talk through complicated emotions that may arise after a sudden, unexpected, or difficult loss.
Understand Your Grief: Recognize how grief can affect your emotions, daily routines, relationships, concentration, and sense of connection.
Develop Coping Strategies: Explore practical ways to manage difficult moments, adjust to changes in daily life, and care for yourself while grieving.
Honor Your Experience: Talk about the relationship you shared with your pet and what that bond continues to mean to you.


There is no universal timetable for grief. Some people want support soon after a loss, while others reach out months or years later when emotions resurface or become difficult to manage.


💛 Support for the Emotions That Follow Pet Loss


Every person's experience is different. You may feel sadness one moment, guilt the next, or even relief after a long period of caring for a sick or aging animal. You might miss the daily routines as much as the companionship itself. You may also feel that other people don't fully understand why losing a pet has affected you so deeply.


A one-on-one session with Nancy Gordon, LCSW CLC offers time to explore what you are experiencing without having to minimize your feelings or explain why your relationship with your pet mattered. Depending on the professional's approach, sessions may focus on listening, reflection, emotional support, guided exercises, or individualized coping strategies.


You do not need to have the right words before reaching out. You can begin with the story of your pet, what you miss most, or simply how you are feeling today.


💻 Private, Convenient Online Pet Grief Sessions Nationwide


Nancy Gordon, LCSW CLC provides virtual pet loss grief support to pet parents throughout the United States. Online appointments allow you to connect from home or another comfortable, private setting, regardless of where you live.


Depending on the professional's available services, sessions may take place through video conferencing, telephone, or another agreed-upon online format. Session length, scheduling, pricing, and communication methods vary by provider.


Before booking, review Nancy's profile to learn about the available session formats, professional background, credentials, areas of focus, and approach to grief support.


🧭 What to Expect During an Online Pet Loss Counseling Session


Your first session is an opportunity to explain what has happened, share what you are experiencing, and discuss the kind of support you are looking for. You do not need to prepare a formal account of your loss or know exactly what you want to accomplish.


Depending on the professional's approach, a session may include:


Sharing Your Story: Talking about your pet, the relationship you shared, and the circumstances surrounding the loss.
Exploring Difficult Emotions: Discussing sadness, guilt, anger, loneliness, regret, or other feelings that may be affecting you.
Identifying Your Needs: Exploring what feels most difficult right now and what kind of support may be helpful.
Developing Coping Strategies: Discussing approaches and exercises that may help you navigate challenging days and changes in your routine.
Planning Continued Support: Deciding whether a single conversation or additional sessions may be useful, based on your needs and the professional's recommendations.


Some people find that one conversation gives them the space they need at a particular moment. Others prefer ongoing sessions as they work through different stages of their experience. There is no requirement to follow a particular schedule.


🎓 Credentials and Experience Matter


Pet loss grief counselors and support professionals come from different educational and professional backgrounds. Some hold specialized pet loss or grief counseling certifications, while others bring licensed mental health credentials, social work experience, grief coaching qualifications, or other relevant training.


When reviewing Nancy Gordon, LCSW CLC's profile, look for the specific credentials, certifications, licenses, professional experience, and areas of specialization listed. Certification and professional licensure are not interchangeable, and not every grief support provider offers licensed mental health treatment.


If you are seeking clinical mental health treatment, confirm that the professional holds the appropriate license and provides services within their authorized scope of practice. Supportive grief coaching or counseling services should not be assumed to replace licensed mental health care.


💬 How to Book an Online Pet Loss Grief Counselor on PetWorks


PetWorks makes it easy to explore pet loss grief counselor profiles, review professional backgrounds, compare available sessions, and connect with someone whose approach feels right for you.


Book Now: Most PetWorks counselors offer direct online booking. Review the available session packages, choose a service and appointment time when scheduling is enabled, provide any requested information, and complete your booking securely through PetWorks.
Get Custom Quote: If you would like to discuss a personalized support arrangement, multiple sessions, or a service that is not listed as a booking package, request a custom quote when available.
Send Message: If you have questions about a professional's background, approach, session format, or availability, send Nancy a message before booking.


Secure Online Payments: PetWorks accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Affirm, Link, and Klarna where available. Payments are processed securely through the PetWorks platform.


