Pet Loss & Grief Support Resources

A gentle, spiritual approach to pet loss with practical advice, rituals, and comforting stories. Encourages readers to express grief and celebrate the life of their pet in meaningful ways.

Memoir exploring the human-dog bond, including grief experiences. Narrative book that can be cathartic by showing you're not alone. Find more examples on Goodreads Pet Loss Memoirs.

Written by a renowned grief counselor, this book validates the grief process and offers compassionate guidance for healing after a pet's death, including specific mourning tasks.

Considered a classic guide by the founder of the APLB, offering understanding of pet bereavement and coping strategies. It covers stages of grief, how to talk about loss, and advice for honoring your pet.

Written by family therapists who run pet loss groups, offering healing advice and case stories from pet loss support sessions. Also accompanies The Pet Loss Companion podcast/video series (see Podcasts section).

For those grieving an extra-special bond (a "heart dog"), providing validation, personal stories, and coping tips. Focused on dog owners.

Personal story of coping with successive losses, providing cathartic narrative showing readers they're not alone.

A practical guide covering emotions of grief, memorial ideas, and helping family members cope. Often recommended for its compassionate, straightforward advice.

Mister Rogers's gentle, factual book explaining pet death and feelings. It reassures children that it's okay to feel upset and to remember their pet.

A classic story of a boy and his dachshund, Elfie. The boy makes sure to tell Elfie 'I'll always love you' every day. When Elfie dies, those words give him comfort.

In this gentle story, a family holds a funeral for their cat, Barney. The child is asked to think of ten good things about Barney to say goodbye. Helps children focus on positive memories and introduces the concept of a memorial.

A picture book about a young girl whose old dog, Lulu, dies. It portrays grief honestly and shows a family remembering their pet with love. Notably, it avoids any specific religious explanation, focusing on emotions.

About a little boy grieving his hamster. These books vary in approach (secular vs. spiritual), so caregivers can choose what fits the family's beliefs.

Uplifting, faith-infused vision of pets in heaven. Related book by same author: Cat Heaven.

Grief metaphor book for all ages, can be applied to pet loss. These books vary in approach, so caregivers can choose what fits the family's beliefs.

A comforting story about an invisible string (or leash) that connects us with loved ones even after they're gone. Written for children, but meaningful for adults too.

Book based on the Rainbow Bridge poem (where pets wait in a beautiful place until reunited with their owners). Includes a memory-making activity at the end.

A Bible-based exploration of pet afterlife. Gary Kurz, a pastor, provides interpretations of Scripture that support the idea that animals have souls and go to heaven. This book offers hope to Christian pet owners that they will see their pets again.

A Franciscan friar explores the question of animals in the afterlife from a Christian perspective. In this book, 'he lines up evidence from the Scriptures, Christian tradition…and the teachings of St. Francis…that God desires all creatures (yes, including our beloved pets!) in the afterlife.' It's a comforting read for those wondering about reunion with pets in heaven. (Also available: Will I See My Cat in Heaven? by the same author.)

Collects stories of signs and communications from deceased pets, in a very open, new-age spiritual tone. These books assure readers that the love of pets continues beyond death, often citing psychic or medium experiences.

Guide to recognizing spiritual signs, by an author who writes on after-death communication. These books assure readers that the love of pets continues beyond death, often citing psychic or medium experiences.

Short gift-book versions by Friar Jack Wintz, with prayers and blessings for grieving pet owners. Often given by churches to console parishioners who lost a pet. Includes rainbow-themed art and comforting Bible verses. Available in both Dog and Cat editions.

The 'Rainbow Bridge' poem is almost a secular scripture in pet loss communities. It depicts a beautiful meadow where pets wait to reunite with their owners one day. Many find solace in its imagery. Reciting it or sharing it is a common ritual.

Living memorials' are very symbolic. Plant a young tree, rosebush, or a bed of flowers in your yard or a community garden in your pet's honor. As it grows and blooms, it's a reminder of the love that continues to grow. Some services provide a kit to mix pet ashes with soil and seeds to 'grow a tree from their ashes.' If you don't have a yard, even a potted indoor plant dedicated to your pet can be meaningful.

