As human beings we are equipped with the ability to experience emotions, and as such we are all affected by death in some way. Death brings with it a tremendous amount of emotional distress, which can affect all other areas of our daily life, and can cause us to experience a multitude of feelings at the same time. The effects of loss can be intense, disruptive, and long-term.

The following are some things to remember for those grieving for a pet:

· It is difficult to accept loss immediately after the fact – give yourself some time to take it all in. Don’t let others rush you into feeling better again.

· Although it is with good intention, sometimes people are not aware of trying to push a grieving individual into immediately replacing their beloved pet. Don't be afraid to tell others that you are not ready to take on another pet, and if you decide to do so it will be at your own pace - when YOU are ready for it

· Don’t be afraid to ask for help – don’t try to do it all by yourself. Seek grief counseling if you feel you can’t cope alone. References for grief counseling are listed at the bottom of the page

· It is o.k. and normal to feel sad and disoriented at the loss of your pet

· Pay attention to YOUR health – get enough sleep, eat well, take a walk

· Cry if you feel like it - Don’t try to hold it back for the sake of others

· Don’t focus on guilt issues, such as “Did I do enough?” This will only hinder your healing. Focus instead on all the happy memories you experienced with your pet during his/her lifetime

· It is o.k. to feel angry about what caused the loss of your pet

· There are no set time-frames for healing. Each of us deals with grief at our own pace

· Most importantly – there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Your grief is an individual process

Grief Counseling Hotlines
University of California Davis Veterinary Students: 530-752-4200
Chicago VMA Veterinarians and Staff: 630-603-3994
Cornell University Veterinary Students: 607-253-3932
University of Florida Veterinary Students: 352-392-4700; then dial 1 and 4080
University of Illinois Veterinary Students: 217-244-2273
Iowa State University Veterinary Students and Community Volunteers: 888-478-7574
Michigan State University Veterinary Students: 517-432-2696
Ohio State University Veterinary Students: 614-292-1823 or email: petloss@osu.edu
Tufts University Veterinary Students: 508-839-7966
Virginia/Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine: 540-231-8038