Anticipating and experiencing the loss of an animal companion can create many different feelings for people.  Even if you have been through this before and think you know what to expect, there are often things going on in your life or with this particular pet that make this experience different.  

Acknowledging the variety of feelings you and your family may be experiencing, we have put together some resources that may help you through your grief process. 

Even in the same family grieving will be different for everyone so please review this page together so that everyone knows what is available should there be a need.

Loss and Grief Counselors

Moving through grief and loss is intensely personal and is often an overwhelming experience.  If you would like to speak with someone, please review our resources:

Local Counselors

Lynda Harrington, LCSW - (916) 678-0706

Patricia Brunner, PhD - (916) 678-0798

Jodie Arceo, LCSW - (916) 794-6680, jodiearceolcsw@gmail.com

UC Davis Pet Loss Support

Client Support Counseling services - (530) 752-7341

Facebook Support Groups

Both of the groups we recommend are active, monitored support groups to help those dealing with grief surrounding pet loss.

Veterinary Wisdom

Veterinary Wisdom has a private Facebook Group community where you can share your experience with others who are also grieving.

Log into Facebook and request to join the group here.

Pet Hospice

Learn Pet Hospice has created a private Facebook group community where you can share your experience with others who are also grieving.

Log into Facebook and request to join the group here.

Downloadable Resources

If you would prefer to manage your grief on your own, there are many online resources that can help you to gently process your emotions and come to terms with your loss.

Pet Loss Journal

Download Here

This Pet Loss Journal is free for everyone and full of insights, exercises, and information that can help you process the grief you’re feeling after saying goodbye to your beloved friend.

Veterinary Wisdom

Veterinary Wisdom has many excellent downloadable resources for coping with grief and loss:

1. Support for Pet Parents

2. Support for Pet Loss

3. Kids and Grief

Additional Resources

You may also like to read this story from our community - Grief: Losing a Pet & My Grief Journey

We are here for you if you would like more support.