After Care and Pet Loss Support
Understanding and Coping with Pet Loss
Losing a beloved pet can be deeply painful, and the impact is often misunderstood by others—including friends, family, and even the broader community. It’s not always easy for those around us to offer the kind of support we need during this time of grief. To help you through this emotional journey, we've gathered several helpful resources.
You may find support helpful if you're:
- Struggling with life after your pet’s passing
- Unsure of how to explain the loss to a child
- Feeling isolated because others don’t acknowledge or seem to downplay your grief
- Questioning whether it's too early to welcome a new pet
- Still mourning a pet you lost long ago
- Facing the heart-wrenching decision of euthanasia
Support Resources
- The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement: Offers multiple support services, including a list of phone-based groups available nationwide.
- Optum Health: Provides a live chat crisis support line (888-724-7240), open Monday to Friday, 4–10 p.m., which includes help for pet loss.
- Paws into Grace: A local provider specializing in in-home pet euthanasia, Paws into Grace also shares a list of local resources for those grieving.
- Pet Cloud: Offers a variety of virtual support options, including weekly online grief groups, a membership program, and guides for end-of-life decisions and emotional support.
- Rancho Coastal Humane Society: Visit their website to learn about their in-person Pet Loss Support Group held in Encinitas.
- Reverend Lisa Harris:Provides online grief and trauma support following the loss of a pet—whether due to euthanasia, illness, an accident, or a missing pet. She’s also available for pet memorial services.
Contact: lhhiggs2000@outlook.com or 619-581-6021 - Treat Them R+ght Animal Rescue: Hosts monthly grief support sessions led by licensed therapist Julia Schiffman, LCSW, CST. Sessions include community healing and interaction with rescue animals. Tickets are available at treatthemrght.com.