We Don’t Talk (Enough) About Pet Grief & Loss
So many in our community reach out to us at ACF about feelings of grief and loss when their precious pet passes away, because society does not have a way to commemorate the profound loss a person or family may be experiencing.
If you are grieving the loss of a pet and find that you need support, or you have a friend or colleague who does, please read on for resources that provide comfort and community.
Let’s make a practice of acknowledging and offering support to others in their grief process.
***
Please ask your veterinary professional for referral to a pet bereavement counselor or group in your area, or contact one of these organizations that are staffed by qualified bereavement counselors or trained volunteers:
- Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (aplb.org) Video Support Group & Chat Room
- Bideawee.org Pet Loss Support – free via ZOOM. Register in advance on-line or by calling: 1-866-262-8133
- Pet Loss Support Hotline at Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine: 607-218-7457
- Pet Loss Support Hotline at Tufts University, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine: 508-839-7966
Further reading:
How to Grieve the Death of a Pet, Cleveland Clinic, Mellen Center: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/grieving-the-loss-of-a-pet/
Coping With the Loss of a Pet, AVMA: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/coping-loss-pet