Coping With Pet Loss
The bond we share with our pets is deep and meaningful, which makes saying goodbye incredibly painful. You don’t have to go through it alone—this resource is here to offer guidance and compassion during a difficult time.
Coping With Pet Loss – Helpful Resources
Losing a beloved pet is one of the most painful experiences a pet parent can face. Grief is personal, and there is no “right” way to feel or heal. You are not alone—many compassionate organizations and resources exist to help guide and support you through this difficult time.
Below you’ll find trusted resources for grief support, memorial options, and answers to common questions about pet loss.
Grief Support & Counseling Resources
Cornell University Pet Loss Support Resources
Cornell offers a comprehensive collection of pet loss information, including FAQs about grief and euthanasia, helpful articles, and links to additional support services. They also provide a Pet Loss Support Hotline staffed by trained veterinary students.
Website: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/impact/community-impact/pet-loss-resources-and-support
Companion Animal Association of Arizona
This Arizona-based organization focuses on supporting the human-animal bond and helping pet parents cope when that bond is broken. They offer grief support resources and local assistance.
Website: https://www.caaainc.org/pet-grief-support.html
Pet Grief Support Services
Offers multiple forms of support, including:
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Pet Grief Support Helpline
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Pet loss counseling referrals
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Articles on pet loss and grief
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Guidance for helping children cope
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Monthly in-person support group (meets the first Saturday of each month at Hospice of the Valley)
Memorial & Remembrance Resources
Rainbow Bridge Support
A long-standing online community dedicated to honoring pets who have passed. The site offers memorial pages, grief forums, chat rooms, poems, and supportive tools to help families remember their pets.
Features include:
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Online pet memorials
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Pet loss forums and chat rooms
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Monday Candle Lighting Ceremony
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Pet poems and stories
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E-sympathy cards
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Memorial keepsakes and tribute items
Website: www.rainbowbridge.com
Best Friends Animal Society – Angels Rest Memorials
Best Friends Animal Society offers a meaningful way to honor your pet while helping animals in need. Creating a memorial tribute helps support their lifesaving work.
Website: https://bestfriends.org/pet-memorials
Phoenix Zoo Pet Celebration & Memorial Program
The Phoenix Zoo provides a unique way to remember a pet through donations made in their honor. Tribute gifts help support the zoo’s conservation and animal care programs, and recipients receive a personalized memorial card.
Website: https://www.phoenixzoo.org/support/tribute-gifts/
Books to Help Children and Families Heal
Snort’s Special Gift – by Suzann Yue
A gentle family story that explores different ways to grieve and remember a beloved pet. This book helps children understand loss while celebrating happy memories.
The Invisible String – by Patrice Karst
A comforting book that explains how love keeps us connected to those we’ve lost—including pets—even when they are no longer with us
A Gentle Reminder
Grieving a pet is a deeply personal journey. Whether you seek counseling, connect with others who understand, create a memorial, or simply take time to reflect, your feelings are valid.
If you need support, please reach out to one of the resources above. You don’t have to go through this alone.