Grief Support

COPING WITH THE LOSS OF A PET

If you’re trying to cope with the loss of a beloved pet, you are not alone and it is healthy to ask for help. At times, we all need help understanding our emotions and the resources that you see below might go a long way in validating your personal experience.

While we at Puget Sound Veterinary Specialists do our best to screen and offer counselors and resources of the highest quality and standards, we do not endorse or accept responsibility for the individuals or organizations listed here. The use of internet or telephone pet loss support resources are not intended to replace consults with local physicians, veterinarians, or qualified mental health professionals.

These resources are updated frequently. We check to be sure the numbers and links we provide you with are the most current we can. If you find that a link or a number does not work, please let us know so we can correct it!

SUPPORT GROUPS

Pet loss support groups can provide a safe and non-judgmental place for family members to go to be able to share their feelings and experiences. You can do this before or after the loss of your pet. Anticipatory grief is common among those caring for a terminally ill friend or family member and is a perfectly valid reason to seek help.

The following links have lists of numerous pet loss support groups by state, support webinars and much more. This is not a comprehensive list.

The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement

PET COUNSELING RESOURCES

The Argus Institute – Includes information on helping children cope with pet illness and death.
The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
The Pet Loss Support Page

BOOKS ABOUT GRIEF FOR ADULTS

Coping with Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet by Moira Anderson
Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet by Gary Kowalski
The Grief Recovery Handbook for Pet Loss by Russell Friedman, Cole James and John W. James.
Pawprints in the Stars: A Farewell and Journal for a Beloved Pet by Warren Hanson
Soul Comfort for Cat Lovers: Coping Wisdom for Heart and Soul After the Loss of a Beloved Feline by Liz Eastwood

HOTLINES