About Dr.
Julie Austin
I’m here because I’ve been there.
Losing an animal companion can feel like losing a part of yourself. The world expects you to move on, but your heart is breaking.
I understand that pain. Not just as a professional, but as someone who’s experienced it personally.
As a full-time coach specializing in pet bereavement, my mission is to offer a safe, compassionate space where your grief is fully seen and supported, and ultimately healed.
And healing doesn’t mean forgetting.
27+
Years of experience as a grief counselor and coach
1000+
People helped to transform their grief and loss into meaning.
14+
Years of animal shelter, rescue and volunteer work.
My story.
For over 25 years, I worked as a Clinical Psychologist, supporting both clients and student therapists through times of growth, healing, and transformation
My focus has always been to help people move toward meaningful, lasting change with compassion and integrity.
Early in my career, I cared for individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles and later served as the Mental Health Director at a drug treatment center in the Bay Area.
Alongside this work, I began to integrate my deep love of animals into my private practice.
My coaching ethos is...
Kind, warm, emotionally attuned to help you find your path to healing.
Grounded in 27+ years of clinical experience, grief work and animal volunteer care.
Ethical and deeply respectful to meet you where you are.
Becoming a full-time pet bereavement coach.
In 1997, my therapy dog began joining me in sessions—and something powerful happened. Clients naturally opened up about their own pets: the joy they brought, the connection they felt, and the grief that followed their loss.
Since then, helping people navigate the heartbreak of pet loss has become the heart of my work.
That’s why I created a space where grieving pet parents can find care that’s grounded, compassionate, and completely judgment-free.
Credentials & Achievements:
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) & Certified life coach
Co-Founder, Pawprints.care, a text-based support service for those grieving the loss of a pet.
10 yrs Volunteer with Wild Care, Wildlife rehabilitation hospital
4 yrs Veterinary Assistant with VetSOS, Providing free veterinary care to the unhoused in San Francisco
What Clients Are Saying
Ready to connect?
If you’re curious about working together, I offer a free, no-pressure 30-minute consultation so you can see if it feels like a good fit.