Pet Loss & Grief Support

Pets can bring us incredible joy and companionship throughout their lives. We can also experience incredible sadness and a sense of loss at their passing.

In the past, it was more common to hear “it was just a pet,” and people would move on. Somehow.

Today, with pets living longer, healthier lives and enjoying such an integral position in the human family, grief over losing a pet is a serious concern. Thankfully, more veterinary schools and counseling professionals now offer a wide variety of resources for those experiencing the pain of losing a dearly loved pet.

There are 5 “stages” of grief. One or more of these emotions may be experienced by those who are experiencing grief or are faced with serious “news”:

• Denial – This can’t be happening to me/my pet!
• Anger – Why me? This isn’t fair!
• Bargaining – If I could just have more time, find the best cure, do something to change the outcome.
• Depression – The grief and sadness can be overwhelming.
• Acceptance – My pet is now in a better place or at the Rainbow Bridge.

Sometimes just recognizing that these emotions are “normal” help people to work through their grief. If the grief just feels too intense or too overwhelming to know what to do next, here are some resources to help.

• Common Grief Symptoms
• Factors That Complicate Grief
• Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement

Looking for grief counseling or support groups?

Check with Wheeler Petuary for grief counseling or one of the following veterinary school grief supports:

916-752-4200

University of California-Davis (veterinary students)

Weekdays 6:30pm to 9:30 pm PT

904-392-4700 then dial 1&4080

University of Florida (veterinary students)

weekdays, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM – ET

517-432-2696

Michigan State University (veterinary student)

Tuesday through Thursday

6:30 PM to 9:30 PM – ET

708-603-3994

Chicago Veterinary Medical Association (veterinarians and trained volunteer)

7:00 PM to 9:00 PM-CT (long-distance calls will be returned collect)

( leave voice mail message & call will be returned)

540-231-8038

Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine

Tuesday &Thursday 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM- ET

614-292-1823

The Ohio State University (veterinary students)

Wednesday & Friday 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM- ET

(voice mail messages will be returned collect during operating hours)

508-839-7966

Tufts University (veterinary students)

Tuesday, Thursday, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, ET

(voice mail messages will be returned daily, collect outside Massachusetts)