Learn About Your Companion on This Journey

A warm space to learn of me and understand how I wish to show up to journey alongside you. 

Let's meet where you are at this moment and may exist in the future.

Jay L
A message from Jay

A message from Jay

Finding the right person to share your grief with takes trust. I want you to know who I am, the path that brought me here, and why I believe your bond with companion animals or other sentient beings deserve a sacred space to be affirmed and honored.

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What is The Mission All About?

As an ordained Compassion Consortium animal chaplain, I founded Heartbridge Animal Chaplaincy to provide:

  • Non-judgmental and non-denominational emotional care to people who love animals, especially in times of loss or grief.
  • Support to animal caregivers who work in animal-centered environments such as veterinary practices, zoos, animal shelters, animal welfare agencies, and lab research.
  • To assist with memorial planning and offer sacred sendoffs to recognize and honor animal deaths.
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My Sacred Vow

I offer my present and future self for  gentle compassion and fierce advocacy to hold sacred the bridge between sentient beings. May my heart be forever open, may my soul forever steadfast, may my words always provide a safe respite, and may my presence be one of comforting joy.

Honoring the Interspecies Bond

Honoring the Interspecies Bond

All of my life, I have been a source of loving support and care for all sentient beings. My passion is centered on being a trusted presence as you navigate the circuitous journey that spans the interspecies bridge between life  and often death. The bond between humans and animals is beautiful to behold yet can be filled with abundant joy and unnamed grief. I am here to offer whatever is needed at the moment or over time.

Finding the Intersection of Care

After a career in higher education where I was deeply committed to ensuring opportunity, access, and empowerment to university communities in the United States and Azerbaijan, it became increasingly clear that I needed to find a way to combine my legacy as a care provider with my love of animals, all animals, except mosquitoes. Animal chaplaincy has proven to be the intersection.

Couple sitting with cat and dog outside.
Training Experiences
  • Compassion Consortium Animal Chaplaincy Training Program
  • September 2025- June 2026- Ordained as Rev. Jay Austin
  • Grief Support Facilitator Training, Center for Loss and Life Transition, Ft. Collins, CO, August 2026
Woman feeding cat and dog at table.
Professional Experiences
  • Senior leadership positions in legal education across various US law schools, 1980-2021.
  • Founder and inaugural director of RISE Alliance LSAC 2021-present.
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Non-Profit Leadership Roles
  • Board chair, A4TE 2024-2026
  • Board member, Chosen Family Law Center, 2026-present.
  • Board chair, TLDEF 2022-2024
  • LSAC governance and board member, 1994-2021
Child cuddling a tabby cat on sofa.
Volunteer Engagement
  • Office of Ombudsman for Long Term Care, State of New Jersey
  • Certified Volunteer Advocate 2024-Present
  • BIPOC In Animal Well-Being Collective 2026-Present
  • Humane World for Animals (formerly called the Humane Society of the US)
  • Compassion Consortium Animal Chaplain Alumni Team
Orange cat resting on person's lap.
How We Can Walk Together

How We Can Walk Together

Through remote, gentle support sessions, I am here to assist as you identify and listen all the while holding space with you.

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One-on-One Grief Support

Conversations to process the loss or anticipated departure of your animal.

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Assist with Memorial Planning and Leading Sacred Send-Offs

Joining or leading you to create personalized memorial services; conducting sacred send-offs to celebrate your companion's life.

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Professional Support

A confidential, safe, and brave space for animal care providers to debrief and rebuild emotional resilience.

Grief can feel like a lonely island, yet I am here to meet you on the bridge.

Ready When You Are

Ready When You Are

I am here to listen whenever the time is right for you.