Animal Hospice Is a Calling
Jessi Hurd, LVT, CHPT
Jessi has been a licensed veterinary technician (LVT) since 2008. She has lived most of her life in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan and she wouldn't want to call any other place "Home"! She has lived in many other places due to her husband's 20-year military career in the United States Coast Guard. Those moves gave her opportunities she wouldn't otherwise have had including getting involved with animal hospice and palliative care.
About 4 or 5 years into her career she found herself gravitating toward older pets. Then in 2015, she discovered the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC) certification program. In 2016 she entered the 16-month long program. It was a long road of assignments, case studies, site visits and travel to conferences across the country on top of working part-time to full-time and intermittently being a single mom while her husband was deployed. There was even a move toward the end of the program as well. She completed the program and graduated at the IAAHPC Conference in Tempe, Arizona in October 2018 and became a Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Technician (CHPT). She is the first veterinary professional to be certified in animal hospice and palliative care in the entire Upper Peninsula of Michigan and at this time, she is 1 of less than 100 veterinary technicians in the world to be certified in animal hospice and palliative care.
Jessi resides in Negaunee with her husband and two daughters and they share their home with 2 cats, Fiona (16 yrs old) and Zoey (19 yrs old), and 1 dog, Musta (3 yrs old).
Certifications, Achievements, Associations & Memberships
Put Your Trust in Me
IAAHPC Board of Directors
Jan. 2021 - Nov. 2023
As a member of the IAAHPC Board, Jessi brough a unique perspective and helped to diversify the board in its leadership of the organization. She helped maintain the mission, values, strategies, and major goals/ outcomes for the organization. After stepping down from the board, Jessi still continues to support the organization in all that they do.
Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter Vet Center Planning Committee
Since Aug. 2020
Jessi has helped and continues to help plan the veterinary center within the UPAWS facility which will be used not only to spay and neuter adoptable pets in the near future but also provides an optimal area to asses pets on intake, administer vaccines, microchips, etc.
Active Member of the Human Animal Bond Association
Since 2020
Members educate on the social, economic, and therapeutic values of the human-animal bond, advance the understanding of the human-animal bond within all professions, cultures, and regions of the world, support and promote human-animal bond research, are a resource for practical support to pet owners, the veterinary community, and parallel professions, and conduct our work with diligence, integrity, and transparency
Human Animal Bond Certification
Since October 2020
The NAVC Human-Animal Bond Certification prepares veterinarians and animal care staff to meet the bonding needs of both pets and their owners. The program delivers a thorough evaluation of the science, communication, community engagement, animal welfare and wellness, and medical care needed to create and maintain a positive human-animal bond.
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Member of the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB)
Since March 2020
The APLB is a nonprofit association of concerned volunteers who are experienced and knowledgeable in the tender subject of pet death. They provide countless resources for pet families and pet loss professionals including Pet Loss & Bereavement Counselor Training.
Michigan Veterinary Conference Speaker
January 2020
Jessi spoke on veterinary hospice topics of: Introduction to Animal Hospice & Palliative Care for the Veterinary Technician and Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing for the Veterinary Technician.
Animal Hospice in the U.P.
January 2019
Jessi opened her doors and started Compassionate Pet Care of the Upper Peninsula to bring senior pet care, palliative care and hospice to our community.
Became Certified Hospice & Palliative Care Technician (CHPT)
October 2018
The Animal Hopsice & Palliative Care (AHPC) Certification Program standardizes and defines the skills and knowledge required of individuals and organizations offering animal hospice and palliative care, and establishes a standard of care for these services that will reflect a level of excellence achieved by those individuals who have obtained certification.
IAAHPC Business Circles
2017-2020
Business Circle groups give IAAHPC members the opportunity to meet online in small groups to discuss many facets of managing a mobile, end-of-life business.
Fear Free Certified
Since 2017
Being a Fear Free Certified Professional means Jessi does everything she possibly can to minimize a pet's fear, anxiety and stress during all visits with your pets. For many pets, at-home care is much less scary and much less stressful than going into the veterinary clinic.
Active Member of the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC)
Since 2016
The IAAHPC promotes comfort care that addresses the physical, psychological, and social needs of animals with chronic and/or life-limiting diseases. We promote physical, emotional, and spiritual support for caregivers. We also educate professionals and advance research in the field of animal hospice and palliative care.
Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT)
Since October 2008
Passed state and national board exams to become an LVT after obtaining an Associate Degree in Applied Science Degree in the program of Veterinary Technology.
Active Member of the National Association for Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA)
Since 2007
This membership helps Jessi stay current on all issues and changes nationally in regards to items such as regulation changes to licensed veterinary technicians and continuing education requirements.
Active Member of the Michigan Association of Veterinary Technicians (MAVT)
Since 2007
Jessi stays current on all issues and changes within the state of Michigan in regards to items such as regulation changes to licensed veterinary technicians in the state, continuing education requirements and new or changed laws regarding veterinary medicine.
Our Values
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We hold ourselves to very high standards when it comes to your pet's care. Our values inspire us in everything we do and with every family we meet. Compassionate Pet Care is the bridge between your regular in-hospital veterinary care and the care you give at home. Through effective communication we are committed to working with your primary veterinarian to promote better outcomes for the pets in our community.
Inclusive
We recognize that you have an incredible bond with your beloved pet and that is why we not only support your pet's physical and medical needs but also their emotional needs and we support you and your families needs as well. In hospice, the patient is the family unit. Your family is included in all aspects.
Plan
Plan before it becomes a crisis. We understand talking about the end of your pet's journey in life with you can be a difficult subject to discuss but, we believe it will help decrease your stress and minimize any regrets from making decisions when you are emotionally distraught . We are here to help navigate the difficult questions before a crisis arises.
Acceptance
We understand that everyone has their own beliefs, opinions, faiths, philosophies and lifestyles and we are here to support those in all capacities that aid you and your pet.
Comfort
We believe that no pet should suffer from physical and/or emotional pain. We will first and foremost advocate for your pet's overall well-being in order to give your pet the dignity they deserve in their golden years.
Knowledge
We believe you should be armed with all the knowledge and information you can get, which enables you to make highly informed decisions for the care of your pet. Care takes time and we take as much time as you need to ensure you have every opportunity to discuss your concerns with us.
We maintain our high standards by continuously learning about senior pet care, animal hospice & palliative care (including pain assessment & management, physical therapy, alternative therapies, etc.) pet loss & grief support, end-of-life pet care and aftercare by attending continuing education both online and in person, by speaking about pet hospice topics at veterinary conferences and utilizing the many resources we have within the veterinary medical community worldwide. Medicine and science is ever changing and advancing. We happily accept the challenge of being lifelong learners in order to continue to give you peace of mind during the end of your pet's life journey with you.