Veterinary Emergency & Urgent Care
I Have An Emergency
Pet Loss Support
“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” —Helen Keller
There is nothing in the world quite like the experience of having a pet share our lives. Pets are there for us when we return home with wagging tails, cold noses, and total acceptance. But one day, our beloved pet will no longer be a constant in our lives. And it can be difficult to cope with the pain and grief that accompanies such a loss.
Feelings After Loss
After you’ve said the final goodbye, you may experience anger, denial, guilt, or depression. These feelings can be quite intense. Daily life can seem impossible, and the simplest of tasks becomes overwhelming. Remember, grieving is a personal process, and everyone experiences it differently. It’s important to take the time to work through your own personal sorrow.
While friends and family can be pillars of support, they also might not realize how important your pet was and still is. Sometimes they may even accidentally say things that hurt your feelings. If you have difficulty talking with your friends or family, a trusted clergyman or a pet loss support group or hotline may be able to provide a much-needed shoulder.
Monthly Zoom Pet Loss Support Group
Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota offers a Pet Loss Support Group via Zoom on the fourth Tuesday of every month from 7:00-8:30p.m. In November and December, the group is held on the third Tuesday due to the holidays.
We don’t require reservations for our group, but they are appreciated so that we know whom to expect. Please contact Heidi at (651) 501-3759, ext. 3005, or habrenegan@aercmn.com if you wish to attend!
Loss Support Links
Pet Quality of Life Tools
Websites
- Argus Institute at Colorado State University
The Argus Institute provides resources relating to pet loss and grief support. Their free counseling is only applicable to those within the state of Colorado due to licensing requirements. - Pet Loss
Online platform dedicated to companion animal loss and grief. They offer a grief support chat room, a grief support message board, an online candle ceremony on Mondays, and informational resources.
Hotlines
- Tufts Pet Loss Support Hotline at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
Answered Monday – Thursday from 5pm to 8pm CST. There is a 24-hour voicemail option as well.(508) 839-7966 - Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741 741 - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-8255
(If you are struggling and need support, these are not pet loss specific but are answered 24/7.) - ?National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Ayuda en Español? (888) 628-9454
(If you are struggling and need support, these are not pet loss specific but are answered 24/7.)
Counseling
- Family Means Center for Grief and Loss
The Center for Grief & Loss offers specialized therapy for complicated grief, trauma and life transitions. - AERC’s Pet Loss Support Facebook Page
- Pet Loss Support Groups in the Twin Cities Area
- Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota
Meets via Zoom on the fourth Tuesday of every month from 7:00-8:30pm
Please contact Heidi at (651) 501-3759, ext. 3005, or habrenegan@aercmn.com if you wish to attend! - The Bridge Between
Meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Questions may be directed to petloss@thebondbetween.org - Companion Animal Love, Loss & Memories Group (CALLM)
University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center
Second and fourth Wednesday of every month from 6:30pm – 8pm
Preregistration and screening is required: 612-624-9372 - Lap of Love Pet Loss Groups
Experiencing Grief & Loss
Sign up to receive our Experiencing Grief & Loss weekly email series. You will receive eight weekly emails.