Pet Loss Support Group

Family, friends, and society don’t always understand how drastically the loss of a pet can affect us, and can find it difficult to support the grief we often feel. Our Pet Loss Support Group provides an environment where thoughts and emotions can be shared and feelings of grief are understood and validated. Our Pet Loss Support group is facilitated by a licensed, clinical social worker.

IF YOU ARE:

• Feeling lost without your pet,
• Wondering what to tell your child about the loss of a pet,
• Finding that family and friends fail to understand or attempt to minimize your loss,
• Wondering if it is too soon to get another pet,
• Still grieving for a pet you had some time ago,
• Considering euthanasia,

Our Pet Loss Support Group may help. Losing your companion animal can be an extremely difficult and painful experience, and we offer a caring, compassionate understanding of your loss.

The Pet Loss Support Group is open to everyone ages 10 and up and is appropriate for those who have recently lost a pet, are still mourning an old loss, are anticipating the death of a pet, or are preparing for euthanasia.

San Diego Humane Society’s Pet Loss Support Group provides an environment where thoughts and emotions can be shared with those in similar circumstances. 

Sessions are led by a licensed social worker and are open to those ages 10 and up, including pet parents who are considering or preparing for euthanasia.  Sessions are usually an hour and a half in length.  

There are no fees for the sessions; however donations to help with providing this valuable service are greatly appreciated.

Please bring pictures of your pet with you to the sessions.

PHONE SUPPORT

Access and crisis line chat services are available through Optum. Live chat available Monday-Friday from 4-10 pm at 888.724.7240. Visit www.up2sd.org or www.optumhealthsandiego.com for more info.

SUPPORT GROUPS

The Hug Club meets every other Sunday in La Mesa. For details about the location and dates, please visit meetup.com/The-Hug-Club-San-Diego-Grief-Support-Group-for-Pet-Owners.  If you have questions, you can reach Catherine at sdpetsupport@aweber.com or 858-909-0009.

El Cajon area sessions are available. For more information, please contact Dr. Caroline Joseph, PsyD, at 619.334.0708 to make a reservation.

Websites

• Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
• The Delta Society
• Grief Healing
• Open to Hope
• Pet Loss Grief Support
• California Veterinary Medical Association
• Pet Loss Support Page
• American Humane Association – Pet Loss
• Navigating Grief: A Guidebook for Grief Awareness and Understanding