Grief Support

Intense grief over pet loss is normal. Pets are family, and they offer us love and companionship, expecting nothing in return. Their value and loss cannot be minimized. Find grief support resources here and navigate the grief process with assistance.

U of M Pet Loss Grief Group/Companion Animal Love, Loss & Memories Group (CALLM)

The University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) offers a bereavement group to support those grieving the loss of a beloved companion animal. CALLM will provide you with a supportive and confidential environment in which to share your story. By participating, you will learn about what to expect from grief, strategies to cope with grief, signs of prolonged grief, and ways to memorialize and honor your deceased companion animal. CALLM sessions are facilitated by licensed social work staff and master’s level interns of VMC Social Work Services with the Veterinary Medical Center at the University of Minnesota.

Location: University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Specific room location and meeting dates/times will be provided to confirmed participants.

Fee:  Sessions are free of charge.

To register: Please contact the VMC Social Work Services team in advance for pre-screening and to reserve a seat. Please either call 612-624-9372 or email swvet@umn.edu.

Helpguide.org/Coping with Losing a Pet

HelpGuide.org is an independent nonprofit that runs one of the world’s leading mental health websites. Each month, millions of people from all around the world turn to us for trustworthy information they can use to improve their mental health and make healthy changes.

Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota/Pet Loss Support

Tools, websites, and hotlines dedicated to animal loss and grief.

Insight Counseling Pet Loss Grief Support Group

A virtual support group for the diagnosis of a terminal illness, or loss of a beloved animal companion that meeting via Zoom on the first Monday of every month from 4-5 p.m. Central time.

MN Pets Grief Support Email Series

You have lost a dear friend. The grief you feel after losing a beloved pet is natural and can be very intense. We have written a series of messages to help you reflect on, move through, and heal from your loss. You can sign up to receive a new message every few days that is written especially for what you are experiencing.