Pet Loss and Grief Counseling - Nationwide

Verified Member since May 2025 Verified checkmark

Losing a beloved pet can be one of the most heart-wrenching experiences in life. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with specialized training in Pet Loss Grief Counseling, I understand the profound sense of isolation and overwhelming emotions that can accompany this journey. With over five years dedicated to supporting pet parents through their grief, I offer a compassionate and safe space where you can explore your feelings, whether it's sadness, guilt, or trauma associated with the loss or anticipated loss of your furry friend. My approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, ensuring that you receive the support you need to begin healing.

I have extensive experience working with a diverse range of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, and even more unconventional pets like ferrets and hedgehogs. No matter the size or species, I recognize the unique bond you share with your pet, and I am here to help you navigate this difficult path. My services are available both in-person and online, allowing you to access support from the comfort of your home or wherever you feel most at ease.

Your grief is valid, and with the right guidance, healing is absolutely possible. I am fully insured and committed to providing a nurturing atmosphere where you can feel understood and supported. Whether you're dealing with the loss of a small pet like a gerbil or a larger companion like a horse, I am here for you every step of the way. Ready to get started? Book through Petworks today!

  • Licensed
  • Insured
  • Online Sessions

Pricing Packages

Individual Counseling Session - DC, MD, NC, VA
$ 50.00 Per 30 minutes book

In pet grief and loss counseling sessions, you'll have space to talk openly about your loss, your relationship with your pet, and the emotions that come with it. Whether you're feeling sadness, guilt, anger, or just overwhelmed, our work together will focus on honoring your grief and helping you move toward healing in a way that feels right for you.

How do you serve precious pets?

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

What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?

  • Birds
  • Cats
  • Dogs
  • Ferrets
  • Gerbils
  • Goats
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Hamsters
  • Hedgehogs
  • Horses
  • Mice
  • Parrots
  • Rabbits
  • Rats
  • Turtles

What licensing do you have?

  • 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

Bonded and Insured

  • Insured

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

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC

What year did you begin serving pets?

2015

How did you hone your craft?

I honed my craft through formal education, clinical training, and the privilege of walking alongside clients in their grief. My approach is also shaped by my own experiences with the loss of beloved pets, which deepened my empathy and commitment to this work.

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

One tip I often share is to truly honor the routines and small moments with your pet—they become some of the most meaningful memories after a loss. Taking time to be present during everyday interactions, like walks or quiet time together, not only strengthens your bond but also helps ease grief later, knowing you were emotionally connected and intentional in your time together.

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

One thing I want pet parents to know is that I understand how real and painful the loss of an animal companion can be, and I provide a supportive, judgment-free space to work through that grief. I currently offer virtual sessions for residents of DC, Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia, making compassionate care accessible wherever you are.
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ronald ross

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BASED IN Virginia Beach, VA

Distinction

Pw without hitch Scheduling enabled badge Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

How do you serve precious pets?

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

What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?

  • Birds
  • Cats
  • Dogs
  • Ferrets
  • Gerbils
  • Goats
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Hamsters
  • Hedgehogs
  • Horses
  • Mice
  • Parrots
  • Rabbits
  • Rats
  • Turtles

What licensing do you have?

  • 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

Bonded and Insured

  • Insured

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

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC

What year did you begin serving pets?

2015

How did you hone your craft?

I honed my craft through formal education, clinical training, and the privilege of walking alongside clients in their grief. My approach is also shaped by my own experiences with the loss of beloved pets, which deepened my empathy and commitment to this work.

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

One tip I often share is to truly honor the routines and small moments with your pet—they become some of the most meaningful memories after a loss. Taking time to be present during everyday interactions, like walks or quiet time together, not only strengthens your bond but also helps ease grief later, knowing you were emotionally connected and intentional in your time together.

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

One thing I want pet parents to know is that I understand how real and painful the loss of an animal companion can be, and I provide a supportive, judgment-free space to work through that grief. I currently offer virtual sessions for residents of DC, Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia, making compassionate care accessible wherever you are.

💙 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.


Ronald Ross 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, Ronald 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 Virginia Beach, VA, Ronald Ross serves pet parents nationwide, and also works with clients in Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News, Hampton, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Williamsburg, Yorktown, Poquoson, Smithfield and throughout Independent City County.


🦔 How do I book a session with Ronald Ross?


Booking is simple and handled entirely through PetWorks. Visit Ronald's profile, review credentials and client feedback, and use 'Book Now' or 'Get Custom Quote' or 'Send Message' to initiate a conversation and request a booking with Ronald . You'll only pay when you book, and payment is handled securely — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Affirm, Link, or Klarna. Care Coverage at checkout gives you access to PetWorks' live Concierge team, full refunds if a booking is canceled through no fault of yours, and help resolving any booking issues — so the only thing you need to focus on is your healing.


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.


💛 If you’re here, it likely means you’re carrying the weight of a loss that feels deeply personal and difficult to put into words. Grieving a pet is never simple, and there’s no “right” way to move through it—only your way, at your own pace. Working with a pet loss grief counselor can offer a steady, compassionate space to process what you’re feeling, honor the bond you shared, and begin finding moments of peace again. When you feel ready, support is here to meet you where you are, without judgment, pressure, or expectation—just understanding and care as you navigate this journey.