Grieving a Pet
Grieving the loss of a pet
Losing a much-loved pet can be deeply painful. Pets are family, and the grief experienced after their death can be as profound as the loss of any close companion. For some people, the loss can be even harder when they have limited access to support or few opportunities to say goodbye to and remember their pet in a meaningful way.
You may feel sadness, loneliness, guilt, anger or even relief, particularly after a long illness. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and you do not have to go through it alone.
CANA has compiled a few organisations offering pet-loss information, counselling and other forms of grief support. Some also provide support if your pet is terminally ill or nearing the end of their life.
Pet loss and grief support
Pets and People
Connects pet owners with qualified pet loss counsellors and provides information and resources about grief following the loss of a companion animal. Counselling fees apply and vary between providers.
Rest Your Paws
https://restyourpaws.com.au/pet-loss/
Provides telephone and online grief counselling, a pet loss support community and resources covering anticipatory grief, terminal illness and the loss of a pet
Love, Baxter (International / online)
Provides free online information about senior pet care, end-of-life planning, anticipatory grief and pet loss, as well as a directory of grief and end-of-life professionals.
Griefline
https://griefline.org.au/resources/losing-a-pet/
Provides free telephone support, online forums and information to help people understand and cope with grief following the death of a pet.
NALAG (National Association for Loss and Grief) Grief Support
https://nalag.org.au/pet-loss/
Provides free telephone and online grief support, together with information about pet loss. Face-to-face support is also available in selected NSW locations.
Pause for Paws (National/online)
https://www.pauseforpaws.com.au/free-resources
Provides free, evidence-based pet loss resources, guided exercises and information, with additional self-guided and one-to-one support available.
Perth Vet Bill Assistance
https://www.perthvetbillassistance.com/
Helps owners experiencing severe financial hardship across Western Australia meet the cost of urgent treatment for sick or injured pets after other funding and payment options have been exhausted.
If you need urgent support
The services listed above may not provide crisis support. If you are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty staying safe, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au/131114 . Lifeline’s phone, text and online chat services are available 24 hours a day. If life is in danger, call 000.