Resources
You don't have to navigate this alone.
Below you'll find books, hotlines, online communities, and articles that many in our group have found helpful. We hope something here brings you a measure of comfort.
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Recommended resources
These sites stand out for the depth and warmth of their content. If you're looking for a place to start, we recommend them wholeheartedly.
Love Baxter
A beautifully crafted resource hub for pet loss, offering in-depth guides, articles, and compassionate support for every stage of grief — from anticipatory loss through healing.
Visit Love BaxterPet Loss Community
An extensive online community and resource center dedicated to pet bereavement, with guides, forums, memorial tools, and support for those navigating the loss of a beloved animal.
Visit Pet Loss CommunityLap of Love
A free online support group that provides a safe, compassionate, and empathetic environment for those who want to listen, share, and celebrate the life of their treasured pet with others who are suffering a similar loss. Sessions are available several times throughout the week virtually via Zoom and are led by Lap of Love’s dedicated Pet Loss Support team.
Visit Lap of LoveBooks
Recommended reading
The Loss of a Pet
Wallace Sife, PhD
A compassionate and thorough guide to understanding and coping with the grief of losing a beloved animal companion. One of the most widely recommended books on pet bereavement.
Goodbye, Friend
Gary Kowalski
A gentle, spiritually grounded exploration of the grief that follows the loss of a pet, offering comfort and perspective for those who are mourning.
When Your Pet Dies
Alan Wolfelt, PhD
From a leading grief counselor, this short and accessible book offers a compassionate framework for understanding and honoring your grief after pet loss.
Crossing the Rainbow Bridge
Various Authors
A collection of poems, reflections, and stories that many grieving pet owners have found comforting in the days and weeks after a loss.
Hotlines
Someone to talk to
These free hotlines are staffed by trained counselors who understand pet loss. If you need to hear a compassionate voice, please reach out.
Chicago Veterinary Medical Association
Helpline is a free service for grieving pet owners. Trained volunteers retrieve messages from the grieving and then call to offer support by active listening, as well as providing printed materials and referrals when needed.
Online Communities
Find community online
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB)
A nonprofit organization offering online support groups, a directory of pet loss counselors, and a wealth of articles and resources for the bereaved.
Visit websiteRainbow Bridge
A long-standing online community where pet owners can memorialize their animals, share stories, and find comfort in the company of others who understand.
Visit websitePet Loss Support Page
One of the oldest online resources for pet bereavement, offering articles, poetry, a candle-lighting memorial, and links to support groups.
Visit websiteInternational Association of Animal Hospice and Palliative Care
Resources for those whose pets are seriously ill or nearing end of life, including guidance on palliative care, hospice, and anticipatory grief.
Visit websiteArticles
Further reading
American Kennel Club
Understanding Pet Loss Grief
A thoughtful overview of the grieving process after losing a dog, with practical guidance on coping and finding support.
HelpGuide
Coping with the Loss of a Pet
A comprehensive, evidence-informed article on the stages of pet loss grief and strategies for healing — including how to support children and other pets.
Psychology Today
Anticipatory Grief: Grieving Before the Loss
An accessible explanation of anticipatory grief — the pain of loving someone who is seriously ill — and how to navigate it with compassion for yourself.
Nothing replaces being together.
Resources are a wonderful support — but there's something irreplaceable about sitting with others who truly understand. We'd love to have you join us on a Thursday evening.