Grief Care
Take some time to mourn. For most of us, the loss of a pet is the loss of a close companion. If you wish to find people who understand this bond and have gone through similar losses, there are many local groups you can connect with. The MSU veterinary clinic has a pet loss support group that meets twice a month. There are also groups that meet in Ann Arbor, Bingham Farms, Farmington Hills, and Flint. For more information on these resources:
- Other resources:
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Pet Loss Website
Pet Cremation Services
Children and Pet Loss
Pet loss Guides
Pet Loss Support- Tufts University
Grief and pet loss support OSU
Pet loss support--Veterinary Wisdom
Books on Pet Loss for adults and children
Pet Loss Support Phone Hotlines:
- ASPCA Pet Loss Support Hotline: 877-474-3310
Cornell University Pet Loss Support Hotline: 607-253-3932
Tufts University Pet Loss Support Hotline: 508-839-7966
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
Lap of Love Pet Loss and Bereavement Hotline: 855-352-5683
University of Illinois C.A.R.E. Pet Loss Helpline: (877) 394-2273
Support Groups:
Books for Adults:
- When Your Pet Dies: A Guide to Mourning, Remembering and Healing by Alan Wolfelt
Pet Loss: A thoughtful Guide for Adults and Children by Herbert Neiburg and Arlene Fischer
Goodbye My Friend: Grieving the Loss of a Pet by Mary and Herb Montgomery
The Loss of a Pet by Wallace Sife
Saying Goodbye to the Pet You Love by Lorri Greene
The Grief Recovery Handbook for Pet Loss by Russell Friedman
Coping With Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet by Moira Anderson Allen
Coping With the Loss of Your Pet by Christine Lemieux
My Personal Pet Remembrance Journal by Enid Samuel Traisman
Pet Parents: A Journey Through Unconditional Love and Grief by Coleen Ellis
- When a Pet Dies by Fred Rogers
The Tenth Good Thing About Barney by Judith Viorst
Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant
Cat Heaven by Cynthia Rylant
I’ll Always Love You by Hans Wilhelm
Healing Your Grieving Heart for Kids by Alan Wolfeldt
Saying Goodbye to Lulu by Corinne Demas
Goodbye Mousie by Robbie Harris
The Fall of Freddie the Leaf by Leo Buscaglia
Note that if you have other pets, it is possible they will mourn. Sometimes the mourning is obvious, and sometimes it is not. Please spend extra time with them in the weeks following this to be sure they are eating and drinking enough. Make sure to give them extra attention.
