Petfriends provides 24-hour telephone support, information and referrals to people mourning or anticipating the loss of a pet through death or any other kind of separation. Trained CONTACT volunteers offer nonjudgmental listening. Personal follow-up and information packets are available upon request.

NJ Residents Dial (800) 404-PETS
Outside of NJ Dial (856) 234-4688

The Social Work Department at Ryan Veterinary Hospital of the University Of Pennsylvania was created to address the emotional needs of pet owners suffering the loss of a companion animal.

To help pet owners work through the grief associated with losing a companion animal, a pet bereavement support group is offered bi-weekly to the clients of Ryan Hospital, as well as the outside community. This service provides individuals with an opportunity to be educated about pet loss and the human-animal bond, but more importantly, it provides a means to connect with others suffering similar losses. Often, the support of peers can offer strength and coping mechanisms to help in the healing process.

For further information on our Social Work programs, please contact Jodi Levine, MSW, Director of Clinical Social Work at (215) 898-4529.