For many of us, our pets are family members. When it's time to say goodbye, the resulting sense of loss and grief is as real and overwhelming as when we lose a relative or human friend.
Grieving the loss of a friend or companion is a sign of the love that existed between you. The first step in coping with your grief is to acknowledge and communicate your feelings. These resources are available to help you through your grieving process.
- Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota pet loss support group: Share your feelings with others going through a similar experience. This group meets at their Oakdale location the fourth Tuesday of every month.
- University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) resources and support group: The VMC has curated a variety of materials, articles, and books to help you cope with the loss of your companion animal. They also host a bi-weekly bereavement group (CALLM) on the UofM's St. Paul campus.
- Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center resource list: The University's Veterinary Medical Center has gathered a list of pet loss hotlines, online support groups, and more to help you grieve the loss of your beloved pet.
- Peaceful Passing for Pets resources and grief support: Understand and learn how to deal with grief after the loss of a pet. For additional support preparing to say goodbye to a pet, explore their list of resources.
NOTE: Animal Humane Society's Pet Loss Support Group is no longer active. Please leverage the resources above going forward.
