You may be finding it extremely difficult to deal with the loss of your beloved pet. It is important to remember that everyone grieves in their own way. You may find that sharing your feelings with family and friends helps. You might also consider memorializing your pet by helping another pet in need. The resources on this page can provide a starting point for you to deal with your loss in the best way for you. If you would like additional information or counseling, please contact our office or a pet loss support group in your area.

Meaningful Ways to Honor a Pet's Memory

Write a letter to your pet expressing your feelings
Have a proper burial for your pet
Place a bench with a nameplate or inscription beside your pet's grave
Put your pet's ashes in a potted plant, urn, or under a favorite tree
Plant a tree or a bush in your pet's honor
Have a portrait or your pet drawn from a favorite photo
Place your pet's identification tags on a key ring
Volunteer at a local humane organization
Make a donation in your pet's name to a local veterinary hospital or organization

Resources

Books for Children

Morehead D: A Special Place for Charlee: A Child's Companion Through Pet Loss. Broomfield, CO, Partners in Publishing, LLC, 1996.

Rogers F: When a Pet Dies. New York, GP Putnam's Sons, 1988.

Rylant C: Cat Heaven. New York, Scholastic, 1997.

Rylant C: Dog Heaven. New York, Scholastic, 1995.

Viorst J: The Tenth Good Thing About Barney. New York, Antheneum, 1997.

Wilhelm H: I'll Always Love You. New York, Crown Publishing Group, 1985.

Books & Web Resources for Adults

American Veterinary Medical Association's Care for Animals. Available at www.avma.org

Anderson Allen M: Pet Loss Support Page. Available at: www.pet-loss.net

Montgomery M, Montgomery H: A Final Act of Caring: Ending the Life of an Animal Friend. Minneapolis, MN, Montgomery Press, 1993.

Montgomery M, Montgomery H: Good-Bye My Friend. Minneapolis, MN, Montgomery Press, 1993.

Quackenbush J: When Your Pet Dies: How to Cope with Your Feelings. New York, Pocket Books, 1985.

Pet Loss Support Hotlines

Cornell University, 607-253-3932
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
6:00 PM-9:00 PM EST

The Iams Company, 888-332-7738
Weekdays
8:00 AM-5:00 PM EST

Michigan State University, 517-432-2696
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
6:30 PM-9:30 PM EST

The Ohio State University, 614-292-1823
Hours vary

Tufts University, 508-839-7966
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
6:00 PM-9:00 PM EST

University of California, Davis, 530-752-4200
Weekdays
6:30 PM-9:30 PM PST

Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary
Medicine, 540-231-8038
Tuesday and Thursday
6:00 PM-9:00 PM EST

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