Chaplaincy Innovation Lab

Based at Brandeis University in Waltham, MA, the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab (CIL) was launched in 2018. According to their website, chaplaincyinnovation.org, the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab is a “think tank that supports research, teaching, and the provision of spiritual care in a range of settings. As the human spirit grows, changes and struggles, chaplains and spiritual care providers accompany us along the way, regardless of beliefs or who or where we are. The Chaplaincy Innovation Lab fosters research and its practical application to improve the provision of spiritual care for all. We host a wealth of data on the profession, provide practical tools, and offer educational resources to advance the important work of spiritual care providers wherever it is needed.”

In March 2020, we were invited by the CIL to participate in a webinar that explored the fascinating work that veterinary chaplains are doing at the intersection of humans, animals, and spiritual care. Pet Chaplain founder Rob Gierka participated in the webinar along with four other veterinary chaplains who had participated in our Introduction to Pet Chaplaincy online course. It was a wonderful opportunity to address the topics that are dear to our hearts and build some public awareness about this new field, and we are thrilled to have a partnership with CIL.

View the Pet Chaplain webinar with the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab

The SPCA of Wake County, NC

Pet Chaplain has enjoyed a partnership with the Wake County, North Carolina, chapter of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) for more than seventeen years. According to their website, spcawake.org, the SPCA’s mission is to “transform the lives of pets and people through protection, care, education, and adoption. Our vision is to create a humane community.” Pet Chaplain founder Dr. Rob Gierka launched a pet loss support group at the SPCA’s facility in 2006 and continues to facilitate the group.

Pet Cloud

Kevin Ringstaff, a graduate of the Pet Chaplain online training program, founded PetCloud, a small business that supports people experiencing grief for pet loss. PetCloud works to build community around mutual sharing and grief support. Kevin strives to “understand the pain and anguish we go through when we lose someone we love.: We support PetCloud and Kevin’s efforts to bring healing and community to people grieving for the loss of a beloved pet.