Our support services
Besides feelings of sadness people often experience various emotions such as guilt, anger, shock & denial and depression when loosing a pet. Sadly most of us have to make the impossible decision to put our pet to sleep. Even though it is the last act of love we can offer our pet and is made in their best interests we tend to looks for ways to question our decision and can have feelings of guilt after the event.
Our “Paws for Thought” leaflet is designed to help you through this difficult time and can be downloaded here.
If you would like more help then you may find some of the books in our Poetry and Books section useful.
Pet Bereavement Support Organisations
Many people do not realize how traumatic and confusing death can be on a child. Although children tend to grieve for shorter periods of time, their grief is no less intense than that experienced by adults. Children also tend to comeback to the subject repeatedly; so extreme patience is required when dealing with the grieving child.
Download the workbook “I Miss My Pet: A workbook for children about pet loss” by Katie Nurmi©. This let’s children work through the loss of a pet by teaching the child that their feelings are important and respected.
Website: www.rainbowsbridge.com
Would it help to talk? The Pet Bereavement Support Service offers confidential telephone and email support for pet owners. Emotional support and practical information is provided by trained support line volunteers. The service is run by The Blue Cross and is a member of The Helplines Association and British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Call: 0800 096 6606
Email: pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk
Website: www.bluecross.org.uk
Need to talk to someone? Paws to Listen grief support service from Cats Protection is a free and confidential phone line for when you are experiencing pet-related grief. Call them on 0800 024 94 94 and talk to one of their trained volunteer listeners. While they are unable to offer counselling, they can provide you with a sympathetic ear at a difficult time.
The line is open:
9am-5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays)
Call: 0800 024 94 94
Website: www.cats.org.uk
The Ralph site has got lots of useful information on euthanasia, pet loss and much more to help you following the death of a pet. It was set up by vet Shailen Jasani (MA VetMB MRCVS DipACVECC) in July 2011 after the loss of his beloved cat, Ralph, following a motor vehicle accident in November 2010. The site is dedicated to all the animals that have touched and continue to touch the hearts of so many people.
Website: www.theralphsite.com
Animal Samaritans, a UK-based charity, offers help and advice for anyone dealing with the grief of losing a beloved pet. Free for anyone to call, the bereavement service allows owners to talk about their pets and their grief in a non-judgemental arena.
For more information, visit animalsamaritans.org.uk or call 0203 745 9859.
EASE understands the importance and death of a human/pet relationship, providing plenty of helpful free resources to help those suffering. Some of the services they offer include podcasts to offer comfort and support, additional support sheets on topics
such as preparing for pet loss, and a helpful guide on coping with pet bereavement in children.
For more information, visit ease-animals.org.uk.
Further Resources
Box Breath for Grief
Breathwork is proven to reduce stress and anxiety, so we're sharing a simple breathing technique to follow or share with anyone that may be struggling to unwind currently. 1. Following the top side of the box, breathe in slowly through your nose for a count of four. 2. As you follow down one side of the box, hold your breath for a count of four. 3. Following the bottom side, breathe out slowly for a count of four, releasing all the air from your lungs. 4. Going up the other side of the box, hold your breath for a count of four. If 4 seconds feels too long or too short, you can adjust your count to suit. Repeat as many times as you need.
Get in touch today
Contact a member of our dedicated team for help arranging your pet’s cremation.