Many people find comfort in keeping a piece of their pet with them. Cremation jewelry allows you to place a tiny bit of ashes or fur inside a locket, pendant, or bracelet. There are also necklaces with your pet's photo or even soundwave (of their bark/meow) engraved. Some take a paw print and turn it into a silver charm. If you have a connection to tattoos, designing a pet memorial tattoo (maybe of their paw print or a portrait) can be an expressive and permanent homage.

Print a beautiful photo of your pet and put it in a special pet memorial frame that perhaps includes a paw print or a poem. There are also 3D crystal portraits that etch your pet's image in glass. A plaque for the garden or a stepping stone with your pet's name is another lasting tribute.

Just as we do for human loved ones, you can have a pet funeral or celebration of life. This might be in your backyard, a park your pet loved, or even over Zoom with family/friends. Share stories, display photos, play a song, or read the Rainbow Bridge poem. Some people will light a candle and say a few words. You can make it as formal or informal as you like.

Hugging a plush won't replace your pet, but it can be comforting. There are artists (e.g. Petsies or makers on Etsy) who will create a custom stuffed animal that closely resembles your pet (using photos). Others do needle-felted mini replicas. On the art side, commissioning a portrait painting or drawing of your pet can capture their spirit on canvas.

Creating an outdoor tribute can be healing, especially if your pet loved being outside. You can get wind chimes personalized with your pet's name – every time they ring, you'll think of your friend. Or place an engraved stone in the garden (some include photo etching or statues). There are companies like Spirit Pieces that infuse ashes into glass garden stones or orbs that glow, as a beautiful symbol.

Gather your pet's collar, tags, a favorite toy, sympathy cards, and photos, and place them in a memory box or decorate a scrapbook. A memory box keeps all those cherished items in one place so you can revisit them when you need to. Some are available as pet keepsake boxes with spots for a photo and engraved name. This can be a great activity for kids, too – let them contribute drawings or stories to the box.

Location: Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center, 2400 Lone Star Dr., Dallas, TX 75212. When: First Saturday of each month at 1:00 pm. Led by a certified grief recovery specialist (Dr. Diane Pomerance) at SPCA of Texas. It's a group setting where you can share stories or simply listen.

Location: 300 Main St., Humble, TX 77338. When: Tuesdays at 6:30 pm. Run by Sinead Lancaster, a licensed psychotherapist with grief training. Likely a small group that meets at her practice (Lancaster Practice Support) to share and learn coping strategies.

Location: 6877 Bandera Road, San Antonio, TX 78238. When: Every Tuesday at 6:30 pm. Contact: Julie Wiley, 210-216-0920, email: sappypetloss@sbcglobal.net. SAPPY stands for San Antonio Pet Parents (originally a Yahoo group, now in-person). They welcome anyone in the San Antonio area dealing with pet illness or loss.

Location: SPCA of Houston, 900 Portway Drive, Houston, TX 77024. When: (Typically monthly; was at 7:00 pm on a specified weekday). Contact: Stacey Wilbanks at Houston SPCA. This free group helps Houstonians work through pet loss with peer support.

Location: 6448 E Hwy 290, Bldg D Ste 106, Austin, TX 78723. When: Last Thursday of every month, 7–8 pm. Hosted by Texas Pet Meadow (a pet cremation service), this group is open to anyone in the Austin area. Description: 'You are not alone! Join our Pet Loss Support Group where you are welcome to come sit, share, or just listen.' Coffee, tea, and water provided.

Location: 124 W. Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78752. When: (Historically) every last Saturday of the month, 10:00–11:30 am. Contact: Samantha Rahmberg, 512-837-7985 x226. This group, if active, is free and welcomes anyone (children could attend with parents). It was formerly run by Austin Humane Society (sometimes referred to as Austin SPCA). Note: Call ahead to confirm meetings as schedules may change.

Private Facebook group providing peer support. Members can post photos and stories of their pets, express feelings, and receive comments and messages of support. To join, one usually answers a few questions (to ensure a safe space).

A large online forum (community) on Reddit specifically for pet loss. Users post memorials, express their grief, and receive supportive comments from others who have gone through it. Description: 'r/petloss is a community of support for pet owners whose pets have passed away…' It's active and moderated to keep responses kind.

