Pet Loss Hotlines & Helplines

When the grief feels like too much to carry alone, a trained, caring voice can help. These pet loss helplines exist for exactly this, and reaching out is a sign of strength.

If you are in crisis

Pet loss helplines are for grief support, not mental health emergencies. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, please reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline any time by calling or texting 988, or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency service.

Pet loss helplines you can call

Cornell University Pet Loss Support Hotline

607-218-7457

Hours: Hours vary seasonally with volunteer availability. Call to hear current hours.

Staffed by trained veterinary student volunteers. Google Voice asks for your name; you can say "anonymous" to stay private.

Tufts University Pet Loss Support Helpline

508-839-7966

Hours: Staffed Monday to Thursday, 6 to 9 pm ET, with 24-hour voicemail.

Voicemails are returned at the next scheduled shift. Also open to people separated from a pet by rehoming or a lost pet.

Chicago Veterinary Medical Association Pet Loss Helpline

630-325-1600

Hours: Leave a voicemail any time. Calls are returned in the evening, around 7 to 9 pm CT.

Staffed by veterinarians and veterinary staff who understand pet loss.

Lap of Love Pet Loss Support

855-352-5683

Hours: Monday to Friday, daytime to evening ET. Confirm current hours when you call.

Offers free virtual support groups plus paid one-on-one sessions with pet loss professionals.

Phone numbers and hours were verified with each program, but hours in particular change with volunteer availability. Please confirm the current hours when you call.

What to expect when you call

The volunteers who answer are trained to listen with compassion and without judgment. You can talk about your pet, your grief, a difficult decision such as euthanasia, or the guilt and loneliness that often follow a loss. There is no script you need to follow, and you can share as much or as little as you want. Many callers simply need to be heard by someone who understands that this grief is real.

If a helpline is closed, leave a voicemail and your call will be returned. If you would rather connect with others in writing or at any hour, see our guide to online pet loss communities, or explore ongoing pet loss support groups.

You do not have to grieve alone. Reaching out is a kind and courageous thing to do.

Pet Loss Hotlines: Common Questions

Gentle answers about calling a pet loss helpline.

What is a pet loss hotline?

A pet loss hotline is a phone line staffed by trained volunteers, often veterinary students or grief-informed staff, who understand the specific grief of losing a pet. You can call to talk, to be heard without judgment, and to get gentle guidance. Many are free, and several allow you to stay anonymous.

Are pet loss hotlines free?

The university and veterinary association hotlines listed here are free to call, though standard phone charges from your carrier may apply. Some services, such as Lap of Love, offer free group support plus paid one-on-one sessions. If cost is a concern, start with the free university helplines or a free online community.

What if the hotline is closed when I call?

Most pet loss helplines have limited staffed hours and a 24-hour voicemail. You can leave a message and your call will be returned at the next shift. If you need to talk to someone right away, an online pet loss community can offer immediate connection, and for a mental health crisis you can reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline any time.

Do I have to be in crisis to call a pet loss hotline?

No. You do not need to be in crisis to reach out. These helplines are for anyone struggling with the loss of a pet, whether the loss was recent or some time ago, and whether your feelings are overwhelming or simply hard to carry alone. Reaching out early is a healthy, normal thing to do.