Pet Loss Resources
Pet Loss
See below section for Pet Loss Support Groups
"Grieving the Loss of a Pet: Resources for Coping" - Hotlines, Support Groups, Videos, Articles, Veterinarians and more resources from the Best Friends Animal Society
Comprehensive List of Pet Loss Resources from the University of Tennessee Knoxville Veterinary Social Work School. (They also have a Financial Aid List)
A few helpful worksheets for you when questioning your pet's Quality o of Life:
- Euthanasia Decision Worksheet
- End-of-Life Values and Goals Worksheet
(Video) Pet Loss Grief: The Pain Explained - TEDx Talk by veterinarian Sarah Hoggan, DVM. - YouTube
Coping with Losing a Pet from Helpguide.org | The Humane Society | Join an AKC Support Group
Lap of Love - helping people with hospice care or in-home euthanasia, and provides veterinarian recommendations and support groups.
Hotlines & Online Message Boards from GriefHealing.com.
Podcasts:
It's OK That You're Not OK - Pet Loss and Veterinarians Who Cry: with Veterinary Oncologist and Author Dr. Renee Alsarraf - Episode Website | Apple
NPR's Life Kit - Processing pet grief with love (July 25, 2023). - Apple | Spotify
For Children and Parents:
Sesame Street Sesame Workshop - Community videos and resources on Grief
The Invisible Leash: An Invisible String Story About the Loss of a Pet by Patricia Karst and Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
Losing a Pet — How to Help Your Toddler Deal With Death from What to Expect (Jan. 24, 2019).
Picture Books recommended in article:
"I'll Always Love You" by Hans Wilhelm
Dog Heaven and Cat Heaven by Cynthia Rylant
When a Pet Dies, Helping Children Through the ‘Worst Day of Their Lives’ by Juli Fraga in The New York Times. (June 8, 2017).
Age-appropriate books for kids about pet death referenced in the article:
“Goodbye, Brecken,” by David Lupton, for children ages 4 to 8;
“Kate, the Ghost Dog: Coping With the Death of a Pet,” by Wayne L. Wilson, for ages 8 to 13;
“Memories of You: A Pet Memory Book,” by Erainna Winnett, for ages 7 to 12
Articles:
List of Articles about Pet Loss from GriefHealing.com.
Support Groups for Pet Loss
Through the AKC | ASPCA | AKC Faceboook Pet Loss Support Group
Bideawee Rescue - The Bideawee Pet Loss Support program is a free service that convenes virtually on Zoom. Each support group is attended by individuals that have recently experienced the loss of a pet. The groups are facilitated by one of Bideawee’s qualified volunteers who specialize in animal bereavement or are Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW). Support Group Qs: 866-262-8133
ASPCA - End of Life Care |
ASPCA National Pet Loss Hotline: 1-877-474-3310
List of National Hotlines - Link
AMC (Animal Medical Center) Virtual Support Groups:
Support Groups | Pet Loss Resources | Email
Judith Harbour, LCSW, Social Worker: Email | 212-329-8521
Booklets: Supporting Your Child | Supporting your Partner | Supporting your animal
The Usdan Institute for Animal Health Education at the AMC - a leading provider of pet health information - go to their website for answers on pet health
If you or someone you know are experiencing suicidal thoughts please call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255
Selections from General Grief & Loss Page:
Dougy Center—National Center for Grieving Children and Families
The Grief Coach - "Conversations about Life and Death"
Grief Mates - FREE writing workshop that provides the opportunity to use therapeutic writing prompts to get to know yourself in grief. Also offers a fee-based trauma writing workshop: “'Process to Product' designed to help writers develop their craft through even the most emotionally charged writing."
Good Mourning Grief podcast's Facebook Support Group
Readings
Books
Kubler- Ross, E. Kessler, D., (2014). On grief and grieving: Finding the meaning of grief through the five stages of loss: Scribner, New York.
Anticipatory grief: Causes, symptoms & treatment on ThriveWorks (March 28, 2023).
Podcasts
A Slight Change of Plans by Maya Shankar, Cognitive Scientist discusses human behavior, relationships, mental health and how science informs social interactions, decision making and emotions. - Apple | Spotify
Surviving Grief: Lessons From a Grief Therapist. Julia Samuel is one of the world’s leading grief therapists. She joins Maya to talk about why it’s important to engage with our grief, and offers strategies for how to do that. Apple | Spotify | Second airing, Mary 25, 2023.
Grief Resources for Children
Kids Grief (Canada) - Resources for parents, educators and families to talk with kids and teens about serious illness, dying and death.
Attending Funerals, Memorials, and Other Rituals - An online tip sheet by the Dr. Jay Children’s Grief Centre
The Dougy Center's Tip Sheets:
Supporting Grieving Preschoolers - An online tip sheet by The Dougy Centre
Books and Pamphlets from The Dougey Center