Online Resources
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
A not-for-profit association of professional counselors and pet-lovers helping people cope with the loss of their pets.
Coping with the Loss of a PetÂ
An article covering grieving, the five stages of mourning, how to explain pet loss to a child, and reasons for euthanasia.
An excellent resource from pet loss counselor Marty Tousley. It contains an extensive collection of articles and columns on grief, plus other resources. The one downside is that it is graphics-intensive and can take a long time to load (but it’s worth the wait).
A (long) page of pet loss tips and resources from a golden retriever site. A key resource is a state-by-state guide to pet loss resources and support groups; click on the map to find resources in your state. In addition to links, poetry and basic tips, this page offers an extensive list of books for adults and children. Also graphics-heavy and slow to load.
Healing and Inspirational Poetry
Links to dozens of poems on pet loss and related topics.
Lightning Strike Pet-Loss Support Page
One of the oldest pet loss sites on the web, with an eclectic selection of resources and links.
The Pet Loss Grief Support Website & Candle Ceremony
Offers information on “The Rainbow Bridge” in several different languages, plus a Monday evening worldwide candle ceremony for pets. Also offers a chat room, translations of the ceremony, poetry, articles, books, links to online support groups, links to telephone support, an article on grief writing and links to other resources.
Links to university and veterinary hospital hotlines and a variety of counselors and organizations that offer telephone support to pet owners.
Good article on euthanasia and on how to determine when the time is right.