The APLB offers free, facilitated online chat sessions almost every day for those grieving a pet. Sessions are led by trained volunteers. According to APLB: 'The chat rooms are free and available to anyone bereaving for a beloved pet. Membership is not required.' Topics include Pet Loss (general), Anticipatory Loss, and sessions for loss of multiple pets.

One of the oldest pet loss support websites (since the 1990s). It offers a forum, advice articles, and its own Candle Ceremony chat on Mondays. Features: 'personal support, thoughtful advice, The Monday Pet Loss Candle Ceremony, Tribute Pages, healing poetry, the Rainbow Bridge Poem & much more.' This community has a traditional web-forum feel and is very welcoming.

A UK-based pet loss forum and resource hub (theralphsite.com), also with a supportive Facebook group. Even though it's UK, people from anywhere can join. It's named after a pet and has a very gentle tone, with sections for memorials and a blog with coping advice.

Hosts forums, memorial pages, and a live Monday Night Candle Lighting Ceremony where bereaved pet owners worldwide gather online at 9pm Eastern to honor their pets. The site's community and moderators provide empathy and spiritual comfort (the 'Rainbow Bridge' theme).

An Instagram community that hosts virtual memorial events and provides support through posts and stories. Connect with others who understand pet grief through social media.

All calls are returned within 24 hours.' This line, started by Dr. Diane Pomerance at SPCA of Texas, often invites callers to their monthly support group as well.

Staffed by Cornell veterinary students (extensively trained in grief support). Hours: Monday–Friday 6–9 pm and Sat–Sun 12–3 pm Eastern. They offer a listening ear, information, and resources.

Provides support and also can mail literature. (CARE stands for Companion Animal Related Emotions.)

This Chicago-area line has volunteers trained in grief counseling. Leave a message if a counselor is not immediately available.

The ASPCA's former hotline number is still referenced in resources. (If not in service, you will be referred to another support – check ASPCA's website for updates.)

Staffed by WSU vet students. They understand the human-animal bond and offer supportive counseling by phone.

Provides support to callers nationwide, despite being NJ-based.

You can also email petloss@usu.edu.

Offers counseling by licensed social workers at UT; not 24/7.

Run by ISU's vet med students; offers empathetic listening and resources.

One of the longest-running hotlines (Dr. Nick Dodman and colleagues started it). Typically operates evenings (e.g. 6–9 pm EST) – you can leave a message for a call back if no answer.

Run by MSU's vet school; they also host a support group. Callers can talk about anticipatory grief, euthanasia decisions, or loss.

A limited series of episodes dedicated to pet loss, where therapist Kelly Grosklags and guests share stories to 'help you transform grief and loss into greater insight…' Focuses on the emotional journey and finding meaning after loss.

Podcast focusing on short coping exercises for pet grief.

The authors/therapists behind The Pet Loss Companion book also offer this podcast (audio version of their YouTube series). They discuss emails from listeners, common grief challenges, and tips for healing, drawing on decades of facilitating pet loss groups.

This podcast is for anyone who has ever lost a companion animal or is looking for an animal-based community.' The host and guests share personal loss stories, discuss coping strategies, and talk with people from animal nonprofits and grief experts. It helps listeners feel part of a community that truly 'gets it.'

A soothing podcast in which Marianne (a pet loss grief coach) 'shares practical steps for coping with the loss of a beloved pet and comforting messages of love and peace from pets in the afterlife.' Each short episode often includes a 'Sacred Spirit Journey' or a mindfulness exercise.

Episode 16, 'Pet Loss and Grief,' features discussions on mindfulness techniques to cope with pet loss. The podcast in general (not solely pet-focused) provides meditation and grief insights that can be applied to losing a pet.

A guided 15-day program: you download a free Pet Loss Grief Journal and optionally sign up for daily supportive emails. The journal helps you 'acknowledge how you're really feeling' with checklists and reflection prompts.

A free 28-page interactive PDF journal designed to guide you through grief with 'active mourning' exercises and prompts. It includes a 'Pet Owner's Bill of Rights' (adapted from Dr. Alan Wolfelt) and creative activities to honor your pet.

