Animal Advocates Community Support Group
Weekly on Thursdays from 6-7 PM EST from March 26, 2026 to April 30, 2026
This support group provides a confidential, peer-led space for individuals involved in animal rescue, sanctuary and veterinary work. Participants may include volunteers, technicians, veterinarians, foster caregivers, sanctuary and rescue staff, and others who regularly care for animals in need.
The group recognizes the emotional and physical demands of animal care, including compassion fatigue, moral distress, grief, burnout, and cumulative stress. Meetings offer a supportive environment to share experiences, build resilience, and connect with others who understand the unique challenges of caring for animals across species.
This is a space for mutual support, reflection, and practical coping strategies. All roles and experience levels are welcome.
About the Facilitator
Hi, my name is Jen Taylor. I’m the co-founder and Executive Director of Bark & Bray Farm Animal Sanctuary here in New Hampshire. I believe that creating meaningful, lasting change in animal welfare goes beyond caring for the animals themselves—it also means caring for the people doing the work. Those who show up day after day for a voiceless population carry a great deal. They deserve support in order to continue this vital work in a healthy, sustainable way. When we invest in our own well-being and in one another, we build resilience, strengthen our impact, and make it possible to do more—together. In my professional work, I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I’ve been a nurse for over 15 years and a nurse practitioner for 10 years, with my training grounded in hospice, palliative care and mental health care. This background allows me to bring a supportive, informed perspective to our conversations, while keeping this space rooted in peer connection. My hope is that this group becomes a strong, compassionate community across New England. We welcome participants from Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island.
The Details
-There is no cost to participate. This group is offered as a program of Bark & Bray Farm Animal Sanctuary, who is supporting the funding.
-Meetings are 1 hour and held virtually every week for a 6 week session. If you commit, please be able to attend all sessions unless emergencies.
-Weekly on Thursdays from 6-7 PM EST from March 26, 2026 to April 30, 2026
-Held Virtually
-You must reside in one of these states to particiapte: NH, VT, MA, ME, or RI.
-Limited to 12 participants
How to sign up?
Complete the waiver and survey. Email them to Jen@barkandbrayfarm.com. If you’d like to meet with me and ask more questions about the group before committing, send me an email.
6-Meeting Topic Series Meeting 1: Creating Safety & Shared Understanding Focus: Orientation, trust, and normalization -Why this work affects us the way it does -Shared challenges across rescue, sanctuary and veterinary care -What participants hope to get from the group -Setting intentions for the series Meeting 2: Compassion Fatigue & Cumulative Stress Focus: Naming what we carry Signs of compassion fatigue, burnout, and moral distress -How repeated exposure builds over time -Differences between “being tired” and being depleted -What participants notice in themselves Meeting 3: Grief, Loss, and Moral Injury Focus: Processing difficult outcomes -Loss of animals despite best efforts -Euthanasia, triage decisions, and systemic limits -Holding grief that isn’t always recognized or supported -Ways people honor animals and their own values Meeting 4: Boundaries, Guilt, and Over-Responsibility Focus: Sustainable caring -Feeling like it’s never enough -Saying no, stepping back, or taking breaks -Guilt around rest, limits, or leaving roles -Redefining responsibility vs. control Meeting 5: Coping, Regulation, and Peer Support Focus: Practical tools that fit real life -What helps after hard days or emergencies -Small, realistic grounding practices -Support outside of work (people, routines, rituals) -How peers can support without fixing Meeting 6: Meaning, Sustainability, and Next Steps Focus: Staying connected to purpose -What keeps people in this work -Signs it’s time to adjust roles or expectations -Personal indicators of resilience -Closing reflections and resources
Group Norms Confidentiality -What is shared in the group stays in the group. Please do not share personal stories, names, or identifying details outside of meetings. Respect and Non-Judgment -This is a judgment-free space. Different roles, experiences, opinions, and emotions are respected. There is no “right” way to feel or cope. Speak From Your Own Experience -Use “I” statements. Share personal experiences rather than giving advice or telling others what they should do. No Fixing or Rescuing Each Other -This group focuses on listening and support, not problem-solving unless advice is specifically requested. One Person Speaks at a Time -Please allow others to finish speaking. Silence is okay, and no one is required to share. Honor Time and Space -Be mindful of shared time so everyone has an opportunity to participate. Emotional Safety -Strong emotions are welcome. Participants are encouraged to take care of themselves—stepping out, pausing, or choosing not to share is always okay. Inclusive and All-Species Focused -All animal care roles and species are valued equally, including farm animals, dogs, and cats. This Is Peer Support, Not Therapy -The group offers mutual support and connection and does not replace professional mental health care.