The Bello Project

Honouring the bond between a pet and their person

The Bello Project eases the worry of “what may happen?” for a pet owner with a terminal illness and of “what just happened?” for the pet when their owner dies.

300,000 residents of Canada will be facing death this year. More than 1/2 of them are pet owners.

About The Bello Project

The Bello Project’s mission is to bring comfort, support, and compassion to those facing the end of life, alongside their furry companions. Through this program, we provide in-home pet care assistance for pets whose owners are facing death, allowing them to remain together sharing companionship and love when it is most needed.

Along the illness journey trained Bello Project team members assist in a pet’s basic care needs. When the time comes, if there isn't a family member able to take ownership of the pet, The Bello Project works with the dying owner to find their pet’s next home. In this way, we can provide the pet owner peace of mind that their beloved pet is in the best possible hands.

In June 2024, The Bello Project celebrated its 10th anniversary - check out our 10-Year Retrospective to learn more!

How The Bello Project Helps

In-Home Pet Care

The Bello Project offers various in-home pet care services, including dog walking, pet grooming, litter cleaning, and facilitating interaction between owners and their pets. When needed, we also provide transport to vet or grooming appointments as part of our care.

Re-Homing

We work closely with the dying owner to find a new home for their pet. Potential adopters are carefully screened, with the owner making the final decision. Once a new family is chosen, we facilitate a gradual transition, ensuring the pet remains with its owner until the end. If necessary, The Bello Project covers vet care costs to ensure financial constraints don’t hinder the owner’s decision.

Grief Support

Grief affects not only the person facing death but also their family members and even the pet. The Bello Project offers support to help everyone involved process their grief. Uniquely, we work with funeral homes to allow the pet to spend time with their owner after death, providing closure for the pet.

Training for Frontline Care Staff and Volunteers

As death approaches, various care providers interact with the pets in the home. The Bello Project offers specialized pet care training to these individuals, ensuring that as many care team members as possible are equipped to assist with the pet’s needs, reducing the risk of premature separation of pet and owner.

Pet Lovers Death Café

HHA’s Pet Lovers Death Café provides a supportive space for pet owners who have experienced the loss of a pet. This gathering encourages open and honest discussions, helping to normalize and compassionately address the topic of pet death.

Get Involved

Volunteer

Pet Care Volunteers: We need volunteers to help care for pets in communities that serve Bello Project clients. Apply to volunteer.

Pawcasso’s Studio Volunteers: The Bello Project raises money with this paw-painting experience at festivals and events, and we always need animal lovers to assist pets with their art works! Learn more here.

RVT Mentors: If you're an RVT (Registered Veterinary Technician), assist with training and on-going support for Bello Project Pet Care Volunteers.

Walk with Us

We believe in the power of remembrance, education, and community in providing comfort to those navigating dying, death, grief and loss. Join our "Across the Rainbow Bridge" Team at this year's Moonlit Memory Walk to help raise funds for The Bello Project.

Your participation helps us continue our mission to offer comfort and support to those facing death and their beloved pets.

Partner with Us

Have you noticed a gap in how your community, agency, or organization supports the pets of your clients or patients? If so, we’d love to partner with you. Visit our Community Partnerships Page to learn more.

We’re also seeking pet-themed corporate or event partners to help raise public awareness and funds for this important program. If you're interested in exploring partnership opportunities, please get in touch!

If you need support or would like to inquire about our services in your area, get in touch with us at info@homehospiceassociation.com.

Your donation will make a real difference in the lives of those who need us, allowing us to provide in-home pet care assistance for pets whose owners are facing death, so that they can remain together sharing companionship and love. Together, we can bring comfort and peace of mind during this difficult time of transition.

You can also honour the memory of a loved one or beloved pet by making an "In Memoriam" donation to The Bello Project (a registered Canadian charity).

Donate Now

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Our Partners

We are incredibly thankful for the meaningful collaboration and generous support of our partners:

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