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Humane Society of Greater Rochester

Pet Loss Support Groups


*Please note that this group is temporarily paused, but new sessions will be offered soon! In the meantime, check out the resources at the bottom of this page*

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.

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.
  • Currently considering euthanasia for a pet.

This group offers a nonjudgmental setting to express your feelings in a safe and supportive environment. You can expect the support group session to include an introduction to the different stages of grief, how to work through feelings of anger, guilt, and sadness, and how to celebrate the time you shared. We encourage you to share a photo or object of affection of the companion you wish to honor, and we hope that you will find some comfort in our support during your healing process.

WHEN: The second Saturday of every month from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

WHERE: Lollypop Farm, Terrence B. McIntee Lollypop Training and Education Center
Free of cost. Pre-registration required.

Questions? Email petloss@lollypop.org

OTHER PET LOSS

SUPPORT RESOURCES

Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement

Coping with the Loss of a Pet | AVMA

Pet Cloud

Looking for more regular virtual options and resources? Pet Cloud offers weekly virtual pet loss support groups, a membership support program, grief support and quality-of-life and euthanasia guides, and many other resources.

Pet Loss Support Hotline at Cornell University

Staffed by volunteer veterinary students trained by professional grief counselors.(607) 218-7457, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays: 6:15 p.m. – 9:15 p.m. EST.

Pet Loss Support Hotline at Tufts University

Staffed by volunteer veterinary students trained by a licensed therapist. During the academic year: (508) 839-7966, Monday – Friday: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. EST.

ASPCA Pet Loss Information