Losing a pet is real grief.
The bond doesn’t end at goodbye, and neither should the support. Below are trusted hotlines, support groups, and gentle guidance — for you, for your children, and for the days that feel heaviest.
Someone to talk to.
These lines are staffed or returned by trained veterinary students, counselors, and volunteers. Hours can shift with academic calendars — if no one answers, leave a message.
ASPCA Pet Loss Support
(877) 474-3310
Free grief support line. You can also email griefsupport@aspca.org.
Lap of Love Resource Line
(855) 352-5683
Staffed by certified pet loss and bereavement coaches. Virtual support groups also available.
Cornell University
(607) 218-7457
Staffed by trained veterinary students. Leave a message and someone will call back.
Tufts University
(508) 839-7966
24-hour voicemail; calls are returned at the next scheduled shift.
Univ. of Illinois C.A.R.E.
877-394-CARE (2273)
Support from trained veterinary student volunteers.
Washington State University
(866) 266-8635
Email plhl@vetmed.wsu.edu. Leave a message if no one answers.
When you’d rather not talk out loud.
APLB Chat Rooms
The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement hosts free, moderated chat rooms led by trained counselors, on a scheduled basis.
Lap of Love Video Groups
Virtual support groups for pet loss, anticipatory grief, and unexpected loss — join from anywhere.
Community & Facebook Groups
Many informal pet-loss communities exist online. Search “pet loss” to find people who understand exactly what you’re feeling.
For the hardest parts.
Talking With Children
Use plain, honest words — “died,” not “put to sleep,” which can confuse or frighten young children. Let them ask questions, and let them grieve in their own way. Lap of Love offers free children’s grief resources.
Guilt After Euthanasia
“What if” thoughts are common, even when the choice spared suffering. A hotline, group, or counselor can help you meet that guilt with compassion instead of blame.
One Small Love Task
A candle, a framed photo, a written memory. Small acts of remembrance help a grieving nervous system settle after a hard day.
Phone numbers and hours are provided as a courtesy and can change. Please confirm current details with each organization before relying on them.
Honor them on our memorial wall.
Some families find comfort in leaving a tribute — a permanent place for a name that mattered.