Grief is like the ocean; it comes in waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim. – Vicki Harrison
If you have recently lost your pet, we understand that this is a difficult time. While a decision will need to be made about how to handle your pet’s remains, we can be here to help you make decisions and get the support you and your family need.
We understand these decisions are painful and we will do all we can to make this process as simple as possible. If you are in need of further assistance in coping with your own, or a child’s grief over the loss of a pet, please scroll down. You will find a list of helpful resources, books and grief counseling services that may be of help.
Burial and Crematorium Services
National Support Hotlines and Resources
- University of California at Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine | 1-800-565-1526
- Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine | 607-253-3932
- University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine | 1-877-394-CARE (toll-free) | 217-244-CARE (local)
- Tufts University, School of Veterinary Medicine | 508-839-7966
- Washington State University | 509-335-5704
Online Grief and Loss Support Resources
- Cherished Keepsakes
- Pet Loss Support
- Pet Bereavement Counseling
- Helping Children Cope with the Death of a Pet
Horse Loss Support
Mental Health Articles
- Why We Need to Take Pet Loss Seriously
- Coping with the Loss of a Pet
- Why the Loss of a Pet can be the Hardest to Bear
Additional Support Materials
Books for Children:
- Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant
- Cat Heaven by Cynthia Rylant
- I’ll Always Love You by Hans Wilhelm, Crown Pub
- A Special Place for Charlee: A Child’s Companion Through Pet Loss by Debra Morehead
- A Gift From Rex by Jim Kramer, DVM
- Tear Soup by Pat Schweibert and Chuck DeKlyen
- The Tenth Good Thing About Barney by Judith Viorst
- Annie Loses Her Leg But Finds Her Way by Sandra J. Philipson
- Healing Your Grieving Heart for Kids by Alan Wolfelt, PhD
- Goodbye Mousie by Robie Harris
- Tough Boris by Mem Fox, Harcourt
Books for Adults:
- Goodbye My Friend by Herb and Mary Montgomery
- A Final Act of Caring by Herb and Mary Montgomery
- Journey Through Pet Loss by Deborah Antinori
- Grieving the Death of a Pet by Betty J. Carmack
- How to Go on Living When Someone You Love Dies by Therese Rando
- The Grief Recovery Handbook by John W. James and Russell Friedman
- Healing Your Grieving Heart by Alan Wolfelt, PhD
This information was made available by the Argus Institute at Colorado State University, James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital and is also available on the web at http://www.argusinstitute.colostate.edu/