Grieving the loss of a pet can be extremely difficult, and it is normal to take your time. You don’t have to go through it alone. This list of grief counseling resources includes hotlines, support groups, books, and more that are checked quarterly to ensure they are always up to date. Everhart Veterinary Medicine is here for you.
Pet Loss Support Phone Hotlines
National Resources
Lap of Love Pet Loss Resource Line: 855-352-LOVE (5683)
https://www.lapoflove.com/pet-loss-support/pet-loss-resource-line
Tufts University Pet Loss Support Hotline: 508-839-7966
https://vet.tufts.edu/petloss/
Local Resources
For local and regional phone hotlines, check with your local Veterinary Colleges and Humane Societies. Also review the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement directory.
https://www.aplb.org/support/hotlines/
Support Groups
Virtual Support Group
Lap of Love:
https://www.lapoflove.com/our-services/pet-loss-support-group
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement:
In-person
For local and regional support group offerings, check with your local Humane Societies and Veterinary Colleges. Also, review the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement directory:
Chat Rooms
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement:
https://www.aplb.org/chat-with-us/
Books
Adult
When Your Pet Dies: A Guide to Mourning, Remembering and Healing by Alan Wolfelt
Pet Loss: A Thoughtful Guide for Adults and Children by Herbert Neilburg and Ariene Fischer
Goodbye My Friend: Grieving the Loss of a Pet by Mary and Herb Montgomery
The Loss of a Pet by Wallace Sife
Saying Goodbye to the Pet You Love by Lorri Greene
The Grief Recovery Handbook for Pet Loss by Russell Friedman
Coping with the Loss of Your Pet by Christine Lemieux
My Personal Pet Remembrance Journal by Enid Samuel Traisman
Pet Parents: A Journey Through Unconditional Love and Grief by Coleen Ellis
Children
When a Pet Dies by Fred Rogers
The Tenth Good Thing About Barney by Judith Viorst
Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant
Cat Heaven by Cynthia Rylant
I’ll Always Love You by Hans Wilhelm
Healing Your Grieving Heart for Kids by Alan Wolfelt
Saying Goodbye to Lulu by Corinne Demas
Goodbye Mousie by Robbie Harris
The Fall of Freddie the Leaf by Leo Buscaglia
This is a small sample of books you may find helpful. For a more extensive list, including genres such as memoirs, short stories, religious themes, and journals, see the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement Recommended Reading List:
https://www.aplb.org/resources/recommended-reading/
Resources for Professionals
Pet Loss and Human Emotion by Cheri Barton Ross
Connecting with Grieving Clients: Supportive Communication for Fourteen Common Situations by Laurel Lagoni and Dana Durrance
Companioning You! A Soulful Guide to Caring for Yourself While You Care for the Dying and the Bereaved by Alan Wolfelt
Booklets and Brochures to Offer Veterinary Clients
Free-
Downloadable articles and booklets on euthanasia and grief by Veterinary Wisdom
Purchase-
Educational Enclosures by Veterinary Wisdom
Booklets and wallet cards by The Center for Loss and Life Transition
Booklet: Goodbye My Friend: Grieving the Loss of a Pet by Mary and Herb Montgomery
