Coping With The Loss of a Beloved Pet
Grief Support & Helpful Resources
Losing a pet means saying goodbye to a cherished companion, family member, and friend. Whether the loss was sudden or expected, the grief can feel overwhelming, confusing, and isolating. Please know your feelings are valid, and that you are not alone. Grieving a pet can involve many emotions: sadness, guilt, anger, relief, numbness, and much more. There is no “right” way to grieve, and everyone’s process looks different. Some pet parents find comfort in memorials, others in quiet reflection, and some in seeking professional support.
Below you will find resources and supportive tools to help you navigate this difficult time.
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement: The APLB has excellent professional resources and articles regarding grief, coping with loss, anticipatory grief, and how to talk about loss with others.
Cornell University Pet Loss Resources and Hotline: This is a hotline run by veterinary students trained to offer compassionate listening. You can find their number and hours at the bottom of this article:
Humane Society - Coping With the Death of Your Pet: An article defining grief, and how to best cope with the emotions that follow pet loss.
Gateway Services - Grief Support Pamphlets: Gateway Services is a pet after-care provider that has created two very helpful pamphlets surrounding pet loss, and how to best handle pre-planning and after-care.
Lap of Love - Free Pet Loss Support Groups: A veterinary hospice provider that hosts free pet loss support groups, but also offers more personal support for those in need.
Additional Resources:
National Suicide Prevention Hotline – Call or text 988
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center – (888) 426-4435
ASPCA Pet Loss Helpline – 877-GRIEF-10 (877-474-3310)
Lap of Love Pet Loss and Bereavement Resource Hotline – (855) 352-LOVE (5683)
Crisis Text Line – Text 741741
Veteran’s Crisis Line – (800) 273-8255 or text 838255
National Depression Hotline – (866) 629-4564
Grief is a journey without a timeline. Whether you need support now or weeks into the future, these resources are always here for you, including our family here at Bella’s. If we can help you with after-care arrangements or answer any questions you may have, no matter how obscure, please don’t hesitate to contact us.