Pet Loss Support in British Columbia
Losing a beloved animal companion can be one of the most painful experiences of our lives. The grief can feel overwhelming, isolating, and deeply misunderstood — especially when others don’t recognize the depth of the human–animal bond.
If you’re grieving the loss of a pet, you are not alone.
Honouring the bond. Supporting the grief. You are not alone.
For many of us, animals are more than pets — they are companions, teachers, sources of unconditional love, and witnesses to our lives. When they die, the grief can be profound, complex, and long-lasting.
The BC Bereavement Helpline (BCBH) is here to support you through this loss with compassion, understanding, and care.
PAWS for Pet Loss Program
Formerly the Pet Loss Support Program, the PAWS for Pet Loss Program offers grief-informed support for individuals and families across British Columbia who are mourning the loss of an animal companion.
Our program includes:
- Closed 8-week Pet Loss Support Groups
Facilitated, confidential groups offering space to share, reflect, and connect with others who understand pet loss. - The Provincial Grief Helpline
One-to-one support for those needing immediate or ongoing grief support. - Online grief resources and education
Articles, guides, and learning materials focused on pet loss and disenfranchised grief. - Referrals to counselling and community supports
Connections to additional supports when more specialized or ongoing care is helpful. - Webinars and learning opportunities
Educational sessions exploring pet loss, grief, rituals, and coping tools.
Our Approach
We are committed to offering inclusive, trauma-informed, and compassionate support so that no one in British Columbia has to navigate the loss of a beloved animal alone.
Whether your loss is recent or long-carried, sudden or anticipated, you are welcome here.
If you are interested in supporting the growth of the PAWS for Pet Loss Program, sponsorship information is available below.
Pet Loss Grief Support Group
Next group: Fall 2026
Format: Online via Zoom
Our Pet Loss Grief Support Group offers a compassionate, non-judgmental space for individuals grieving the loss of a beloved animal companion. This closed, 8-week themed group provides consistency, safety, and connection, allowing participants to move through their grief alongside others who understand the depth of the human–animal bond.
Each week focuses on a different theme related to grief, healing, and connection, and is facilitated by trained grief support facilitators. Participants are welcome to share at their own pace — there is no pressure to speak or participate beyond what feels comfortable.
This group is suitable for anyone experiencing grief following the loss of a pet, whether the loss is recent or long-carried.
Who is this group for?
This group is intended for:
- Adults (18+) living in British Columbia
- Individuals who have lost a pet of any kind
- Those looking for a safe, supportive space to share their grief and listen to others with similar experiences
- People who feel ready to engage in a group setting focused on grief, healing, and connection
We recommend allowing some time after a loss so the initial shock has space to soften. If you are anticipating the loss of a pet, you are welcome to join; however, please be aware that hearing others’ loss experiences may be emotionally difficult.
This group is designed to complement, not replace, individual counselling. If your grief feels overwhelming or you would benefit from one-to-one support, our Helpline can assist with referrals.
How to attend?
- At BCBH, the safety and confidentiality of our grief support groups are of the utmost importance. All participants are asked to carefully follow BCBH’s policies and guidelines. Before registering, please review the following documents: Pet Loss Group Guidelines, Video Support Group Protocol and Relative Confidentiality.
- If you have not pre-registered before, please pre-register (one per person). This only needs to be completed once.
- Individuals who have pre-registered will receive an email from BCBH with a link to complete final registration, if space is available.
- Once confirmed, we kindly ask for a nominal contribution of $150. This contribution supports the operational costs of the program. Subsidies are available, and financial circumstances are not a barrier to participation.
- Online groups are limited to a maximum of nine participants.
- Participants are asked to commit to all eight sessions, as each session builds on the previous one.
- For online groups, a computer, laptop, or tablet is required. Phones are not recommended, as it is not possible to view all group members at once.
Testimonial
“Thank you once again to you and your team for the care and support in our pet loss journey. Participating in the group has helped me a lot, although I am still in a bit of a “numb” state about what happened with my kitty. However, I do have some tools now to help me deal with the guilt and the grief.” – Pet Loss Peer Support Group participant
Program Sponsorship Opportunities
Support the PAWS for Pet Loss Program
Helping grieving pet guardians across British Columbia access compassionate, accessible care.
Demand for pet loss support continues to grow across BC. Your support ensures these services remain free or low-cost, inclusive, and available to anyone who needs them. Please email [email protected] for more information.
For Veterinary Clinics
Veterinary teams play a vital role in supporting clients after the loss of a beloved animal. Becoming a clinic partner helps ensure your clients have access to compassionate grief support when they need it most.
Download Clinic Sponsorship Infographic
Ways Clinics Can Support
- Become a program sponsor (tiers available)
- Provide in-kind printing or display brochures/posters
- Share grief resources with grieving clients
- Support accessibility by helping distribute educational materials
Explore Partnership Opportunities
If your clinic is interested in sponsorship or partnership, we’d love to connect.
Book a 30-Minute Clinic Meeting
During this meeting, we will walk you through:
- A short overview of the PAWS for Pet Loss Program
- Sponsorship tiers for clinics
- In-kind support options
- How your clinic can help expand grief support across BC
Book your meeting here: https://scheduler.zoom.us/bc-bereavement-helpline-0p5tq5
For Businesses & Community Organizations
Community partners help sustain and broaden access to grief support throughout the province. Your organization’s support demonstrates leadership in compassion, mental health, and community care.
