Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Mercado.
Amanda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My path to veterinary social work was shaped by love, loss, and the deep bond I shared with my dog, Lyric. She wasn’t just my dog, she was family, my constant, and the heart behind why I do this work. Loving her taught me how powerful the human–animal bond can be. Losing her taught me how devastating it is when that bond is broken.
When Lyric passed away, I experienced a kind of grief that felt heavy, isolating, and often misunderstood. It wasn’t “just a pet,” yet that’s how the world can sometimes treat it. I remember how alone that grief felt and how much I wished there had been space for it; space to talk about the pain, the guilt, the questions, and the heartbreak that comes with loving an animal so deeply.
At the same time, I was building my career in social work, working in therapy, case management, and crisis support. I began to recognize that the emotions I was carrying mirrored what so many pet parents and veterinary professionals experience every day , anticipatory grief, moral distress, compassion fatigue, and profound loss. Veterinary social work became the place where my personal grief and professional calling finally met.
Today, I do this work to make sure no one has to carry that pain alone. Lyric’s loss shaped my purpose and continues to guide the way I show up; with empathy, honesty, and a deep respect for the human–animal bond. Everything I do is rooted in the belief that loving animals changes us, and grieving them deserves care, validation, and support.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, mostly because I’m still just starting out. Building LyricsHeart has meant learning how to turn something deeply personal into a sustainable business, which comes with uncertainty, patience, and a lot of self-trust. Navigating that vulnerability while creating something meaningful has been challenging, but it’s also helped me build with intention rather than rushing the process.
We’ve been impressed with LyricsHeart , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I created LyricsHeart as a mental health space built around compassion, connection, and the human–animal bond. I serve anyone who seeks support ; children, teens, adults, families, and pet parents as well as veterinary professionals, rescue workers, and anyone navigating the emotional challenges of working with animals.
I specialize in providing judgment-free, individualized support that blends professional social work, therapy, and practical coping strategies with a deep understanding of the unique grief, stress, and emotional weight that comes from loving and caring for animals. I offer both virtual and in-person therapy, making it easier for people to access the support they need, wherever they are.
What sets me apart is my heart-first approach. I meet people where they are, honor the depth of their feelings, and recognize the bond between humans and animals all while grounding support in professional knowledge and ethical care. I’m most proud of creating a space that feels safe, human, and personal, where people truly feel understood and supported.
At LyricsHeart, I believe that caring for animals also means caring for the people connected to them. My goal is to provide services, guidance, and emotional support that help individuals thrive — whether they’re navigating personal grief, professional burnout, or everyday life challenges.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I see mental health support in veterinary and animal-care spaces becoming more recognized and accessible. Clinics and organizations will increasingly address compassion fatigue, grief, and burnout, and telehealth will make support easier to access for pet parents and professionals alike. I also expect broader acceptance of the human–animal bond in therapy and more formal training for professionals to help people navigate loss, stress, and moral distress. Overall, the industry is moving toward proactive, compassionate care, and I’m excited to be part of that evolution.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Lyricsheartservices.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_lyricsheart?igsh=MWEwZDFteHg0MzJ2MA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CMaqTyPmz/?mibextid=wwXIfr
