10 TIPS ON COPING WITH PET LOSS

Anyone who considers a pet a beloved friend, companion, or family member knows the intense pain that accompanies the loss of that friend. Following are some tips on coping with that grief, and with the difficult decisions one faces upon the loss of a pet by Moira Anderson Allen, M.Ed.

PET HOSPICE SERVICES

What is veterinary hospice?

Veterinary Hospice is a family-centered, medically supervised, and team-oriented service dedicated to maintaining comfort and quality of life for the terminally ill or geriatric pet until natural death occurs or the family elects euthanasia.

Modeled originally from human hospice, this specific type of veterinary care is focused on the comfort of your pet, not at finding a cure for his or her disease. It is important to note that veterinary hospice does not include any diagnostic or blood-work services. Their goal is to focus on comfort and maintaining the human animal bond.

STAGES OF GRIEF

Stages of grief can be complex. This chart may help you as well as your client understand the emotions they are experiencing.

GRIEF COUNSELORS

Beth Bigler at Honoring Our Animals

Beth is a Certified Grief Counselor and Certified Pet Loss Grief Support Specialist by the American Academy of Grief Counseling. She is also a proud member of the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement.

Her goal is to counsel you through the process of either anticipatory grief or pet loss in general. Understanding and learning how to cope with grief can lead you to a better understanding of what you are experiencing emotionally and allow you to be able to come to acceptance. Our companions are always in our hearts, and that will never change. She is available for customized 1:1 counseling and support no matter where you are located.

PET LOSS SUPPORT GROUPS

ONLINE

Grief Retreats

A grief retreat for vet professionals to gain coping strategies and self-care ideas, and leave feeling lighter, brighter, and more hopeful for the future.

https://griefretreats.ca/retreats/

Support Center of Lap of Love

Veterinary Care Coordinators across the United States are offering guidance and support for one of the hardest phone calls that we, as pet parents, may ever make.

You are not alone - we are here for you every day of the week to coordinate and assist you every step of the way.

(855) 933-5683

Support@LapofLove.com

Rainbow Bridge Pet Loss Grief Support (families)

http://www.petloss.com

The Pet loss Support Page-Ten Tips on Coping with Pet Loss (families)

http://www.pet-loss.net

The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (families and veterinary teams)

https://www.aplb.org

End of Life Care I ASPCA

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/end-life-care

Pet Loss Hotline: (877) GRIEF-10