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Pet Loss Resources
Dealing with the loss of a beloved pet can be devastating. Our pets become cherished members of our families, providing unconditional love, companionship, and joy to our lives. When they pass away, the grief we feel is genuine and profound. While our furry friends are only here for a short time, the impact they have on our lives is monumental.
You are not alone in your grief. Finding support and reaching out to help you understand the loss you are experiencing can go a long way to help you during this challenging time. We have provided some helpful resources and grief support links below.
Website Resources
Morris Animal Foundation: 5 Tips to Begin Healing from Pet Loss
10 Ways to Heal After Losing a Pet
9 Easy Ways To Remember And Memorialize A Lost Pet
Coping with the Loss of a Pet by the American Veterinary Medical Association
Supporting People Who are Grieving by the Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine
Support Groups and Hotlines
The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement is a nonprofit association of concerned volunteers who are knowledgeable about the tender subject of pet death and dedicated to helping people during this very special kind of bereavement. The website contains an extensive list of resources related to pet loss.
The Argus Institute honors the human-animal bond by providing compassionate support and advocacy for people who care about animals. The webpage contains links to pet loss resources, including recommended reading for both adults and children.
Everlife Memorials offer a Nationwide Pet Loss Support Group listing.
Grief Healing lists a number of helplines.
Supporting Children after Pet Loss
For many children, the loss of a pet is their first experience with grief. Children process loss differently and need extra support, reassurance, and love. To help parents guide their children through this difficult time, we have compiled a list of books and resources to help them understand their emotions and begin the healing process.
Helping Children Cope by Moira Anderson Allen M.E.d
North Carolina State University Veterinary Hospital Family and Community Services page
Books to Help Grieving Children
- Stay: A Girl, A Dog, A Bucket List by Kate Klise
- Healing A Child's Pet Loss Grief: A Guide for Parents by Wendy Van de Poll
- Children and Pet Loss: A Guide for Helping by Marty Tousley
- Dog Heaven by Cynthia Ryant
- Don’t Say Goodbye, Just Say See You! by Patricia A. Brill, PhD