Pet Loss Support & Online Resources
We know that when one is feeling overwhelmed, it can be hard to figure out where to start. In order to help owners navigate the many resources available, we have compiled the following list, which is not inclusive. Many of the resources were chosen based on personal recommendations from clients, as well as professionals that specialize in the Human-Animal Bond. We are unable to endorse specific resources, as we have no control over the services provided and no ability to verify the competence of the providers. An effort was made to ensure that the information was accurate at the time of publication.
In this section
Veterinary Medical Center Resources
The Veterinary Medical Center's Honoring the Bond program is lead by our in-house veterinary social worker, who can help you navigate through difficult decisions surrounding your pet's care and end-of-life decisions. We also provide a variety of video and print resources.
Pet Loss Support Hot Lines & Websites:
Lap of Love Pet Loss & Bereavement Support
Call: 855-352-5683
Cornell University Pet Loss Support
Call: 607-218-7457
Tufts University Pet Loss Support
Call: 508-839-7966
Online Support Groups & Chat Rooms
If you prefer group chats or online pet loss support groups, the following is a list of helpful links for those who have experienced the loss of a pet, including equine, farm and assistance dogs.
In-Person Pet Loss Counselors & Support Groups
The following sites keep a fairly updated list of counselors and support groups by city and state:
Pet Loss Suggested Reading List
The following list is not inclusive. These selected items were chosen based on recommendations, both from former clients, as well as professionals that specialize in the Human-Animal Bond (veterinarians, social workers, therapists). It contains information related to end-of-life decision making, but also includes information about pets living with cancer and those who are amputees. We hope you will find this list of curated books and articles helpful.
- "A Final Act of Caring" - Herb & Mary Montgomery, Montgomery Press, 1999.
- "A Snowflake in My Hand" - Samantha Mooney, Delta, 1989.
- "Kindred Spirit, Kindred Care: Making Health Decisions on Behalf of our Animal Companions" - Shannon Fujimoto Nakaya, DVM, New World Library, 2005.
- "Pets Living with Cancer" - Robin Downing, DVM, American Animal Hospital Association, 2000.
- "Preparing for the Loss of Your Pet: Saying Goodbye with Love, Dignity and a Peace of Mind" - Myrna Milani, Prima Lifestyles Publishing, 1998.
- "Surviving the Heartbreak of Choosing Death for Your Pet: Your Personal Guide for Dealing with Pet Euthanasia" - Linda Mary Peterson, Greentree Publishing, 1997.
- "The Final Farewell: Preparing for and Mourning the Loss of your Pet" - Marty Tousley & Katherine Heurman, Pals Publishing, 1997.
- "Without Regret: A Handbook for Owners of Canine Amputees" - Susan Neal, Doral Publishing, 2002.
- "A 30-day Guide to Healing from the Loss of Your Pet" - Gael J. Ross, LCSW, Broken Heart Press, 2010.
- "Bill at Rainbow Bridge" - Dan Carrison, Modern Family Classics Publishing, 2010.
- "Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates" - Gary Kurz, Citadel, 2008.
- "Coping with Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet" - Moira Anderson Allen, Dog Ear Publishing, LLC, 2007.
- "Coping with the Loss of a Pet" - Christina Lemieux, W.R. Clark, 1992.
- "Crossing the Rubicon: Celebrating the Human-Animal Bond in Life and Death" - Julie Kaufman, Xenophone Publications, 1999.
- Eden Publications Pet Loss Grief and Support
- "Forever in My Heart: Remembering my Pet’s Life" - Herb & Mary Montgomery, Montgomery Press, 2000.
- "Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die" - Jon Katz, Villard/Random House Publishing, 2011.
- "Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet" - Gary Kowalski, New World Library, 2006.
- "Goodbye My Friend" - Herb & Mary Montgomery, Montgomery Press, 2001.
- "Grieving the Death of a Pet" - Betty Carmack, Augbburg Fortress Publishers, 2003.
- "It’s Okay to Cry: Warm Compassionate Stories that Help You Find Hope and Healing after the Death of a Beloved Pet" - Maria Luz Quintana, Shari Veleba, & Harley King, K & K Communications, 2000.
- "Journey Through Pet Loss" - Deborah Antinori, Yoko Spirit Publications, 1998, Audio Recording.
