Pet Loss Support
Pet Loss & Grief Resources
The grief that comes with losing a pet is real, and it reflects how much they were loved. There is no right way or right timeline to grieve. These resources are here for you, your family, and your children, whenever you need them.
Talk to someone
Cornell Pet Loss Support Hotline
607-218-7457Free, caring listeners from Cornell University's veterinary college. Hours change by season, so call for current times. You can stay anonymous.
Tufts Pet Loss Support Helpline
508-839-7966Monday to Thursday, 5 to 8 pm Central. Leave a voicemail any time and they will call you back at no charge.
If your grief ever feels like too much to carry, or you are having thoughts of harming yourself, please call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It is free and open 24 hours a day.
Support groups near Madison
Pet Loss Resource Center
A Madison nonprofit offering free grief support groups led by a pet loss grief specialist. No sign-up needed.
- In person: 2nd Saturday of each month at Pinney Library, 516 Cottage Grove Rd, Madison
- Online groups by Zoom each month
UW Veterinary Care: Together in Pet Loss
A virtual support group from UW Veterinary Care, meeting the 1st Tuesday and 3rd Wednesday of each month, 7 to 8 pm.
Questions: 608-263-0280
Learn moreOnline groups and chat rooms
Lap of Love Pet Loss Support Groups
Free virtual groups held several times a week, led by pet loss coaches. Specialty groups (sudden loss, multiple losses, early grief and more) are also offered for a small fee.
View the scheduleAssociation for Pet Loss and Bereavement
Free online chat rooms hosted by trained pet loss grief specialists, most evenings from 7 to 9 pm Central. There is also a group for anticipatory grief, for when you're facing a loss that hasn't happened yet.
Join a chatHelping children through pet loss
For many children, losing a pet is their first experience with death. How we talk with them can help them through it.
Be honest and simple
- Share the news one-on-one, somewhere calm and comfortable.
- Use clear words like "died." Phrases like "put to sleep" can confuse young children or make bedtime scary.
- Let their questions guide how much you say. "I don't know" is an okay answer.
- Include children in saying goodbye when it feels right for your family.
Grieve together
- It's okay to let your children see you cry. It shows them sadness is normal.
- Children may show grief as anger, worry or play, not only tears.
- Drawing, music, time outside or sharing happy stories can help.
- If sleep problems, anxiety or sadness last for months, talk with your pediatrician.
Remember together
- Make a scrapbook or photo collage.
- Write a letter or draw a picture for your pet.
- Plant a tree or flowers in their memory.
- Hold a small ceremony and share favorite memories.
More guidance: American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org) and KidsHealth: When a Pet Dies
Books for children and teens
Young children
- The Tenth Good Thing About Barney by Judith Viorst
- Dog Heaven and Cat Heaven by Cynthia Rylant
- Goodbye Mousie by Robie H. Harris
- The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr
- Something Very Sad Happened by Bonnie Zucker
Older children
- When a Pet Dies by Fred Rogers
- The Invisible Leash by Patrice Karst
- The Forever Dog by Bill Cochran
- Bear Island by Matthew Cordell
Teens
- Healing Your Grieving Heart for Teens by Alan D. Wolfelt
- The Grieving Teen by Helen Fitzgerald
Many of these are available at your local library.
Listen: Dr. Carrie on the radio
Dr. Carrie Donahue has been a guest on Wisconsin Public Radio's Larry Meiller Show, talking about caring for aging pets and saying goodbye.
Taking care of and saying goodbye to aging and ailing pets
Preparing for a pet's end-of-life needs, and why it's never easy.
Listen on WPRHow to be a compassionate owner of an elderly pet
What to expect when caring for an older dog or cat near the end of life.
Listen on WPRLooking after your cat or dog near the end of their life
Providing end-of-life care for your cat or dog, with a knowledgeable vet by your side.
Listen on WPREnd of life options
How to help make your dog or cat more comfortable when that time comes.
Listen on WPRMore from Dr. Carrie on WPR: DIY Remedies for Pet Health · Holistic Pet Care · Alternative Treatments for Cancer in Pets
Honor your pet
Still deciding?
If your pet is still with you, our Quality of Life Scale lets you score how your pet is doing and save scores over several days.
Quality of LifeWe're here for you before, during and after your pet's passing. Text or call us at 608-909-0002.