NYSBA Series Explores Legal Decisions in End-of-Life Care for Animals
1.27.2026
The New York State Bar Association’s Committee on Animals and the Law will present a three-part webinar exploring the emotional, practical, ethical, and legal complexities of end-of-life care for animals.
The series, entitled “The End-of-Life Journey with our Beloved Animals: From Diagnosis to Life After Loss,” offers guidance from veterinarians, animal hospice experts and attorneys on state regulations dealing with animal care and euthanasia.
“These sessions offer topics such as compassionate guidance for navigating end-of-life decisions, supporting grief and healing, and understanding the legal responsibilities that accompany an animal’s final stage of life,” said Kirk Passamonti, chair of the Committee on Animals and the Law. “I hope that all who attend the program will find it educational, informative, and comforting.”
Passamonti says the committee decided to develop the three-part series to educate more NYSBA members on the issue following the publication of the article “Grieving the Loss of a Pet,” written by committee member Jim Sarlis. The article is in the Fall 2025 edition of “Laws and Paws” and more information about the committee is on its webpage.
Session 1: End-of-Life Decisions and Ethical Considerations for an Ailing Animal
The first program explores the complex emotional, ethical, and practical dimensions of caring for a companion animal at life’s end.
Amir Shanan, a doctor of veterinary medicine, offers insight into how veterinarians, families, and animals experience a terminal diagnosis, and how care evolves from striving to cure an illness to providing comfort and dignity.
Gail Pope, an animal hospice expert and founder of Bright Haven Caregiver Academy will share tools for assessing a pet’s quality of life and planning a peaceful transition.
Session 2: Losing a Beloved Animal: Navigating the Spectrum of Grief and Bereavement
This 90-minute program explores decision-making without guilt, navigating emotional and logistical challenges, and recognizing the many forms of grief that humans experience. This session will also focus on care for equine companions.
Hospice expert Michelle Nichols will discuss anticipatory grief and how to support well-being during and after loss. Nichols put her experience as a grief counselor and health educator to work in founding the AHELP Project, a non-profit providing hospice care and support.
Carlin Jones, a veterinary medicine doctor, will provide a perspective on grief and self-care including a discussion of compassion fatigue in the profession.
Session 3: Legal Considerations for End-of-Life Decisions Concerning our Animals
Beverly Jones, chief legal officer at the ASPCA, will begin this session by addressing the legal and ethical considerations for pet euthanasia and post-death arrangements in New York. The focus is on compliance, ethical practices, and adherence to the law.
The presentation will discuss euthanasia, veterinarian services and abandoned remains.
The second presentation by Nance Schick of Third Ear Conflict Resolution offers a critical analysis of pet bereavement leave within the context of New York employment law. No federal or New York State law mandates pet bereavement leave.
The panel will also examine state bill A.197, which would allow employees to use sick time for pet medical care. Attendees will learn how to counsel clients to review handbooks, monitor legislative progress, and navigate this growing workplace trend.
The three sessions are offered on Jan. 28, Feb. 11 and Feb. 25. The first two sessions are informational with no MCLE credit, while the third on Feb. 25 offers one MCLE credit in professional practice. Registration for the program is open, and the event is free for NYSBA members.
