What We Do

Lifelong Care for Beloved Companion Animals in KC.

AJ started Familiar Pet Care to provide compassionate care to animals at all stages of their life. Every animal deserves recognition, celebration, and memorization.

AJ has over 20 years of experience caring for animal companions. While they grew up with dogs and cats, AJ has worked as a vet assistant and kennel technician at Kansas City area shelters.

AJ also became a certified death doula through CareDoula School of Accompanying the Dying in 2018. They have supported many foster and hospice pets and stray and owned animal companions as they pass on. In addition, AJ is an animal chaplain. They are enrolled in Compassion Consortium’s program and will be ordained in June 2025.

AJ is a member of the following organizations:

“Familiar Pet Care” encompasses the two businesses that Abigail (AJ) Stutzer, Sole Proprietor, operates in the Kansas City area and via remote meetings. Abigail Stutzer, Sole Proprietor, is insured through Pet Sitters Associates for their pet sitting and dog walking services and through Alternative Balance for their end-of-life, death care, grief work, and animal chaplaincy services. Depending on the services you request, I’ll direct you to which of my businesses can meet your needs.

As a note for clients, I prefer to be called AJ and use they/them pronouns.

Familiar supports pet caregivers so they can be fully present during their companion’s life.

In Life

All animal caregivers can use a little assistance from time to time. Familiar provides practical and emotional support during your animal companion’s life.

In Death

Death is part of all animal companions’ stories. Familiar is here to help you prepare for the inevitable, so when the time comes, you’re prepared.