Application for Accredited Membership of the Association of Pet Bereavement Counsellors

Accredited membership of the Association is open to registered members of our Association who complete our assessment process.

Accredited members of the Association will have demonstrated that they have met the high standards required to offer pet bereavement counselling services. Being an accredited member is a badge of honour in the industry. It will highlight to pet owners that the pet bereavement counsellor offering support has sufficient knowledge, understanding and experience in this field of work. Accredited members not only have a thorough understanding and knowledge of all aspects of pet bereavement, they also abide by a strict code of conduct set out by the Association, ensuring that all pet owners receive the best support available.

Our Assessment Process - what to expect - Our comprehensive evaluation is a combination of written and oral assessments, allowing members to showcase their diverse styles and depth of knowledge and understanding of what is required by way of pet bereavement support pre, during and post the loss/death of a companion animal. The assessment process will determine which members have specialist knowledge in pet loss support/counselling regardless of their academic or professional background and training.

Written Assessment - Accredited members should be fluent in all aspects of the loss/death of a companion animal, including but not restricted to advising clients on how to prepare for euthanasia. You should have a thorough understanding of the euthanasia procedure of a canine companion and aftercare options for respectful handling of the body. Questions will also include styles, types and stages of grieving. 

The written assessment consists of a minimum of 10 questions and you will be assigned questions relevant to your background in pet bereavement counselling, that will demonstrate your depth of knowledge. 

Oral Assessment - The oral assessment will give you the opportunity to demonstrate that you are comfortable talking to and building rapport with strangers. It will provide a platform to showcase your experience in the pet bereavement world, working with and more importantly how you have successfully supported pet owners either on a professional or personal level. 

The oral assessment will evaluate your experience, personal demeanour and interpersonal skills and should take approx 90 minutes. 

Our Assessment Process - how to Apply - The Association has a set of minimum standards for all accredited pet bereavement counsellors based on their understanding, knowledge (practical aspects and theory) and experience of pet bereavement support.

Anyone wishing to become an accredited member should first apply using the form below; once you have submitted your application you should then book and pay for your oral assessment using the online appointment booking form below, we currently run two oral 'virtual' assessment weekends each year.

Sixteen weeks prior to your assessment weekend you will be emailed your written assessment, you will have 8 weeks to complete and return your assessment. Candidates must pass their written assessment in order to be allowed to sit their oral assessment, candidates who fail their written assessment will be provided a partial refund.

The cost to book an assessment is £40

Accredited membership is £120 per year, accredited members must agree to our Code of Ethics and Professional Standards, and accredited members will be asked to provide evidence of 15 hours of CPD each year.

Our next available dates for our oral assessments are the 3rd and 4th of May 2025 - if you wish to book one of those assessments you must book prior to Friday 10th January 2025