Family, friends and society don’t always understand how drastically the loss of a pet can affect us, and therefore they can find it difficult to support the grief we often feel. The San Diego Humane Society’s Pet Loss Support Group provides an environment where thoughts and emotions can be shared with those of similar circumstances and feelings of grief are understood and validated. Our Pet Loss Support group is facilitated by a licensed, clinical social worker.
Reservations are encouraged but not required. Evening and weekend sessions are available to best accommodate your needs. Click here or call (619) 299-7012, extension 2311 for more information or to make a reservation. Please bring a picture of your beloved pet to the session.
There is no fee for the Pet Loss Support Group. Donations are greatly appreciated to support this valuable service.
The Pet Loss Support Group is open to everyone ages 10 and up and is appropriate for those who have recently lost a pet, are still mourning an old loss, are anticipating the death of a pet or are preparing for euthanasia.
…then the San Diego Humane Society’s Pet Loss Support Group may help. Losing your companion animal can be an extremely difficult and painful experience, and we offer a caring, compassionate understanding of your loss.
Books
Saying Good-bye to the Pet You Love
Lorri Greene, PhD and Jacquelyn Landis, New Harbinger Publications, 2002.
Coping with Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet
Moira Anderson, Peregrine Press, 1994.
The Human-Animal Bond and Grief
Laurel Lagoni, Carolyn Butler & Suzanne Hetts, W.B. Saunders and Company, 1994.
Preparing for the Loss of Your Pet
Myrna Milani, DVM, Prima Publishing, 1988.
Oh Where Has My Pet Gone?: A Pet Loss Memory Book, Ages 3-103
Sally Sibbitt, B. Libby Press, 1991.
The Loss of a Pet
Wallace Sife, Howell Books, 1998.
The Tenth Good Thing About Barney
Judith Viorst, Athenum, 1971.
Charlotte's Web
E.B. White, Harper Junior, 1952.
Remembering My Pet: A Kid's Own Spiritual Workbook for When a Pet Dies
Nechama Liss-Levinson, PhD and Rev. Molly Phinney Baskett, SkyLight Paths Publishing, 2007.
Websites
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
The Humane Society of the United States
The Delta Society
Grief Healing
Pet Loss Grief Support
California Veterinary Medical Association
Pet Loss Support Page
UC-Davis Pet Loss Support Hotline
Note: These lists and links are provided as a service to the community and do not necessarily include all Pet Loss resources. The San Diego Humane Society and SPCA is not affiliated with these organizations and does not take responsibility for the content therein.
