Resources

Free resources for individuals navigating pet loss and animal care professionals. Hotlines, support groups, therapist directories, and professional organizations. All resources on this page are free and open to all.

A monthly group for people navigating the loss of an animal family member, facilitated by Cōlleen O'Brien, LMSW, at the Humane Society of Huron Valley since 2010. You can attend in person or remotely.

The group is free to attend.

Group details and schedule ↗
  • Monthly
  • Humane Society of Huron Valley, or remote
  • Facilitated by Cōlleen O'Brien, LMSW
  • Free to attend

Pet loss hotlines

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

Phone: (607) 218-7457
Hours: Mon–Fri 6–9pm ET, Sat–Sun 12–3pm ET

More info ↗

Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine

Phone: (508) 839-7966
Hours: Mon–Thu 6–9pm ET

More info ↗

University of Illinois CARE Helpline

Phone: (877) 394-2273
Hours: Mon–Thu 7–9pm CT, Sun 1–5pm CT

More info ↗

Chicago Veterinary Medical Association

Phone: (630) 325-1600
Hours: Vary

More info ↗

UC Davis PAWSS Pet Loss Support

Phone: (800) 565-1526
Hours: Mon–Fri 6:30–9:30pm PT

More info ↗

Association for Pet Loss & Bereavement Chat Room

Online chat-based support with trained volunteers. Available on a schedule posted to their site.

More info ↗

Support groups

MSU Pet Loss Support Group

Where: Remote
Frequency: Twice a month
Offered by: Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine

More info ↗

Association for Pet Loss & Bereavement Groups

Where: Remote and in-person locations nationwide
Frequency: Varies by group
Offered by: APLB volunteer network

More info ↗

Therapist directories

Many therapists listed in these directories specialize in grief, pet loss, or the human-animal bond. Use the search filters on each site to find providers with relevant experience.

Psychology Today

Large national directory. Filter by specialty, insurance, and location. Search "pet loss" or "grief" in the issues field.

Visit directory ↗

Therapy Den

Directory with a focus on inclusive, identity-affirming care. Filter by specialty and sliding scale availability.

Visit directory ↗

Good Therapy

Therapist directory with detailed profiles and information on therapeutic approaches and areas of focus.

Visit directory ↗

Open Path Collective

Reduced-fee therapy directory for individuals and families with limited income. Sessions available at $30–$80.

Visit directory ↗

Organizations and support for animal care workers

Not One More Vet (NOMV)

A nonprofit providing mental health resources and peer support specifically for veterinary professionals. Offers financial grants, a peer support network, and educational content on secondary trauma and moral stress.

Visit NOMV ↗

AVMA Wellbeing Resources

The American Veterinary Medical Association maintains a set of wellbeing resources for veterinarians and veterinary students, including information on stress, mental health, and practice sustainability.

Visit AVMA ↗

VIN Foundation

Provides support for veterinary professionals including financial assistance, mental health resources, and access to the Veterinary Information Network community.

Visit VIN Foundation ↗

Humane Society of the United States: Shelter Staff Resources

Resources for shelter and rescue staff covering euthanasia support, compassion fatigue, and workforce sustainability in animal sheltering.

Visit HSUS ↗

Looking for something more specific?

For individuals navigating pet loss, anticipatory grief, or end-of-life decisions, individual support services provide structured, clinically informed sessions with concrete next steps. For organizations dealing with staff moral stress, secondary trauma, or grief-related retention issues, consulting gives you targeted guidance developed for your specific environment.