Pet Loss Support Resources
You don’t have to grieve alone. Every resource on this page has been verified and is actively available. Reach out when you’re ready.
If your grief feels unbearable or you’re having thoughts of self-harm: Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7) or text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line).
Pet Loss Hotlines
Staffed by trained volunteers and counselors. Some hotlines have limited hours — leave a voicemail and they will call you back.
Cornell University Pet Loss Support Hotline
607-218-7457
Mon–Fri 6–9 PM ET, Sat 12–9 PM (hours may vary by semester)
Tufts University Pet Loss Support Helpline
508-839-7966
Mon–Thu 6–9 PM ET. 24-hour voicemail available.
University of Illinois C.A.R.E. Pet Loss Hotline
877-394-2273 (toll-free)
Sun, Tue, Thu 7–9 PM CT
Washington State University Pet Loss Hotline
866-266-8635 (toll-free)
Email: plhl@vetmed.wsu.edu
Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice
855-352-5683
Veterinary hospice — also offers free virtual support groups
Pet Loss Support Text Line
Text: 614-285-7122
Mon–Fri 10 AM–6 PM ET. Texts outside hours answered within 24 hours.
Free Online Support Groups
Reddit r/Petloss
Active 24/7 community of people sharing their grief and supporting each other. No sign-up required to read; free Reddit account to post.
reddit.com/r/PetlossMy Grief Angels — Sunday Support Group
Free peer-led Zoom group every Sunday at 7 PM EST. Run by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
mygriefangels.orgFind a Pet Loss Grief Counselor
Psychology Today — Grief Therapist Finder
Filter by “Grief” specialty to find licensed therapists near you.
psychologytoday.comTherapist.com — Pet Loss Grief Category
Has a specific “Pet Loss Grief” filter with hundreds of listed providers.
therapist.comAPLB Professional Directory
The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement maintains a directory of certified pet loss professionals.
aplb.orgGrief Support Apps
My Grief Angels
Free app from a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Available on iOS and Android.
Jasper — Pet Loss Grief Support
Expert-led support groups, 1:1 coaching, tribute spaces. 14-day free trial, then $19/month.
jaspertheapp.comPet Loss Journey: Love & Share
Grief journal with community features. Rated 4.8/5. Free with optional in-app purchases. iOS only.
Books That Help
To Lose A Dog
by Isaac H — A memoir and survival guide combining personal narrative with neuroscience-backed grief validation. $22 pre-order.
Pre-order nowThe Loss of a Pet
by Wallace Sife, Ph.D. — The definitive guide, now in its 4th edition. Covers euthanasia guilt, stages of grief, and afterlife perspectives. ~$22 paperback.
The Pet Loss Companion
by Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio & Nancy Saxton-Lopez — Written by family therapists who lead pet loss groups. ~$13 paperback.
Goodbye, Friend
by Gary Kowalski — Spiritual and meaning-oriented. Short enough to read in one sitting. ~$16 paperback.
When Your Pet Dies
by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D. — Gentle framework for mourning and healing. ~$10 paperback.
You’re not alone in this.
Isaac wrote To Lose A Dog so that no one has to grieve without permission, validation, or a companion who understands.
Pre-Order the Book