Pet Loss Support

When you feel alone with your grief – Sometimes there’s no substitute for a sympathetic ear and understanding human voice

Fortunately, a number of Pet-Loss support groups have been formed and are generally staffed by veterinary students at some of the nation’s most prestigious veterinary schools and colleges. These are wonderful programs, and they’re free for the cost of the call (If you call during off hours, most will call you back collect). In addition to a sympathetic ear, these programs offer additional resources such as articles that you may find helpful. So, if you are feeling lost and lonely or consumed with grief, we encourage you to call one of the hotlines. It will make you feel much better.

Pet Loss Hotlines & Support Groups

Tufts University
School of Veterinary Medicine
https://vet.tufts.edu/petloss/
North Grafton, Massachusetts
Hours of operation: 6 to 9 p.m.
Eastern time, Monday through Friday
508-839-7966

Cornell University
College of Veterinary Medicine
https://www2.vet.cornell.edu/about-us/outreach/pet-loss-support-hotline
Ithaca, New York
Hours of operation: 6 to 9 p.m.
Eastern time, Tuesdays & Thursdays
607-253-3932

Michigan State University
College of Veterinary Medicine
https://cvm.msu.edu/hospital/services/social-work/pet-loss-support-group
East Lansing, Michigan
Pet Loss Support Group: 6:30 p.m.
Eastern time, 2nd & 4th Thursdays of every month
517-355-1855

Resources for coping with pet loss:

Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement – We have all experienced the pain of losing a pet. The Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement has set up this site for support during this most difficult time. You will find inspirational stories, grief counseling resources, hotline numbers and many other resources.

Coping with Losing a Pet - Pet bereavement advice.

Tips to Cope with the Loss of a Pet - Pet bereavement advice.

Rainbow Bridge – Anyone who has ever lost a pet should visit this wonderful site. It is a terrific tribute to our lost family members.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...