Companion animals make a strong and lasting mark in the lives of their human counterparts. The bond that is created does not disappear when death occurs. Strong emotional and physical reactions to the death of a companion animal are healthy and normal. They include feelings of grief, pain, shock, anxiety and guilt. These reactions can be overwhelming, which is why a support group of family and friends is important during this time.
Grieving is a process that is unique for each individual. Being able to find a personal way to acknowledge the special bond is a necessary step to processing one’s grief. Our program strives to provide assistance and support to clients who bring their animals to the MU Veterinary Health Center and provide service referral within the larger Missouri area and national communities.
Areas in which we assist:
- End-of-life concerns
- Anticipatory grief
- How to talk to children about animal health and death
- Ways to memorialize the special bond with a companion animal
- Resources to help people cope with the loss of their animal
- Grief counselor available to talk with animal owners
- Training for faculty, staff and students
Pet Loss Support and Grief Group
*Due to COVID the in-person support group has been paused.
The Veterinary Health Center offers a pet loss support and grief group to provide a safe space and support to individuals and families during the emotional period from diagnosis through illness progression to death of a pet. Please contact the hospital for further information about this free service.
For more information about our support services, contact Francesca Tocco, MSW, LCSW, at 573-884-1295 or CVMGriefSupport@missouri.edu.
Resources
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- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- 1-800-273-8255
- Online chat option at: suicidepreventionlifeline.org
- Veterans Crisis Line
- 1-800-273-8255
- Text with a Veterans Crisis Line Responder: Send a text message to 838255
- Missouri Crisis Text Line
- Text assistance is available by texting “HAND” to 839863.
- The Missouri Crisis Line is staffed by local volunteers who are trained to respond to a wide range of difficulties including suicide, self-injury, sexual assault, relationship violence, and emotional distress.
- Vet Vine: Virtual Pet Loss Support Services
- Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
- APLB List of Book Resources
- Keep in mind that each book is written from the author’s point of view and not all books will be helpful to all people. Feel free to jump around in a book, skip sections, read the end first, or read sections that apply to your journey.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
