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Pet Bereavement Support
Pets are part of our family and the sense of loss we all go through cannot be underestimated. Besides feelings of sadness people often experience various emotions such as Guilt, Anger, Shock & Denial and Depression. 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.
The leaflet “Coping with Pet Bereavement” has been produced by the APPCC with the help of Jane Matthews, author of Losing a Pet. It is designed to help you through this difficult time and can be downloaded here.
Many people do not realise 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. The workbook “I Miss My Pet: A workbook for children about pet loss” by Katie Nurmi© let’s children work through the loss of a pet by teaching the child that their feelings are important and respected. They will also learn that respect for all living creatures is an important aspect of growing up.
If you would like more help then you may find some of the books in our Poetry and Books section useful.
Pet Bereavement Support Service
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
www.bluecross.org.uk
Paws to Listen grief support service
Need to talk to someone? Paws to Listen grief support service from Cats Protections 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 – Pet Loss Suport
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
Rainbow Bridge – Helping a Child Cope with Pet Loss
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
Pet Bereavement Counselling
There is no shame in the level of emotions we feel before, during and after the loss of a family pet. If you need a helping hand through the grieving process then you can also contact a qualified pet bereavement counsellor. Click here for more information about pet bereavement counsellors.