PetWorks Care Coverage: Bookings made and paid through PetWorks include Care Coverage and access to the live PetWorks Concierge Team for booking questions and support. If a professional cancels a confirmed booking, the pet parent receives a 100% refund of everything paid, including the Care Coverage Fee. Other cancellations are subject to the applicable cancellation policy.


❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Loss Grief Counseling


What is a pet loss grief counselor?
A pet loss grief counselor provides one-on-one support for people experiencing the emotional impact of losing a beloved animal companion. Depending on the professional's credentials and approach, sessions may involve counseling, grief coaching, emotional support, and coping strategies to help pet parents navigate life after the loss.


Can I talk to a pet loss grief counselor online?
Yes. PetWorks connects pet parents with professionals who offer virtual sessions throughout the United States. Depending on the provider, appointments may take place through video conferencing, telephone, or another agreed-upon online format.


Do I need to live near my pet loss grief counselor?
No. Online sessions allow you to connect with a participating PetWorks professional from anywhere in the United States. You do not need to live in the counselor's home city or travel to an office for a virtual appointment.


Are pet loss grief counselors certified or licensed?
Credentials vary by professional. Some providers hold specialized pet loss or grief certifications, while others have professional licenses in counseling, social work, psychology, or related fields. Review each profile to understand the specific training and qualifications a provider holds. A certification is not the same as a professional license.


Can a pet loss grief counselor help with guilt after euthanasia?
Some professionals offer support for the difficult emotions that can follow euthanasia decisions, including guilt, sadness, uncertainty, and second-guessing. Review the counselor's areas of focus and ask about their experience with euthanasia-related grief before booking.


Can I speak with a counselor if my pet passed away a long time ago?
Yes. There is no expiration date on grief. Some pet parents seek support shortly after a loss, while others reach out months or years later when memories, anniversaries, or changes in life bring difficult feelings back to the surface.


Can a pet loss grief counselor help after a sudden or unexpected death?
Some professionals work with pet parents following sudden, traumatic, or unexpected losses. You can ask about their experience with these circumstances and whether their approach is appropriate for the support you are seeking.


Can I book a single pet loss counseling session?
Many professionals offer individual sessions, while others also provide packages for people who prefer ongoing support. Review the available Book Now options or contact the counselor to discuss your needs.


How long does an online pet loss grief counseling session last?
Session lengths vary by provider and package. Many professionals offer appointments of approximately 45 to 60 minutes, but you should check the specific session details on the listing before booking.


Are online pet grief counseling sessions confidential?
Privacy practices and confidentiality policies depend on the individual professional and the services they provide. Before your first session, review the provider's privacy information and ask how your conversations and personal information are handled.


Can children receive support after losing a family pet?
Some professionals offer age-appropriate support for children and families, while others work exclusively with adults. Check the counselor's profile and confirm age requirements before booking a session for a child or family.


What is the difference between a Pet Loss Grief Counselor and a Pet Bereavement Specialist?
Pet Loss Grief Counselors on PetWorks focus on one-on-one online sessions addressing the emotional impact of losing a pet and developing ways to cope. The Pet Bereavement category is intended for a broader range of specialized guidance through the pet loss journey, which may include anticipatory grief, end-of-life planning, memorialization, and other bereavement-related support. Review both categories to find the type of service that best matches your needs.


How much does online pet loss grief counseling cost?
Pricing varies based on the professional's credentials, experience, session length, and available packages. Review the counselor's listed prices on PetWorks or request a custom quote when available.


Can I book and pay for a session directly through PetWorks?
Yes. Most participating professionals offer Book Now options. Select an available session or package, provide the requested details, and pay securely through PetWorks using an accepted payment method.


What happens if my counselor cancels a confirmed booking?
If a professional cancels a confirmed PetWorks booking, the pet parent receives a 100% refund of everything paid, including the Care Coverage Fee. Other cancellation situations are handled according to the applicable cancellation policy.


💙 When You're Ready, Support Is Here


There is no schedule for missing someone you loved. Some days may feel manageable, while others bring back the sadness in ways you did not expect. You might miss the sound of familiar footsteps, the comfort of a favorite routine, or simply having your companion beside you.


You do not have to rush through those feelings, and you do not have to pretend that the loss was small. The bond you shared mattered. Your memories matter. And the way you are feeling deserves to be heard.


If talking with someone feels like the right next step, Nancy Gordon, LCSW CLC offers an opportunity to connect online and explore the support that may help you move through this difficult time. Take things one conversation at a time, at your own pace.