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Pet Loss Coping Strategies and Support Group Resources
- Nandini Swaminathan
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Losing a beloved pet is often a heartbreaking experience, yet it is a grief that society sometimes fails to fully acknowledge. At The Bond Between, we understand this profound pain—the unique ache left when a cherished member of your family, your most loyal companion, is gone.
Talking about your grief is not just helpful; it is essential to your healing journey. Even when you are surrounded by understanding and supportive family and friends, a dedicated pet loss support group provides a profoundly different, and often more effective, experience.
Why a Pet Loss Support Group Matters?
A support group provides a safe, supportive environment to express grief, connect with others who understand the unique bond with a pet, validate feelings that others may not acknowledge, and learn healthy coping strategies to navigate the emotional and physical distress of pet loss. These groups help normalize the grieving process, which can be as profound as losing a human family member, offering comfort, solace, and a path toward healing and acceptance.
If you are struggling to move forward, a support group can be the compass you need. They help you hold on to the love while letting go of the pain. One of the most valuable aspects of a support group is learning practical, healthy coping mechanisms to navigate daily grief.
Is there a Pet Loss Support group at The Bond Between?
After careful consideration, we've decided to discontinue our Pet Loss Support Group program. We understand how important support is during times of grief. While this specific group will no longer be available, please know there are many other compassionate resources listed below to help you through the loss of a pet.
Through our extensive work with thousands of pet owners, we have most commonly observed these emotional reactions and effective, supportive strategies to help you heal.
Sadness
You may feel devastated and heartbroken, often crying frequently and struggling to accept the loss.
What can you do? Allow yourself to feel the sadness, but if it becomes overwhelming, give yourself a break to rest or engage in a distracting activity.
Guilt
"If only..." thoughts are a normal way our mind tries to avoid the final reality of the loss.
What can you do? Counteract guilt by focusing on the good life you gave your furry friend, trusting that you did the best you could with the information you had.
Anger
Anger can be directed at yourself, a veterinarian, or others who don't seem to understand your pain.
What can you do? Remember that anger stems from hurt—the painful fact your companion is gone. Focus on feelings of love and joyful memories to let the anger dissipate.
Anxiety
It’s common to question, "Can I get through this?" The answer is absolutely yes.
What can you do? Be gentle with yourself; take it one day at a time, allowing for comfort food, naps, quiet time, or time with supportive friends.
Waves of Grief
Do not be surprised if you feel better one day and crash emotionally the next—this is a normal, unpredictable pattern.
What can you do? Allow yourself to grieve at your own pace. You will never forget your pet, but the day will come when you remember them with more joy and smiles than tears.
When you’re ready, consider how you would like to honor the memory of your beloved furry friend. It could be writing a poem, creating a scrap book or album of your pet, creating a keepsake item of your pet, or donating to a local animal shelter.
If you're craving for more animal time but aren't ready for adoption, consider these great options:
Utilize our Pet Loss Support Group resources to find the comfort and community you need during this hard time.
In-Person Centers in Minnesota
The University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) offers a bereavement group to support those grieving the loss of a beloved companion animal. If you are interested in participating in CALLM, please contact the VMC Social Work Services team in advance for pre-screening and to reserve a seat. Please either call 612-624-9372 or email swvet@umn.edu.
FamilyMeans - Center for Grief and Loss – St. Paul, MN
Licensed therapists with experience in pet loss. Offer individual, couples, family, child and adolescent therapy as well as group therapy.
Counseling services are completely free and anonymous, with no appointment needed. All of our professional counselors volunteer their time.
Online Support Groups
Animal Emergency and Referral Center of Minnesota Pet Loss Support Group
Meets every fourth Tuesday of every month from 7-8:30 pm. Our group is currently meeting via Zoom. Please contact Heidi at (651) 501-3759, ext. 3005, or habrenegan@aercmn.com if you wish to attend!
VetVine Virtual Pet Loss Support Groups
National virtual 1:1 support group facilitated by licensed professionals, $25 fee.
Rainbow Bridge Pet Loss Grief Support Chat Room
The room is open 24 hours a day and between 8-12 pm EST has caring volunteers waiting to help
Association for Pet Loss & Bereavement Chat Rooms
Scheduled open chat rooms facilitated by trained volunteers
Weekly group sessions via Zoom
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
Chat room hosted by professionals. APLB is a nonprofit group that's knowledgeable about the tender subject of pet death and dedicated to helping people during their bereavement. The website contains an extensive list of pet loss resources.
National Hotlines
Lap of Love Pet Loss and Bereavement Hotline
Answered Monday – Friday from 10am to 9pm EST. (855) 352-5683
Tufts Pet Loss Support Hotline at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
Answered Monday – Friday from 5pm to 8pm CST. There is a 24-hour voicemail option as well. (508) 839-7966
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741 741
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
(800) 273-8255 (If you are struggling and need support, these are not pet loss specific but are answered 24/7.)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Ayuda en Español
(888) 628-9454 (If you are struggling and need support, these are not pet loss specific but are answered 24/7.)
Cornell Univesity Pet Loss Support Hotline
607-218-7457. M-F 5-8 pm, S-S 11am-8pm
Behavioral Euthanasia - Support Group
For after euthanasia has taken place.
In-Home Euthanasia
MN Pets - Serves MN Metro Area.
Blue Skies - Serves Eastern MN and Western WI.
Lap of Love - Serves all of MN.
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