Coping with the Loss of a Pet

How to Cope With the Loss of a Pet

Losing a pet can be devastating. If this has happened to your family, we are sorry for your loss. We understand how difficult this time may be for you and your family.

You may find that you or other members of your family are experiencing the same kinds of emotions you might feel if a human member of your family has died. You are not alone. Learning more about the grief process may help. Please contact any of the resources below for help on your journey.  

Pet Loss Support Hotlines & Resources

• ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline, (877) 474-3310
• Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
• Colorado State Argus Institute for Families and Veterinary Medicine
• Grief Healing
• Nikki Hospice Foundation for Pets
• Pet Grief Support
• Pet Loss Help
• Pet Loss Support
• Rainbow Bridge
• Tufts University Pet Loss Support

The information included in this section of our website has been adapted from the book, Stress, Loss and Grief (1984) by Laurel Lagoni, MS, and Suzanne Hetts, PhD, and the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center’s Coping With the Loss of Your Companion Animal (2012). We are grateful to Rena Ledin, MSW, LGSW, who made additional revisions, and the staff of BluePearl for their contributions.