Losing a pet is difficult. There are numerous resources and organizations that provide support and can be found online by searching keywords such as “pet grief support” and “pet euthanasia”. Below is a list of some of the sites that provide grief support, memorials and answer commonly asked questions.
Go to www.vet.cornell.edu > About Us > Outreach > Pet Loss Support Hotline > Resources for Grieving
This website includes FAQ’s about pet loss and euthanasia as well as other comprehensive, helpful resources including links to other websites, printed and audiovisual materials, and a Pet Loss Support Hotline (which is answered by veterinary students who have gone through extensive training with a grief counselor).
Go to www.bestfriends.org > sanctuary > Angels Rest Memorials
Best Friends Animal Society is an animal welfare society with a large sanctuary located in Utah, which for the past 30 years has been a leader in the no kill movement across the United States.
Angels Rest Memorials
“The gift of a memorial is a loving tribute to those who have touched our lives. It serves not only as a remembrance of the love you shared, but it also provides a second chance to those in need. Whether they're furry or not, your tribute will be recorded and live here within our website”.
Go to www.caaainc.org > pet grief support
The mission of this organization is to enhance the quality of lives of people by promoting the Human/Companion Animal Bond and to provide support when the bond is broken.
Pet Grief Support Service
Pet Grief Support Helpline
Links to Pet Loss Counseling, Pet Loss Articles, Children and Pet Loss, General Pet Loss
Support Group for Grieving Animal Lovers (meets 1st Saturday of every month at the Hospice of the Valley)
Go to www.rainbowbridge.com
This website is for a euthanasia service in Washington, but it includes a few pages that answer commonly asked questions regarding topics such as making the decision to euthanize and how to communicate with children about the loss of a pet. The following are available on the website:
Rainbow Bridge Pet Memorial – A memorial created to leave special memories you shared with your pet.
Pet Loss Grief Support Center – Here you will find the Pet Loss Forum & Chat Room, along with other resources.
Visit the Residents of Rainbows Bridge – A listing of all Rainbow Bridge Pet Memorials.
Rainbows Bridge Pin & Poem Set – Accompanied by the poem, the pin is worn in honor and memory of your beloved pet.
New Beginnings – Search various databases for answers to health-related questions, and for Rescue Shelters in your area.
Monday Candle Lighting Ceremony – Join other pet owners to honor beloved pets who have gone to Rainbow Bridge.
The Rainbow Boutique – Pet memorial items from respected vendors.
Pet Poems & Stories – Encourages all visitors to share their poems & stories about a beloved pet.
E-Sympathy Cards – On-line Sympathy Cards to let friends know you care and understand the emotional pain of their loss.
The Guardian Area – You, a Guardian of a Rainbow Resident, go to care for your pet.
Volunteer – Volunteer to send a condolence, offer help at a pet loss chat, email an e-sympathy card or help at a forum.
Donations – A portion of all purchases is donated to rescue shelters chosen at random 4x/year.
Go to www.phoenixzoo.org > Support the Zoo > Pet Celebration & Memorial Program
The Phoenix Zoo offers two ways to honor that special animal family member in your life. This is a special way to make a donation in memory of a beloved pet or to celebrate a new animal addition to your family. Upon your donation, you or your designated recipient receives a personalized card that announces your gift to the zoo.
Books for Children and Adults:
Snort’s Special Gift by Suzann Yue – This is a family story that explores different ways to grieve for and remember a beloved pet. This healing story addresses feelings of loss in gentle and supportive ways as the family shares happy memories and creates a beautiful celebration of Snort’s life.
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst – We are all attached in some way and this story is about a mother explains to her child how there is an invisible string that connects us to those we love, even when they are gone. A good book that helps kids when they lose someone or a pet.
Go to www.lastingpawsmemorial.com > Pet Aftercare > Grief Support
Since 1992, the Veterinary Neurological Center has utilized Dr. Michael Ames crematory services which now goes by the name Lasting Paws Per Memorial Services. Their website provides a list of books for those grieving the loss of a pet as well as additional grief resources and explanation of their services.
