Grief Support Resources
You do not have to grieve alone. These are real, vetted resources from organizations the Good Boy Foundation trusts.
Pet Loss Support Groups by State
Pet Loss Hotlines
ASPCA Pet Loss Support Hotline — 877-474-3310. Available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Free, confidential support from trained volunteers.
Lap of Love Compassionate Care — 855-352-5683. Support for families navigating end-of-life decisions and pet loss grief.
Pet Compassion Careline — 855-245-8214. Staffed by grief counselors with specialized training in pet loss.
Online Support: Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB)
The APLB (aplb.org) is one of the oldest and most respected pet loss organizations in the United States, founded by Dr. Wallace Sife, a psychologist who pioneered the clinical understanding of pet grief. Their services are free and community-driven.
Online Pet Loss Support Chat Rooms — moderated chat spaces where you can connect with others who understand this loss, available on a regular schedule.
Video Support Groups — structured online meetings hosted by trained facilitators.
Memorial Pages — a place to share a tribute to your pet and feel their life acknowledged.
Extensive resource library including articles on anticipatory grief, disenfranchised grief, children and pet loss, and surviving the holidays after loss.
Visit aplb.org to find current schedules and access all resources.
Books on Pet Loss Grief
The Loss of a Pet by Dr. Wallace Sife — the foundational text on pet grief, written by the founder of the APLB. Compassionate, thorough, and widely recommended by grief counselors and veterinarians alike.
Finding a Grief Counselor or Therapist
If you are looking for a therapist to help you process your grief, look for someone who specializes in grief and loss and who takes pet loss seriously — not all therapists do. The APLB website maintains a directory of grief counselors with specific experience in companion animal loss. Your veterinarian may also be able to provide a referral.
You can also search the Psychology Today therapist directory (psychologytoday.com/us/therapists) and filter by “grief” as a specialty.
To every person reading this page:
You loved well.
You showed up for your dog every day.
Whatever decisions you made, you made them with love.
The grief you carry now is the evidence of that.
We feel you. The Good Boy Foundation sees you.
And we are so sorry for your loss.
Sources: Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB); HelpGuide.org; Chewy Pet Loss resources; ASPCA; Lap of Love; Current Biology (dog-human bonding research); Spitznagel & Carlson 2019 (caregiver burden in pet illness); Dr. Mary Gardner DVM; Dr. Wallace Sife; Anne Marie Farage-Smith LMHC and trusted veterinarians along Winter's 17-year journey as a dog mom.
The Good Boy Foundation is committed to providing valuable resources and education to empower pet parents in caring for their furry companions. However, it's important to note that the information provided on our website is intended for educational purposes only and should never replace the advice or treatment provided by a licensed veterinarian. While we strive to offer accurate and helpful guidance, we cannot be held responsible for any outcomes or consequences resulting from the application of this information. Pet parents are encouraged to consult with their veterinarian for personalized guidance and recommendations tailored to their pet's specific needs and circumstances.