Pet Loss and Grief Support Resources
Pet Loss Support Groups
Animal Emergency & Referral Center
**Currently offering Virtual Meetings **
Pet Loss Support Group – meets the 4th Tues of every month, 7-8:30pm, free
Oakdale, MN
Call 651-501-3759, ext 3005 to register or email abrenagan@aercmn.com
Companion Animal Love Loss and Memories
**Currently offering Virtual Meetings **
(CALLM) pet loss support group – 2nd and 4th Wed each month, 6:30-8pm, free
University of MN, Veterinary Medical Center
Call (612) 624-9372 or email swvet@umn.edu to register
VetVine Virtual Pet Loss Support Groups
National virtual support group facilitated by licensed professionals, $25 fee
Also offers individual (1:1) support sessions for a fee
Online Pet Loss Support Chat Rooms
Rainbow Bridge Pet Loss Grief Support Chat Room
Association for Pet Loss & Bereavement Chat Rooms
Pet Loss Support Hotlines
Tufts University pet loss hotline
M-F 5pm-8pm & 24-hr voicemail services
(508) 839-7966
vet.tufts.edu/petloss/
Cornell University Pet Loss Support Hotline
M-F 5pm-8pm, Sat-Sun 11am-8pm
(607) 218-7457
The Pet Loss Support Hotline is available via Google Voice to facilitate support Wednesdays 6-8p.m. CST, Saturdays 11am-1pm CST and Sundays 6-8m CST. Google Voice will prompt you to enter your name before connecting, however, to remain anonymous you can say “anonymous” or just enter your first name.
Other Local Resources
Animal Humane Society of MN Pet Helpline
Resource for questions you may have regarding your pet’s behavior.
952-HELP-PET (952-435-7738)
M-F 9am-7pm, Sat 10am-6pm, closed Sunday
You can see a list of resources for mental health, crisis, shelter, and other needs on our Local Resources blog post.
Counselors Specializing in Grief and Loss
FamilyMeans (formerly Center for Grief, Loss, and Transition)
The Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to offering hope and healing for people during the difficult times in their lives.
www.griefloss.org or (651) 641-0177
National Resources
Argus Institute at Colorado State University Grief Resources
The Argus Institute provides free grief counseling relating to pet loss and support to those making end-of-life decisions for their pets.
Veterinary Wisdom for Pet Parents
Caring for people who care for pets.
www.veterinarywisdomforpetparents.com
Cremation Services
We are pleased to recommend several local cremation services. Call or email for a list of our recommendations.
End of Life Pet Photography
Sarah Beth Photography – Joy Sessions
Whether you’ve spent a short time or a lifetime with your pet, saying goodbye is the hardest thing you’ll have to do. These special, end-of-life sessions are just for terminally ill or elderly pets.
http://sarahbethphotography.com/joy-sessions
Locally Made Pet Memorial Items
Jennifer Illustrations – Beautiful pet portraits.
StudioDragonfly19 – Local creators specializing in cremation memorial jewelry, home goods and custom orders
Wag to Love – Hand painted pet portraits.
Ascension Art Glass – Glass blown memorials that incorporate your pet’s ashes.
MN made wooden urns-Etsy store – These lidded bowls are popular as a final resting place for the ashes of beloved pets, and can be customized with the name of your pet.
Nelli Designs Candles – NelliDesigns is a Minnesota based candle company specializing in pet-inspired candles.
Veterinary Hospitals Association – In addition to urns, VHA offers a line of jewelry that holds a small amount of your pet’s ashes.
Emergency Veterinary Clinics
If your pet needs help after-hours, there are several emergency clinics in the Twin Cities metro area. The map below is interactive. Find the clinic closest to you and click on the paw print to view the phone number, address, and link to their website.