What to Do When a Pet Dies
A calm, practical checklist for the first hours and days, covering immediate decisions, aftercare, and gentle first steps when everything feels like too much.
Read Guide →Last updated: August 16, 2026
Support & Resources
You do not have to grieve alone. Whether you need someone to talk to right now, a group of people who understand, or a good book to sit with, these guides gather compassionate support for the loss of a pet. Reaching out is not a sign of weakness. It is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself.
If you are struggling to cope
Grief can feel overwhelming, and it is okay to need help. If you are in crisis, or if you are having thoughts of harming yourself, please reach out right away to a mental health professional or your local emergency or crisis line. Pet loss grief is real, and you deserve support. The resources below are here for the days that feel like too much, as well as the quieter ones.
Finding the Support That Fits You
Different kinds of help for different moments
Someone to talk to now
Pet loss hotlines and helplines connect you with people trained to understand this exact grief, often within minutes, for the moments when you just need to be heard.
People who understand
Support groups and online communities bring together others walking the same path, so you can share memories and feel less alone with a loss that others may not fully see.
Deeper, ongoing help
When grief feels like too much to carry, a grief-informed counselor can walk with you through it. Seeking that help is a form of care, not a last resort.
Where to Turn for Support
From hotlines and groups to counseling and books, find the kind of support that feels right for you
Pet Loss Hotlines & Helplines
Dedicated pet loss support lines where trained volunteers understand this specific grief, plus how they work and when to reach out.
Read Guide →Pet Loss Support Groups
How to find in-person and virtual pet loss support groups, what to expect from them, and why sharing with others who understand can help.
Read Guide →Pet Loss Counseling & Therapy
When grief feels like too much to carry alone, learn how pet loss counseling works, how to find a grief-informed therapist, and what to expect.
Read Guide →Online Pet Loss Communities
Supportive online communities and forums where grieving owners share memories and comfort each other, any time of day or night.
Read Guide →Best Books on Pet Grief
Comforting, well-regarded books on pet loss and grief for adults and children, to help you feel understood and less alone.
Read Guide →Free Pet Loss Support Resources
A gathered list of free resources, from printable keepsakes and journals to no-cost support options, all in one gentle place.
Read Guide →What These Guides Offer
Practical, compassionate ways to find help
Immediate support
Learn where to call or message when you need to talk to someone who understands pet grief right now, and what to expect when you reach out.
Community and connection
Find support groups and online communities where you can share your pet, your memories, and your grief with people who truly get it.
Professional help
Understand how pet loss counseling and therapy work, and how to find a grief-informed professional if you need deeper support.
Resources to keep
Discover books, free tools, and printable keepsakes that offer comfort and understanding you can return to whenever you need them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Loss Support
Gentle answers about finding help after losing a pet
Where can I find support after losing a pet?
Support comes in many forms: pet loss hotlines staffed by trained volunteers, in-person and online support groups, grief counselors and therapists, and communities of other grieving owners. Many universities and veterinary schools also run pet loss support lines. The guides in this section point you to each option so you can choose what feels right for you.
Is it worth talking to a counselor about pet grief?
Yes, especially if your grief feels overwhelming, is not easing over time, or is affecting your sleep, work, or relationships. Pet loss is a real bereavement, and a grief-informed counselor can help you process it without judgment. Seeking help is a sign of self-care, not weakness, and you do not need to wait until you are in crisis to reach out.
Are pet loss support groups helpful?
For many people, yes. Being with others who understand that pet grief is real can ease the isolation that often comes with this kind of loss. Groups let you share memories, hear how others cope, and feel less alone. They come in in-person and online formats, so you can choose whatever feels comfortable, including simply listening at first.
What if my friends and family do not understand my grief?
This is one of the hardest parts of losing a pet, and it is very common. If the people around you do not fully understand, seeking out pet loss hotlines, support groups, or online communities connects you with people who do. Your grief is valid regardless of whether others recognize it, and finding the right support can make a real difference.
Are there free resources for pet loss support?
Yes. Many pet loss hotlines are free, numerous online communities cost nothing to join, and there are free printable journals, keepsakes, and reading lists. Our free resources guide gathers these in one place so you can find support without any added burden at a difficult time.
You Do Not Have to Do This Alone
Reach out whenever you are ready. Start with whichever kind of support feels most comforting right now.