Losing a pet can be devastating. Here are 7 online resources to help you cope:
- Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB)
- Rainbow Bridge
- Lap of Love
- Anti-Cruelty Society Pet Loss Support Group
- PetCloud Support Groups
- Beyond the Paw Print
- University-based Pet Loss Support Services
These services offer:
- Free and paid counseling options
- One-on-one and group support
- Phone hotlines and online chat rooms
- Pet memorials and remembrance tools
- Educational resources on pet grief
Quick Comparison:
| Resource | Key Features | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| APLB | Chat rooms, memorials | Free - Paid |
| Rainbow Bridge | Online memorials | Free - Paid |
| Lap of Love | Counseling, 24/7 hotline | $25 - $95 |
| Anti-Cruelty Society | Monthly group meetings | Free |
| PetCloud | Weekly Zoom groups | Free - Paid |
| Beyond the Paw Print | Video sessions, workshops | $30 - $99 |
| University Services | Student-run hotlines | Free |
Choose a service that fits your needs, budget, and comfort level. Remember, it's okay to seek help when grieving a pet.
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Why Pet Grief Counseling Helps
Pet grief counseling offers support for people dealing with the loss of an animal companion. This type of help is useful because:
- It gives people a place to talk about their feelings without judgment
- It teaches ways to handle grief
- It helps people understand that grieving for a pet is normal
Here's how pet grief counseling can make a difference:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Emotional support | Counselors listen and understand the pain of losing a pet |
| Coping skills | Learn methods to deal with sadness and changes in daily life |
| Guilt management | Work through feelings of guilt, especially about euthanasia decisions |
| Community | Connect with others who have lost pets |
| Mental health | Get help to avoid long-term sadness |
Many people see their pets as family members. When a pet dies, it can hurt as much as losing a human loved one. But others might not understand this pain, which can make pet owners feel alone.
Pet grief counseling helps in specific ways:
- Talking about feelings: Counselors let people share their thoughts without fear of being judged.
- Learning about grief: They explain that there's no set time for feeling better after a loss.
- Dealing with guilt: Many pet owners feel bad about choices they made, like putting a pet to sleep. Counselors help work through these tough feelings.
- Keeping routines: They suggest ways to adjust daily life, which can be hard when a pet is no longer there.
- Remembering pets: Counselors might suggest making a memory book or doing something special to honor the pet.
"Losing a pet is awful. Grieving the loss of a pet is heart-wrenching. But the love exchanged between you and your pet outweighs the pain that you might be feeling right now." - Thriveworks Author
If you're having a hard time after losing a pet, talking to a counselor or joining a support group can help. These services give you tools to handle your grief and remind you that it's okay to be sad when a pet dies.
1. Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB)
What APLB Offers
APLB, founded in 1999, is a non-profit that helps people deal with pet loss. They offer:
- Free Chat Room with trained hosts
- Pet Memorial page
- Directory of other support services
- Video support groups and webinars (for paid members)
How to Access APLB
APLB's services are online, making them easy to use for pet owners everywhere. They have three membership levels:
| Membership | What You Get | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | Chat Room access, support resources | Free |
| Silver | One pet memorial, free video support group | Paid |
| Platinum | Unlimited pet memorials, free video support groups, free webinars | Paid |
Why APLB Stands Out
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Experience: Running since 1999, APLB knows how to help with pet loss.
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Choice: You can pick the level of help you need.
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Expert Help: Chat Rooms have trained hosts to guide you.
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Remember Your Pet: The Pet Memorial page lets you honor your pet.
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Keep Learning: Webinars teach you more about dealing with loss (Platinum members).
"The APLB provides a variety of online resources aimed at supporting individuals through the grieving process after losing a pet," states the organization's website.
APLB's goal is simple: to help you cope when you lose a pet. Whether you need a place to talk, want to remember your pet, or are looking for more support, APLB has options for you.
2. Rainbow Bridge
What Rainbow Bridge Offers
Rainbow Bridge is a website that lets pet owners make online memorials for their pets that have died. You can:
- Add photos of your pet
- Write stories about your pet
- Let friends and family leave messages
How to Use Rainbow Bridge
Anyone with internet can use Rainbow Bridge. You can make and share your pet's page from a computer, phone, or tablet.
