Maui, our beloved Beagle crossed the Rainbow Bridge on April 26, 2025

Every day, I am honored to walk alongside my clients on their journey towards
personal growth, healing, and transformation.

Dr. Marla Bennett is a licensed psychologist in Florida and founder of Soul Pet Companion. She holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Georgia, a Master of Counseling from Arizona State University, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Florida State University.

Over more than 20 years, Dr. Bennett has worked in higher education, government agencies, court and forensic psychology, big tech healthcare leadership, and her true calling of being a private practitioner.

Her work with animal-assisted therapy includes supporting military veterans and their psychiatric service animals as part of their healing, and contributing to a Florida Department of Corrections program that gives shelter dogs a second chance while helping inmates make a positive impact on society. Over the years she has supported many animal guardians through loss and life transitions, which deepens her ability to help others facing similar circumstances. She has been a member of the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement since 2017 and volunteers with farm animal rescues, including Critter Creek Animal Sanctuary in Gainesville, Florida.

Since the start of her professional career, Dr. Bennett has practiced with a dog (or two) by her side. Her own experience of loving and losing animal companions, and of raising her own therapy dogs, has inspired her life purpose in her career and volunteer roles in helping people and animals.

Dr. Bennett delivers high-touch, responsive care with careful attention to protecting client privacy in an ever-evolving digital age. She is committed to specialty care for veterinary professionals, pet parents, and rescue caregivers whose lives are enhanced by the human-animal bond.