Losing a pet is painful. For many, it’s even more painful than losing a relative since most consider their pets to be a part of the family. The bond we share with them is incredible and unique. Like a sister or a brother, a best friend, and a child all put together in one special being. We see them every day and we share with them the most important parts of our lives whether it’s the happiest or the saddest moments. They are such special companions. The best listeners. The best hug givers. They provide unconditional love and support. Losing them hurts, and we’re here to tell you that we understand and that you are not alone. We have put together resources to help you prepare for the loss of your companion, help you grieve when the time has come, and help you see the light again, while still lovingly remembering them.
10 TIPS ON COPING WITH PET LOSS
Anyone who considers a pet a beloved friend, companion, or family member knows the intense pain that accompanies the loss of that friend. Following are some tips on coping with that grief, and with the difficult decisions one faces upon the loss of a pet by Moira Anderson Allen, M.Ed.
PET HOSPICE SERVICES
What is veterinary hospice?
Veterinary Hospice is a family-centered, medically supervised, and team-oriented service dedicated to maintaining comfort and quality of life for the terminally ill or geriatric pet until natural death occurs or the family elects euthanasia.
Modeled originally from human hospice, this specific type of veterinary care is focused on the comfort of your pet, not on finding a cure for his or her disease. It is important to note that veterinary hospice does not include any diagnostic or blood-work services. Their goal is to focus on comfort and maintaining the human-animal bond.
ONLINE SUPPORT
VetVine Virtual Pet Loss Support Services
VetVine® Virtual Pet Loss Support service was established to support people grieving the loss of an animal in their life - whether due to the death of a pet or loss of a relationship with an animal of any kind due to any circumstance.
PET LOSS/GRIEF COUNSELORS
QUÉBEC
1 888 LE DEUIL (1 888 533-3845), Helpline for people who have lost a loved one.
Deuil-Jeunesse (Alma, Kamouraska–Rivière-du-Loup–Témiscouata–Les Basques, Chicoutimi, Jonquière, Mauricie) (1 855 889-3666), Deuil-Jeunesse provides professional counseling to young people and families coping with the serious illness or death of a loved one or hardship related to parental separation, abandonment, or adoption. The organization works directly with young people and their families and friend.
Deuil-Jeunesse (Bas-Saint-Laurent) (418 624-3666).
France Carlos is a therapist designed to help guide our clients who are struggling to cope with their grief. One or two meetings can make all the difference. She is also the author of a book on Animal Mourning, titled Deuil animalier.
Lyne Pion accompanies pet owners through their mourning process. She is the author of the books Taming Animal Mourning and Does Everyone Die?. There is no reason not to seek help.
ONTARIO
Vive la Vita Therapies-Pet
Loss & Bereavement Counselling
Serving Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, Cambridge, Elora, Fergus and surrounding areas of Waterloo Region, Wellington County and the GTA.
Phone: 226-243-5737
Website: www.vivelavitatherapies.ca
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Daybreak Counselling Services, Laurel Horn
South Surrey, BC
Phone: (604) 802-6959
Website: http://www.daybreakcounselling.com
Email: lhorn@telus.net
SASKATCHEWAN
University of Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Center: Veterinary Social Work Services
For many, animals are beloved family members, friends and companions. When they are sick or injured, owners experience a variety of emotions and challenges.
As part of the treatment team at the WCVM Veterinary Medical Centre, the Veterinary Social Work Program is here to support you through this difficult time.
Offering emotional support during diagnostic testing, treatment or euthanasia
Helping you communicate your questions and concerns to your veterinary medical team
Helping you communicate your animal's illness and possible death to your children
Helping you and your family work through your loss
Support and referral for farm stress due to issues with your herd or production animals
Support and referral for family members who are caring for seriously ill pets
Support and referral for issues such as abuse (animals/people) and alcohol/drug addictions
PET LOSS SUPPORT GROUPS
QUÉBEC
A grief retreat for vet professionals to gain coping strategies and self-care ideas, and leave feeling lighter, brighter, and more hopeful for the future.
Website: https://griefretreats.ca/retreats/
ONTARIO
Ontario Pet Loss Support Group
Website: http://www.ontariopetloss.org
Email: ontariopetloss@gmail.com
Day by Day Pet Caregiver Support
Website: www.daybydaypetsupport.com
Daybreak Counselling Services, Laurel Horn
South Surrey, BC
Phone: (604) 802-6959
Website: http://www.daybreakcounselling.com
Email: lhorn@telus.net
Pet Loss Support Group Ottawa
Monthly meetings on the second Wednesday of every month, please see website for dates and locations
Website: www.ottawapetloss.com
Email: ottawapetloss@gmail.com
Pawsway Pet Loss Support Group
Time: First Saturday of each month 11:30am-1pm, see website
for calendar for the next available session No charge but Registration
is required! Email pawswaypetlossgroup@gmail.com to register.
Website: www.pawsway.ca/programming/seminars/pet-loss-support-group
Email: pawswaypetlossgroup@gmail.com
GREATER TORONTO AREA
Metro Toronto Animal Loss Support Group: D. Elizabeth Mayhew (416)264-6125
Ontario Pet Loss: http://www.ontariopetloss.org/
Mississauga Pets: http://www.mississaugapets.com/petloss.html
Sessions are offered in the following locations:
Mississauga area (905) 272-4040
Oakville area (905) 842-2252
Burlington area (905) 637-5233
OTTAWA
Pet Loss Support Group Ottawa
Monthly meetings on the second Wednesday of every month, please see website for dates and locations
Website: www.ottawapetloss.com
Email: ottawapetloss@gmail.com
Pawsway Pet Loss Support Group
Time: First Saturday of each month 11:30am-1pm, see website
for calendar for the next available session No charge but Registration
is required! Email pawswaypetlossgroup@gmail.com to register.
Website: www.pawsway.ca/programming/seminars/pet-loss-support-group
Email: pawswaypetlossgroup@gmail.com
