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Pet Loss Resources: Books, Hotlines & Online Support

By: Claire Beutel • 5 cited sources • Updated Oct 29, 2024

Losing animal companions is a heart-wrenching experience that can leave us feeling lost, lonely, and overwhelmed. Whether you’re an adult grappling with the grief of losing a beloved companion or a parent helping a child understand and cope with the death of a pet, there are several resources available to help.

Key Takeaways

• There are books available for both adults and children that provide guidance, emotional support, and coping strategies to help navigate the grief of losing a pet.
• Various helplines offer confidential, over-the-phone support from trained professionals who understand the deep bond between pets and their owners.
• Online platforms offer a wealth of grief resources, including support groups, grief counseling directories, and memorial pages, helping pet owners find community and healing during their time of loss.

Pet Loss Books for Adults Mourning a Pet

If you’re an adult grieving the loss of a companion animal, you may feel isolated and alone during the grieving process. The bond you shared with your animal is unique to you, and at times it may feel like others don’t fully understand what you’re going through. There are some wonderful pet loss books for adults that can help to validate your emotions and offer coping strategies to help ease the grief you feel.

Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet

Written by Gary Kowalski, this book is a helpful resource for anyone grieving the loss of a pet. With compassionate advice and spiritual wisdom, this book dives deep into the deep bond between humans and animals, offering rituals, meditations, and stories to help in the healing process. 

The Loss of a Pet: A Guide to Coping with the Grieving Process When a Pet Dies

Written from the perspective of a psychologist and pet loss counselor, Wallace Sife addresses the emotional turmoil humans often face following the death of a beloved pet. Outlining the stages of grief and challenges of pet loss, along with advice on immediate and long-term coping strategies, this book is a valuable resource for pet owners. 

When Your Pet Dies: A Guide to Mourning, Remembering and Healing

In this book, renowned grief counselor Alan Wolfelt offers a compassionate guide to help those grieving the loss of a pet. From discussing the importance of mourning to suggestions for remembrance, this book can help those navigating the emotions that come with losing a pet.

Comforting Pet Loss Books for Children

For many children, the loss of a pet is their very first experience with death. Young children tend to struggle with understanding the permanence of death, often viewing it as temporary.¹ If your child is struggling with the understanding death or grieving process, or you’re looking for a way to introduce pet loss in a delicate and age-appropriate manner, providing them with a children’s book on pet loss may help them understand the concept of death and grief.

The Rainbow Bridge: A Visit to Pet Paradise

Written by Adrian Raeside, The Rainbow Bridge is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that outlines the simple concept of loss and afterlife. It tells the comforting story of a boy who visits “Pet Paradise” to see his beloved dog one last time, offering reassurance to the boy that his companion is happy and at peace after they pass away. 

The Tenth Good Thing About Barney

A classic children’s book from Judith Viorst, this book highlights the importance of focusing on the positive memories of our beloved pets. It gently introduces the concept of death in a gentle manner and guides the reader through the process of grief.

Jasper’s Day

This sensitive children’s book by Marjorie Blain Parker tells the story of a family that is preparing to say goodbye to their elderly dog. It beautifully portrays love, loss, and remembrance, and offers a comforting understanding of the euthanasia process and the value of celebrating your bereaved pet. 

Pet Loss Hotlines to Navigate Grief

If you’re interested in over-the-phone support while dealing with the loss of a pet, there are several helpful pet loss support hotlines available. These helplines offer a non-judgemental space where you can express your grief to a trained professional or volunteer who understands the deep bond and connection shared with your pet.²  Many pet loss hotlines are open 24/7, and conversations are kept confidential to protect your privacy.

Tufts Pet Loss Support Helpline: (508) 839-7966

Tufts Pet Loss Support offers grieving pet owners a helpline where they can speak to a caring, supportive, and respectful representative about your feelings surrounding the loss of your pet. The helpline is staffed from 6pm to 9pm, Monday through Thursday, EST. There is also a 24-hour voicemail you can leave a message on at any time and your call will be returned at the next scheduled shift.³

Chicago Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Pet Loss Helpline: (630) 325-1600 

The CVMA bereavement hotline is a free service for grieving pet owners where you can leave a message and a trained volunteer will call back and offer support. Formed in 1992 by the Human-Animal Bond Committee, it remains a resource for people grieving the loss of their companion.⁴ 

Cornell University Pet Loss Hotline: (607) 218-7457

The Cornell Pet Loss Support Hotline is staffed by volunteer veterinary students that have undergone extensive training with professional grief counselors. The hotline is available to the public on Sundays and Tuesday from 6pm to 9pm EST.⁵ 

Pet Loss Websites & Online Resources to Help You Heal

For additional support resources, there are several helpful pet loss websites and online platforms that can help those struggling with the bereavement of a pet. These websites usually contain helpful tools, such as online pet loss support groups, pet grief counselor directories, and guides that cover the various stages of grief.

The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB): APLB.org 

The APLB is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing grieving pet owners with supportive resources. From pet loss support groups and online chat rooms to directories for pet cemeteries and pet loss counselors, this pet loss website can help individuals navigate the emotional challenges that come with losing an animal companion. 

Lap of Love: lapoflove.com/  

While its main purpose is to provide compassionate in-home euthanasia and hospice care for pets, the Lap of Love website offers resources and support for pet owners dealing with grief and loss. Staffed by veterinarians who are trained in end-of-life care, their mission involves providing pets with a loving and peaceful end-of-life experience while also supporting families through this difficult time. 

The Rainbow Bridge: rainbowsbridge.com/ 

The Rainbow Bridge website provides a plethora of resources to help pet owners cope with the loss of a pet. With a dedicated Grief Support Center, users can create an online tribute to their pet and join online forums and chat rooms to connect with other people going through similar experiences. 

Finding Strength and Comfort After Pet Loss

Losing a pet is a profoundly personal and painful journey, but you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you seek solace in compassionate books, reach out to supportive hotlines, or connect with others through online communities, there are many resources available to guide you through this difficult time. It’s important to remember that grief is a natural response, and these resources can help you find comfort and peace as you navigate your way forward.