Pet Loss Support Resources
Pet Loss & End-of-Life Specialists
Angela Shook of Dragonfly End of Life Services - virtual sessions available for end-of-life preparation, anticipatory grief, and post-loss grief
Beth Bigler of Honoring Our Animals - virtual small groups and 1:1 sessions available
Amanda Lewis Photography - pet photographer and pet loss grief specialist who does photo sessions at all stages of a pet’s life, from youth to their senior years
Resource Directories
Association for Pet Loss & Bereavement Directory of Services - listings for animal chaplains, companion animal doulas, pet loss counselors/specialists, pet loss support groups, and more
Grieving the Loss of a Pet: Resources for Coping - a resource page from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
Lap of Love - connections to veterinary hospice and in-home euthanasia in addition to resources such as an easy online quality-of-life assessment
Love, Baxter - resources for preparing for loss and navigating pet loss, including online grief support, articles & guidance, finding a professional, and exploring memorial items
Wolfie’s Wish - offers pet loss gifts and a variety of end-of-life resources
Support Articles, Videos, & Podcasts
How Do Our Brains Handle Grief? | Mary-Frances O'Connor (TED talk)
How to Support a Loved One Who is Grieving | University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine (article)
Pet Loss Grief; The Pain Explained | Sarah Hoggan DVM (TED talk)
The Pet Loss Companion (YouTube Channel + Podcast)
What to Do & Not Do When Someone Loses a Pet by Ann Hoff | Pet Perennials (article)
Wolfie's Wish Pet Loss Pawdcast (available on Apple Podcasts)
Hotlines & Support Groups
ASPCA Pet Loss Helpline: Available 25/7 by calling 877-GRIEF-10 (877-474-3310)
Michigan State University Pet Loss Support Hotline: Operates Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm ET at 517-432-2696
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement’s Connect and Share Your Pet Loss Story Facebook Group - open to all
Letters to Pushkin - a place to share a memorial letter to your beloved
Michigan State University Veterinary Medical Center Pet Loss Support Group - free call-in or virtual support group that meets remotely the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of every month from 6:30 - 7:30 pm; does not meet during the 4th weeks of November and December
Books on Pet Loss & Grief
The Book of Pet Love and Loss: Words of Comfort and Wisdom from Remarkable People by Sara Bader
Good Grief: On Loving Pets, Here and Hereafter by E.B. Bartels
The Grieving Brain by Mary-Frances O’Connor
The Grieving Body by Mary-Frances O’Connor
Honoring Our Animals: 365 Meditations for Healing After Pet Loss by Beth Bigler
The Loss of a Pet: A Guide to Coping with the Grieving Process When a Pet Dies by Dr. Wallace Sife
The Pet Loss Companion: Healing Advice from Family Therapists Who Lead Pet Loss Groups by Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio & Nancy Saxton-Lopez
Tails from Beyond the Paw Print: Love, Loss and Lessons Learned from Our Adored Animal Companions by Micky Golden Moore
When Your Pet Dies: A Guide to Mourning, Remembering and Healing by Dr. Alan Wolfelt