Pet Bereavement
At AWA we recognize and respect how hard it is to lose a beloved animal companion. We understand the feelings of emptiness and grief, as well as how alone and heartbroken many loving pet parents feel when their pet passes.
One of AWA’s unique Community Outreach Programs, the Pet Loss Support Group provides a safe, welcoming, and compassionate space for people to share their emotions surrounding their grief.
Our certified Pet Bereavement Specialist will help provide an environment to share your stories and celebrate your pet’s life with others who have experienced a similar loss.
Attend AWA's Pet Bereavement Group
AWA will be hosting virtual and in-person sessions. Each session is 60 minutes long and will hold up to 10 people. Because this is a group session if only 1 person signs up for a session, the session will be cancelled.
There is a suggested donation of $5 to register for the session.
Pet Bereavement and Grief Resources
These books are great resources to help a child struggling with the loss of a pet. They can be easily found on Amazon
Jack's Journey Over The Rainbow Bridge by Debby Engelhardt
The Invisible Leash: An Invisible String Story About the Loss of a Pet by Patrice Karst
My Pet Memory Book: To Help A Child Through The Loss Of Their Pet by S Wallace
Dear Brave Friend by Leigh Ann Gerk
Healing A Child's Pet Loss Grief: A Guide for Parents by Wendy Van De Poll
These books are great resources to help anyone struggling with the loss of a pet. They can be easily found on Amazon.
Memories of a Faithful Friend – A Dachshund Pet Grief Book: Sundown Pet Bereavement Journal by Pet Memory Books
Repairing the Heartbreak of Pet Loss Grief: 3 Phases of Healing after Losing Your Best Friend by C Jeffrey
Losing My Best Friend: Thoughtful support for those affected by dog bereavement or pet loss by Jeannie Wycherley
Check out these links for more materials:
Mental Health Disclaimer
The loss of an animal companion can lead to challenging emotional responses that warrant professional mental health support which is beyond the scope and training of the Animal Welfare Association’s staff. While we are here to provide compassionate grief support, we are unable to appropriately evaluate human mental health concerns and do not provide mental health counseling. Our Pet Loss Support Group is not intended to directly support or provide a substitute for definitive mental health care, especially in a crisis. We may be able to help you find pet loss support resources in your area, but we cannot provide referrals to specific mental health services.
If you or someone you’re concerned about is depressed, unable to cope, or having thoughts of self-harm or harming others, IMMEDIATELY call 911 for local emergency service, or call:
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call 988 24/7, free, confidential support for people in distress. Prevention and crisis resources.
Additional emergency and crisis services include:
- Suicide Hotline Numbers by State
- Suicide prevention, awareness, and support
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime, about any type of crisis. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds from the Crisis Text Line's secure online platform.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Text NAMI to 741741 for confidential, free crisis counseling.
211
Call 211 to get immediate, expert help and also to find on-going local support.
Veterans Crisis Line
988 ext.1 for 24/7 service for veterans and their loved ones
The Trevor Project
866-488-7386 or text START to 678678 for 24/7 crisis and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ people
Listeners on Call
Connect anyone, anywhere, anytime with someone who has a related personal experience and is ready to listen. Visit their site for pricing information and to download their app.
