good help

ggc links and resources for pet loss support

Pittsburgh-based Resources

  • Good Grief Center for Bereavement Support - A nonprofit organization which offers free, one-to-one emotional support — in person or by phone — to anyone grieving the death of someone important in their life, or a beloved pet. Support services include access to a lending library of pet loss books (local residents only), and referrals to area therapists who specialize in pet loss and/or grief. Welcomes calls from any part of the English-speaking world (412.224.4700 or toll free, 1.888.GRIEF.88).
  • Animal Friends - A companion animal resource center and no-kill shelter in Ohio Township, Pa., committed to nurturing and promoting the animal-human bond. Website includes articles and resources. A support group and a candlelight ceremony are held monthly (412.847.7031).
  • Gentle Journey Veterinary Hospice - Provides at-home hospice care, euthanasia and other fee-based services for pets who are near death, and bereavement support for their devoted owners (412.801.1071).
  • re:solve Crisis Network - Counselors handle any and all emotional crises, including pet loss, over the phone. Services are free, confidential and available 24/7. Home visits are available in Allegheny County (1.888.796.8226).

Hotlines

  • ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline - The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offers a free, 24/7 pet loss hotline staffed by a psychologist who specializes in grief counseling. Leave message with callback number. The website lists numerous reading materials and resources for dealing with pet loss (toll free, 1.877.474.3310).
  • C.A.R.E. Pet Loss Helpline - The Companion Animal Related Emotions helpline is a confidential telephone service offered by the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Staffed by trained student grief counselors. Limited hours (toll free, 1-877.394.2273).
  • Tufts University Pet Loss Support Hotline - Operated by trained veterinary students in the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Limited hours (508.839.7966).
  • Cornell University Pet Loss Support Hotline - Staffed by trained student volunteers in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Limited hours (607.253.3932).
  • Ohio State University C.A.L.L. hotline - The College of Veterinary Medicine’s “Honoring the Bond” program maintains the Companion Animal Listening Line. It offers emotional support and education to pet owners experiencing the illness, injury, loss or death of a pet. Staffed by trained student volunteers. Limited hours (614.292.1823).

Additional Websites

  • Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement - A nonprofit organization of volunteers trained in pet bereavement counseling and dedicated to helping people cope with pet death. Website is a worldwide clearinghouse for pet loss information. Online chatrooms are free.
  • Pet Loss Support Page - Wonderful general information by author Moira Anderson Allen on aspects of pet loss such as emotional coping, anticipatory grieving, and euthanasia.
  • Pet Loss Grief Support - For those grieving the death or terminal illness of a pet. Offers emotional support, advice, tribute pages, healing poetry, a chatroom and more. A major link to the worldwide Monday Pet Loss Candle Ceremony.
  • Grief Healing - Provides information, comfort and support to those who wish to better understand the grief experience after losing a loved one or pet. The site honors those in mourning, plus helps them to make sense of their emotions and find meaning, growth and healing. Created by Marty Tousley, a hospice bereavement counselor.
  • The Argus Institute - This Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital works to strengthen veterinarian-client communication and support relationships between people and their companion animals. Pet loss reading materials for families include coping with a terminally sick animal and grief complications.
  • Rainbows Bridge Pet Loss Grief Center - Offers free grief support over the phone; time must be arranged by email at friends@rainbowsbridge.com. Website includes chat rooms for adults and teens, pet parent stories/poems, and more.
  • The Delta Society - This human-services organization is dedicated to improving people's health and well-being through positive interactions with animals. Its website provides pet loss resources under "Services.”
  • Lightning Strike Pet Loss Support - Its mission is to provide "lightning-fast" pet loss support ("a cybershoulder") for those grieving the death of a pet, or a dying, sick or lost pet.