After the loss of a pet, it is normal to feel empty and lost. Reach out for support from family, friends, clergy, and mental health professionals. Reach out to me. You don’t have to go through this mourning process alone.

The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement has evening online pet loss chat rooms – you might be surprised how much it helps. They also offer links to trained mental health professionals in your area who provide group and bereavement counseling.

The Argus Institute also offers counseling and support services, along with educational materials for helping you through the decision making process and dealing with grief.

The International Association of Animal Hospice and Palliative Care promotes comfort care that addresses the physical, psychological, and social needs of animals with chronic and/or life limiting diseases. They also promote physical, emotional, and spiritual support for caregivers.

Day By Day Pet Caregiver Support offers grief support for pet owners. They offer chat rooms where pet owners can talk to others going through the similar situations and a 24/7 Hotline, where you can speak to an experienced Day By Day team member.

The In Home Pet Euthanasia Directory guides you in your search for a veterinarian who can assist with in-home pet euthanasia. They encourage pet owners to connect with a local counselor before euthanasia takes place.

• Zoom Grief Support Group
• Wednesday Evenings from 7:30-8:30 PM (times may vary)
• Email Belle Lopes with a request to join. (beyondrainbowbridge7418@gmail.com)
• Hosted by Belle Lopes, LCSW of Compass Counseling Group, Trinity Haswell LSW and Dr. Dale Krier DVM, CHPV

The loss of a pet is often a child’s first experience with death and it needs to be handled gently. Here is a list of books to help children cope with the loss of their pet: