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GRIEF RESOURCES FOR PET OWNERS

Navigating Loss and Healing

Losing a beloved pet can be an incredibly emotional and challenging experience. Whether you’ve said goodbye to a loyal dog, a playful cat, or any other cherished companion, the grief can be profound. Fortunately, there are resources available to help you cope during this difficult time. Here are some valuable grief resources for pet owners:

Online Resources for Coping with Pet Loss
  • Letters to Pushkin: Sometimes writing can be therapeutic. At Letters to Pushkin, you can express your feelings through letters directly to your pet. You can even choose to share your letter publicly, connecting with others who have experienced similar loss.
  • Argus Institute at Colorado State University: This institute honors the human-animal bond by providing compassionate support. Their resources include support groups, individual counseling, and guidance on making end-of-life decisions for your pet.
Videos for Coping with Pet Loss
How to Honor Your Pet After They Pass
Talking to Children About Grief

The death of a pet is often a child’s first experience with death and the grief surrounding it. So, it’s important to be open and honest with children about what has happened. It’s important to talk to them at a level appropriate to their age and level of development. Use simple language, like “She was very sick, and she died”, and avoid using euphemisms like “She went to sleep” to avoid confusion about sleeping and death.

Activities you can do with your children:
  • Make a collage or scrapbook
  • Plant a tree or flowers in memory of the pet
  • Hold a memorial service.
  • Plan a trip to spread ashes together
  • Write a goodbye letter to your pet
Books for Children:
  • Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant
  • Cat Heaven by Cynthia Rylant
  • Being Brave for Bailey by Corey Gut, DVM
  • The Fall of Freddie the Leaf by Leo Buscaglia
  • The Tenth Good Thing About Barney  by Judith Viorst
More Resources for Children
  • “Always Remember” by Cece Meng
  • “Healing A Child’s Pet Loss Grief: A Guide for Parents” by Wendy Van de Poll 
  • “Death of a Pet: Answers to Questions for Children and Animal Lovers of All Ages”
  • “A Rainbow Bridge for Gus: A Story about the Loss of a Pet” by Barb Rigabar
  • “Cat Heaven” by Cynthia Rylant
  • “Children and Pet Loss: A Guide for Helping” by Marty Tousley
  • “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” (Season 3, Episode 20: “Daniel’s Fish Dies/Daniel’s Strawberry Seeds”)
  • “Paw Prints in the Stars: A Farewell and Journal for a Beloved Pet” by Warren Hanson
  • “The Next Place” by Warren Hanson
  • “The Invisible Leash: A Story Celebrating Love After the Loss of a Pet” by Patrice Karst
  • “Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates” by Gary Kurz
  • “Until We Meet Again: From Grief to Hope After Losing a Pet” by Melissa Lyons
  • “The Rainbow Bridge: A Visit to Pet Paradise” by Adrian Raeside
National Support Hotlines and Resources

Pet loss support groups provide a safe environment for people to share their stories. One advantage of group therapy is that it helps people recognize the commonality of their emotions; you are not alone in grieving the loss of a beloved pet.

Mental Health Resources

Remember that grieving is a personal journey, and there’s no right or wrong way to mourn the loss of a beloved pet. Seek out the resources that resonate with you, and allow yourself the space to heal. Your pet’s memory will forever live on in your heart.