For many of us, our pets are family members. When it’s time to say goodbye, the resulting sense of loss and grief is as real and overwhelming as when we lose a relative or human friend.

Grieving the loss of a friend or companion is a sign of the love that existed between you. The first step in coping with your grief is to acknowledge and communicate your feelings. These resources are available to help you through your grieving process.

• AERC (Animal Emergency & Referral Center) pet loss support group: Share your feelings with others going through a similar experience. This group meets at their Oakdale location the fourth Tuesday of every month.
• Cornell University College Pet Loss Hotline: The Pet Loss Support Hotline is available via Google Voice to facilitate support Wednesdays from 6 – 9 p.m. and Sundays from 4 – 7 p.m. EDT. Google Voice will prompt you to enter your name before connecting, however to remain anonymous you can say “anonymous” or just enter your first name.
• CALLM – University of Minnesota resources and support group: The VMC has curated a variety of materials, articles, and books to help you cope with the loss of your companion animal. They also host a bi-weekly bereavement group (CALLM) on the U of M’s St. Paul campus.

Resources

Online Resources