Pets become such a part of our families that their deaths often cause intense emotional anxiety. Pets rely on family members to decide difficult medical health questions. Facing these questions may leave the pet owner discouraged, confused, angry, or guilty. Understanding these natural feelings will help resolve this complicated process.
We offer a pamphlet on the stages of grieving the loss of a companion animal. We encourage those clients searching for more support to contact one of our veterinarians or the Animal Humane Society of Hennepin County.
Pet loss support groups are available at several locations around the twin cities. Animal Emergency Veterinary Services offers a meeting on the first Tuesday of every month at their Eden Prairie location. (aevs.com). The Animal Humane Society of Hennepin County offers a drop-in Pet Loss Support Group for people who have recently lost a companion animal or who are anticipating the loss of a pet. The group is loosely structured by a facilitator and meets on Monday nights from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Come once or as often as you like. Call 763/522-4325 with questions or for further information.
Web Resources for Pet Loss and Bereavement
| Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement | This site includes chat rooms, website links, and memorial pages. A hotline, a counselor and grieving information is available. |
| Edina Comfort Care Mental Health Walk-In Clinic | We are a group of licensed counselors who also love animals. We understand the overwhelming grief of losing a beloved pet. We offer walk-in appointments at a flat fee. Call or stop by for a compassionate consultation. 952-913-5403. 7300 France Ave. S. #208. |
| AVMA Resources | Articles available from the American Veterinary Medical Association:Pet EuthanasiaCoping with the loss of a pet |
| Colorado State University | Information for families and children including coping with sick animals and pet loss. Colorado State also offers memorial plaques and stones for a Tribute Garden. |
| Companion Animal of Arizona, Inc. | Local support information and brochures available. Site includes an online forum. |
| Cornell University | Information about the stages of grieving, euthanasia and frequently asked questions regarding pet loss. List of books and videos and website links. |
| Eden Publications | List of books for pet loss and bereavement. |
| Grief Healing | Thorough listing of web resources for every aspect of pet loss and bereavement. List of recommended books, cassettes and CDs. Website links for hotlines, message boards and chat rooms. Newsletters and articles available. Resources for children available. |
| In Memory of Pets | Memorial pages with poems, photos, comments, stories and message boards. Resources for grief support, pet hospice, pet cemeteries, rescues and shelters as well as books and more. |
| Nikki Hospice Foundation for Pets | Pet Loss Support page with links to books and cassettes, including summaries of each. Pet Loss Services page has information limited to California Bay Area. |
| Pet Grief Support and Candle Ceremony | Candle ceremony and tribute pages. The Rainbow Bridge poem available in 10 languages. Site includes chat rooms, message boards, poetry collection. Website links to online support groups and hotline information. |
What's Next
Call us or schedule an appointment online.
Meet with a doctor for an initial exam.
Put a plan together for your pet.