A digital guide that explains what grief is, validates that 'you have every right to grieve the death' of a pet and offers tools for healing. It covers self-care tips and memorial ideas.

A journal providing daily exercises to work through grief.

A child-friendly workbook (PDF) full of activities to help kids express feelings after a pet dies. It invites children to write, draw, and remember their pet (with pages for 'About Me and My Pet,' stories, and placing photos). Caregivers can work through it with the child.

Many vet schools and hospitals offer downloadable pet loss packets with tips and worksheets. This one includes '5 Tips for Coping,' a feelings chart, children's guidance, and a memorialization worksheet.

A licensed clinical social worker who specializes in pet loss. Nicole runs a monthly virtual Pet Loss Support Group for adults in Texas and also offers individual counseling. Her goal is for clients to 'feel less alone and more supported' in their grief. Offers: Virtual group ($20–30/session); private therapy (Austin or telehealth for TX residents).

A Texas-based licensed professional counselor and lifelong animal lover. Margaret offers online video counseling for pet grief and trauma. She's listed on Petworks and has top reviews for her compassionate approach. Offers: Teletherapy to Texas residents.

Wendy is a certified end-of-life and pet grief coach with a background in counseling. She provides one-on-one 'Pet Loss Recovery' programs and has authored books like 'My Dog Is Dying: What Do I Do?'. Offers: Phone/Skype sessions and self-paced grief programs.

Coleen Ellis is a thanatologist (grief expert) who was the first to open a stand-alone pet funeral home. Based in Texas, she offers pet loss group sessions (in-person in Dallas/Fort Worth) and consults with families on planning memorials. Coleen also trains other pet loss professionals.

A pioneer in pet loss counseling (in practice since 1982). Betty is a registered nurse and educator who has specialized in pet bereavement. She leads the monthly Pet Loss Support Group at the SF SPCA and sees clients individually (including families and children). Offers: In-person sessions (SF) and possibly phone consults. Notable: Author of 'Grieving the Death of a Pet' (a highly regarded book for pet loss).

Donna Melinkoff is a pet loss grief counselor. She provides individual, family, group counseling and emotional support to help cope with loss. Donna has 20 years experience as a social worker and licensed counselor.' She's based in LA and has been running pet loss groups and therapy since the 1990s.

Counselor and founder of Pet Bereavement Counseling Services in Houston. In practice since 1986 helping 'individuals, families and groups whose lives have been altered by the death of a pet.' Lynn provides in-person counseling and has collaborated with veterinarians and humane societies to support pet parents.

A life coach and pastoral counselor certified in pet loss support. She emphasizes faith-based coping if clients desire, but works with people of all backgrounds. Offers: Phone or Zoom coaching sessions.

Tufts not only has the hotline, but also publications on pet loss (books by faculty) and a website that offers guidance on topics like 'Understanding Euthanasia' and 'Children and Pet Loss.' Tufts' veterinary students undergo training to handle grief discussions with clients, which is part of their community outreach. They occasionally hold Pet Remembrance events at the school.

The CVMA, while a professional org, runs the hotline and also has free online articles and referral lists for local support. It's notable as a vet association doing outreach.

The Argus Institute at CSU's Veterinary Teaching Hospital is a renowned program dedicated to supporting the human-animal bond. They provide counseling to clients of the hospital, help with difficult decision-making (like euthanasia discussions), and offer pet loss support resources to the community. Their website features downloadable grief resources and information on finding support. While direct services are for CSU clients, their educational materials (handouts on grief, saying goodbye, children & pet loss) are freely accessible.

Best Friends offers a comprehensive set of resources including articles, downloadable guides, and video content for those grieving the loss of a pet. They maintain an excellent online library of support materials and provide recommendations for coping with pet loss.

This nonprofit's focus is on end-of-life care, but they provide resources for pet loss aftercare as well (articles, webinars). They published a free 'client's guide to pet loss' that many pet hospice vets give to families, which includes spiritual coping, self-care, and how to memorialize.