Cost
Rainbow Bridge has two options:
| Option | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Simple memorial page | Free |
| Premium | More customization, keep page forever | Small fee |
Special Features
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Virtual Candles: Light a digital candle on your pet's page to remember them.
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Pet Loss Community: Talk to other people who have lost pets.
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Help Articles: Read about dealing with pet loss.
Rainbow Bridge gives pet owners a place to honor their pets and find support from others who understand.
3. Lap of Love
Support Services
Lap of Love offers several pet loss support services:
- One-on-one counseling with licensed professionals
- Group support meetings
- Educational resources
- End-of-life decision guidance
How to Access
Lap of Love's services are available across the United States:
- Video or phone counseling sessions
- Online support groups
- 24/7 pet loss support hotline
Pricing
| Service | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Counseling | 50 min | $95 |
| Group Support Meeting | 90 min | $25 |
| Pet Loss Hotline | No limit | Free |
Key Features
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Vet hospice support: Help for pet owners dealing with end-of-life care
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Custom memorials: Personalized items to remember pets
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Vet staff training: Courses on pet end-of-life care and grief support
Lap of Love stands out by offering both emotional support and practical help for pet owners facing loss. Their range of services caters to different needs and budgets, making professional help more accessible.
The 24/7 hotline is a helpful resource for those needing immediate support. For ongoing help, the individual counseling sessions provide focused attention from trained professionals.
Group meetings can be a good option for those seeking community support. At $25 for a 90-minute session, they're more budget-friendly than one-on-one counseling.
Lap of Love's focus on end-of-life care sets it apart from other pet loss resources. This can be particularly helpful for pet owners making tough decisions about their pet's health and quality of life.
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4. Pet Loss Support Group by Anti-Cruelty Society
What They Offer
The Anti-Cruelty Society runs a free online pet loss support group. This group helps people who are sad about losing a pet. You can talk about your feelings with others who understand.
When and Where
The group meets online on the first Tuesday of each month. It starts at 6:00 PM and ends at 7:30 PM Central Time. You can join from your home using a computer or phone.
Cost
It's free to join the group. You don't have to pay anything.
Why It's Helpful
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Expert Leaders: The group is run by people who know a lot about animals and helping people feel better.
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Regular Meetings: You can go every month if you want. This helps you feel better over time.
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Talk with Others: You can share your stories and listen to others who have lost pets too.
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Easy to Join: Since it's online, you can join no matter where you live.
How to Join
To join the group, you need to:
- Go to the Anti-Cruelty Society website
- Look for the "Pet Loss Support Group" page
- Sign up for the next meeting
5. PetCloud Support Groups
What PetCloud Offers
PetCloud runs free online support groups for people who have lost pets. These groups meet on Sundays via Zoom. They also offer paid groups and coaching during the week.
How to Join
To join a free Sunday group:
- Go to PetCloud's website
- Find the grief counseling page
- Get the Zoom link for the next meeting
Cost
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Sunday Support Groups | Free |
| Weekday Groups and Coaching | Paid (prices vary) |
Why Choose PetCloud
- Open to All: Anyone in the U.S. can join
- Easy Access: Use Zoom from home
- No Cost Option: Sunday groups are free
- More Help if Needed: Paid options available
PetCloud's groups let you talk with others who understand pet loss. You can share your feelings and get support without leaving home.
"Our Sunday support groups provide a safe space for pet owners to grieve together," says PetCloud's website.
If you're struggling after losing a pet, try a PetCloud group. It's a simple way to find support and connect with others who are going through similar experiences.
6. Beyond the Paw Print
Support Offered
Beyond the Paw Print provides online pet grief counseling:
- One-on-one video sessions
- Group therapy meetings
- Self-paced grief workshops
How to Access
Visit their website to:
- Schedule appointments
- Join group sessions
- Sign up for workshops
All services are online, so you can get help from home.
Prices
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| One-on-one counseling | $75 for 50 minutes |
| Group therapy | $30 for 90 minutes |
| 4-week workshop | $99 |
They offer lower prices for those who need financial help.
What Makes Them Different
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Pet Loss Experts: All counselors know about pet grief and have had pets themselves.
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Personal Plans: They help you make a plan that works for you.