- "Legacies of Love: A Gentle Guide to Healing from the Loss of your Animal Loved One" - Theresa Wagner, Matters of the Heart, 1998, Audiobook.
- "My Personal Pet Remembrance Journal" - Enid Samuel Traisman, Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital, 1997.
- "Pet Loss and Human Emotion: A Guide to Recovery" - Cheri Barton Ross and Jane Baron-Sorenson, 2nd Ed., Routledge, 2007.
- "Pet Loss: A Thoughtful Guide for Adults and Children" - Herbert Nieburg, Harper and Row, 1983.
- "The Loss of a Pet: A Guide to Coping with the Grieving Process When a Pet Dies" - Wallace Sife, 3rd Ed. Howell Book House NY, 2005.
- "Three Cats, Two Dogs: One Journey Through Multiple Pet Loss" - David Congalton, NewSage Press, 2000.
- "When Only the Love Remains: The Pain of Pet Loss" (Hardcover) - Emily Margaret Stuparyk, Hushion House, 2000.
- "When Your Pet Dies: How to Cope with Your Feelings" - Jamie Quackenbush & Denise Graveline, Pocket Press, 1985.
- "Because of Flowers and Dancers" - Sandra Brackenridge, Veterinary Practice Publishing, 1994.
- "Children Also Grieve : Talking About Death And Healing" - Linda Goldman, Jessica Kingsley Pub, 2005.
- "Children and Pet Loss: A Guide for Helping" - Marty Tousley, Our Pals Pub, 1996
- "Pet Loss and Children: Establishing a Healthy Foundation" - Cheri Barton Ross, Routledge, 2005.
- "Raising Our Children To Be Resilient : A Guide To Helping Children Cope With Trauma in Today's World" - Linda Goldman, Brunner-Routledge 2005.
- "A Dog Like Jack" - Dyanne DiSalvo-Ryan, Holiday House, 1999.
- "A Special Place for Charlee: A Child's Companion Through Pet Loss" - Debra Morehead, Partners in Publishing LLC, 1996.
- "Badger’s Parting Gifts" - Susan Varley, Lothrop, Lee and Shepard, 1984.
- "Cat Heaven" - Cynthia Rylant, Scholastic, 1997.
- "Dog Heaven" - Cynthia Rylant, Scholastic, 1995.
- "For Every Cat an Angel" - Christine Davis, Lighthearted Press, 2000.
- "For Every Dog an Angel" - Christine Davis, Lighthearted Press, 2003.
- "Goodbye Mousie" - Robie Harris, Simon and Schuster Children's, 2001.
- "I’ll Always Love You" - Hans Wilhelm, Dragonfly Books, 1988.
- "I Remember: A Book About My Special Pet" - Herb and Mary Montgomery, Montgomery Press, 2000. (Journal/Workbook/Scrapbook)
- "Jasper’s Day" - Marjorie Blain Parker, Kids Can Press, 2002.
- "My Pet Died" - Rachel Biale, Tricycle Press, 1997. (A journal/scrapbook.)
- "Remembering Pets: A Book For Children who have Lost a Special Friend" - Gina Dalpre-Berman, Robert D. Reed Publishers, 2001.
- "Remembering My Pet" - Nechama Liss-Levinson & Molly Phinney-Baskette, Skylight Paths Publishing, 2007.(Journal/Workbook/Scrapbook)
- "Tear Soup" - Pat Schwiebert & Chuck DeKlyen, Perinatal Loss, 2001.
- "The Dead Bird" - Margaret Brown, Harper Collins, 1995.
- "The Legend of the Rainbow Bridge" - William N. Britton, Savannah Publishing, 1994.
- "The Tenth Good Thing About Barney" - Judith Viorst, Aladdin Books, 1987.
- "Tough Boris" - Mem Fox, Harcourt, 1998
- "When a Pet Dies" - Fred Rogers, The Putnam and Grosset Group, 1998.
Animal Remembrance & Memorial Ideas
Several of these sites were suggested to us by pet owners with whom we have worked. This list is not inclusive. To find additional resources, search using key words such as pet memorials or pet remembrance. Please note, we are unable to endorse or recommend any of these resources, as we have no control over the services provided and no ability to verify the competence of those that are listed.