As noted, the SPCA of Texas (Dallas) runs a robust program including the monthly group and a phone line. This is a model within a humane society/nonprofit shelter. Similarly, the Houston SPCA had its support group and can provide referrals. Many local Humane Societies or SPCAs across the country have small-scale outreach – it's worth checking your local shelter.

Purdue's vet hospital has client counseling services that produced the comprehensive book list we referenced. They have a veterinary social worker who can talk with pet owners (clients) struggling with grief, and occasionally they host memorial events (like an annual remembrance event).

In addition to the hotline mentioned, Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine provides outreach via their 'Client Support Services.' They have a team (often vet students and social workers) who produce pet loss guides, host the hotline, and sometimes facilitate local support events. Their program ensures that 'you are not alone; we understand how significant this loss is.'

UT's VSW program is unique; they train social workers specifically in animal-related grief. They offer a Pet Loss Support Group (biweekly) (which could be attended in person in Knoxville or via Zoom), and a helpline (865-755-8839) for brief support calls. They also have online articles and even a free course on pet loss for those interested.

Blue Pearl (a network of specialty vet hospitals) has in some locations a 'Grief Ally' or bereavement specialist on staff. For instance, in New York, Blue Pearl's Meg Julian, LMSW, would call families after a euthanasia to check in and offer support resources. This type of program isn't everywhere, but it's worth asking your vet if they have any grief outreach – some larger vet clinics do follow-up sympathy cards, grief handouts, or can connect you with a counselor.

MSU's Veterinary Medical Center runs a pet loss support group that can be accessed 'virtually via phone or computer.' Originally in-person, it became hybrid. Non-Michigan residents can join. Contact MSU's Veterinary Social Work for details.

Some Facebook-hosted communities organize Zoom meetups or 'grief circles.' For example, the Pet Loss Community on Instagram occasionally announces virtual memorial gatherings. The Rainbow Bridge Connection Podcast community has done live virtual events. Keep an eye on social media groups you trust; they often post invites if they host a Zoom session.

In addition to chat, the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB) offers Zoom-based support groups at scheduled times. These are moderated by trained facilitators similar to their chat rooms but allow face-to-face (video) interaction. Info/Signup: on APLB's site.

An example of a therapy practice offering a state-wide virtual group: Sentient Path Counseling in Texas runs a monthly evening Zoom group for any Texas resident coping with pet loss. It is often covered by Aetna insurance or a small fee. Check Psychology Today or local therapy listings for similar offerings in your state.

Lap of Love, a nationwide in-home pet hospice/euthanasia service, offers free weekly online support groups led by licensed clinical social workers. These are small group video sessions where you can share your story and receive guided support. Different sessions target specific audiences (e.g. Loss of a Dog, Loss of a Cat, Anticipatory Grief). Registration: via Lap of Love's website (they list upcoming dates/times).

While based in Central TX, this group meets via ZOOM only (Second Sunday, 6:00 pm CT) and welcomes anyone grieving a pet (recent or past loss). It's free, with optional donations to a local shelter. Facilitators include a pet hospice founder and a pet behaviorist, and they often have a therapist join. Registration: Required via their website to get the Zoom link.

A feature-length documentary exploring the depths of pet owners' grief and the 'lengths to which they'll go to preserve more than a memory' of their pets. Furever interviews veterinarians, psychologists, and families – covering everything from memorial ceremonies to unusual preservation methods (taxidermy, cloning).

Goodbye (often stylized GOODBOY) is an award-winning short film that is 'an uplifting resource for anyone dealing with loss and grief associated with the death of pets.' It shares personal stories to celebrate the love that endures even after a pet is gone.

These family therapists (authors of The Pet Loss Companion) host weekly YouTube discussions on pet bereavement. Episodes often respond to listener stories and questions, providing a supportive, conversational resource.

A recorded panel or webinar (YouTube) with pet loss experts discussing how to openly talk about pet loss grief. Offers professional insights on validating grief.

In this 15-min TEDxTemecula talk, a veterinarian discusses why losing a pet can be 'crushing' and often underestimated. Dr. Hoggan validates pet grief as real and offers insight into its intensity.

A 10-min meditation filmed at the Angels Rest pet cemetery, meant to bring peace and provide a moment of reflection and shared understanding.