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Online Memorials: They can help you plan a way to remember your pet online.
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Helpful Resources: You can read articles and watch videos about pet loss.
Beyond the Paw Print helps pet owners deal with grief at all stages. They mix expert help with understanding how close people can be to their pets.
7. University-based Pet Loss Support Services
What They Offer
Many vet schools at U.S. universities provide pet loss support:
- Phone hotlines with trained vet students
- Online groups and forums
- Info about pet grief
- Links to pet loss counselors
How to Use
These services are open to everyone, not just students. Hotlines often run in the evenings. Online info is always there.
Cost
Most university pet loss services are free. This helps pet owners who might be short on money.
Special Features
- Expert Help: Vet pros and researchers back these services.
- Student Training: Vet students learn about the feelings part of pet care.
- Research Use: Some schools use the info they get to study pet grief better.
Examples
| University | Service | Hours | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cornell University | Pet Loss Support Hotline | Sun & Tue, 6-9 PM EST | (607) 253-3932 |
| UC Davis | Pet Loss Support Hotline | Mon-Fri, 6:30-9:30 PM PST | (530) 752-4200 |
| Tufts University | Pet Loss Support Hotline | Mon-Fri, 6-9 PM EST | (508) 839-7966 |
Dr. Katherine Goldberg, founder of Cornell's Pet Loss Support Hotline, says: "Our service gives pet owners a safe place to share their grief. It also helps our students learn about the human-animal bond."
Tips for Using University Pet Loss Services
- Call during open hours for live help
- Check the school's website for online resources
- Remember, these services are for support, not medical advice
- Be ready to talk about your feelings and memories of your pet
How to Pick the Right Pet Grief Counseling Service
Choosing a good pet grief counselor can help you deal with losing a pet. Here's how to find the right one:
Check the Counselor's Background
Look for counselors who know about pet loss and grief. They should have:
- Training in pet grief support
- Experience helping people who've lost pets
- Understanding of how close people can be to their pets
Make Sure They Share Your Values
Pick a counselor who:
- Sees pets as family members
- Respects how you feel about your pet
- Doesn't judge your beliefs or ways of coping
Ask Questions Before You Start
Make a list of things to ask, like:
- How long have you been helping people with pet loss?
- What do you think about the bond between people and pets?
- Are you okay with different beliefs about pets and death?
Think About Practical Things
| What to Consider | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| When they're available | To make sure you can get help when you need it |
| How much it costs | To find help that fits your budget |
| What type of sessions they offer | To choose between phone, video, or in-person help |
Trust How You Feel
After looking into counselors and talking to them:
- Pick someone who makes you feel comfortable
- Choose a counselor you feel understands your loss
- Go with your gut feeling about who can help you best
Recommended Counselors
Some counselors who help with pet loss over the phone are:
- Deborah Antinori, MA: 908-766-0110
- Sherry Nelson, LCSW: 847-864-3730
- Teresa Wagner, MS: 831-236-4080
"Finding a counselor who respects the human-animal bond is key to effective support during pet loss," says Teresa Wagner, a pet loss specialist.
Conclusion
Online pet grief counseling offers support for those dealing with the loss of a beloved animal companion. The seven resources covered in this article provide different ways to get help:
| Resource | Key Features |
|---|---|
| APLB | Free chat rooms, pet memorials |
| Rainbow Bridge | Online pet memorials, virtual candles |
| Lap of Love | One-on-one counseling, 24/7 hotline |
| Anti-Cruelty Society | Free monthly online group meetings |
| PetCloud | Free Sunday support groups via Zoom |
| Beyond the Paw Print | Video sessions, self-paced workshops |
| University-based Services | Free hotlines run by vet students |
When choosing a pet grief counseling service:
1. Check the counselor's background in pet loss support 2. Make sure their values match yours about pets 3. Ask about their experience and approach 4. Consider practical factors like cost and availability
Remember, it's okay to reach out for help. These services are there to support you through your grief and help you honor your pet's memory.
"Finding a counselor who respects the human-animal bond is key to effective support during pet loss," says Teresa Wagner, a pet loss specialist.
If you're struggling after losing a pet, try one of these online resources. They offer a way to connect with others who understand and can help you work through your feelings.