Download Business Sponsorship Infographic
Ways Organizations Can Support
- Sponsor the PAWS for Pet Loss Program (tiers available)
- Offer in-kind support (printing, design, space, professional expertise)
- Share program information through your networks
- Support outreach and community engagement initiatives
Schedule a Sponsorship Conversation
If your organization would like to explore how you can make an impact:
Book a 30-Minute Business/Organization Meeting
We will review:
- Sponsorship tiers for organizations
- In-kind support opportunities
- Flexible options that fit your organization’s capacity
- Ways your support strengthens community mental health
For Individual Donors
Individuals are essential in ensuring no one has to grieve a pet alone.
Download Individual Sponsorship Infographic
You can support by:
- Making a one-time gift
- Becoming a monthly donor
- Donating in memory of a beloved pet
- Sharing our resources with others experiencing loss
- Offering skills or time to support outreach
Your gift helps provide:
- Free or low-cost support groups
- Updated grief education resources
- Increased Helpline capacity
- Accessible and inclusive community outreach
Donate to the Program
British Columbia Bereavement Helpline – Donate
Educational Webinar
PAST EVENTS:
Understanding Pet Loss & Supporting Your Grief
January 29 • 6:30–8:00 PM (PT)
Online via Zoom
Thursday
BCBH is hosting a live, online educational webinar focused on understanding pet loss, navigating grief, and learning supportive tools for healing. This session is open to anyone in British Columbia who is grieving the loss of an animal companion or who wants to better understand the grief process.
Topics include:
- What makes pet loss unique
- Common grief reactions
- Coping strategies and self-care
- When to seek additional support
- Q&A with the facilitator
Watch Our Pet Loss Webinar
We invite you to explore our past educational content. This compassionate and informative webinar explores the unique grief that follows the death of a companion animal. The downloadable slide deck offers information on grief, coping strategies, and the unique experience of losing a beloved pet.
Understanding Pet Loss & Grief Webinar
Resources to Support You After Losing a Pet
Below are additional supports to help you navigate your grief.
*Kindly be aware that not all of these resources have undergone vetting, and BCBH does not accept liability for these recommendations.
Professional Counselling Supports
Compassionate Creatures
Pet loss and caregiver-focused grief support services.
Eagle Tree Wellness
Therapeutic services including grief support.
Helen Whitehead Counselling
Counselling support for grief and loss.
Melanie Yearow — Pet Loss Counseling
Specialized pet grief counselling.
Lap of Love
Grief and anticipatory loss support.
Psychology Today — Find a Therapist
Therapist directory.
Your local Health Authority
Public mental health services
Grief Understood
It’s Ok That You’re Not Ok — Megan Devine / Refuge in Grief
A compassionate approach to grief that validates painful emotions without trying to “fix” them.
Surviving those awful first few days of grief — Psychology Today
Practical guidance for navigating the shock and intensity of early grief.
The myth of the grief timeline — What’s Your Grief
Explores why grief does not follow stages or deadlines.
It’s fine to ignore the five stages of grief — The Ralph Site
A gentle reminder that grief is personal and doesn’t follow a formula.
How to support someone through grief — Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute
Helpful guidance for those supporting someone who is grieving.
Coping with the loss of a pet (guide) — OVC Pet Trust
An accessible guide offering emotional education and coping strategies.
Grief through culture and communities of colour — Michele Whitney, PhD
Explores how culture and lived experience shape grief.
Six Needs of Mourning – Pet Loss
Explains the emotional tasks of grief and how they apply to companion animal loss.
What’s Your Grief – Pet Loss Articles
Educational articles normalizing pet grief and exploring coping, meaning-making, and emotional responses.
When Your Pet Dies
A compassionate guide offering understanding and support through the emotional experience of pet loss.
Coping with Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet
A grief-focused book offering reflections and coping tools following companion animal loss.
Podcasts, Talks & Video Learning
Good Mourning: Coping with Pet Loss – Katie Lawlor
A podcast sharing honest conversations and stories about grieving beloved animal companions.
The Pet Loss Companion
A supportive podcast discussing grief, healing, and shared experiences after pet loss.
Pet Loss Grief: The Pain Explained | Sarah Hoggan, DVM | TEDxTemecula
A veterinarian explains why pet loss grief can be so profound and why it deserves recognition.
University of Guelph – Pet Loss Documentary Series
A six-part series featuring real stories of love, loss, and healing through the human–animal bond.
Disenfranchised Grief
The hidden sorrow of experiencing pet bereavement — The Ralph Site
Explains why pet loss can feel isolating and misunderstood.
Pet loss as a disenfranchised grief — Grief Healing Blog
Validates the depth of pet loss grief when others minimize it.
Grief after pet loss (videos) — OVC Pet Trust
Short educational videos about pet grief experiences.
Traumatic Loss
Grieving behavioural euthanasia — Losing Lulu
Support for those navigating the emotional complexity of behavioural euthanasia.
Traumatic loss — Society for Psychotherapy
Resources for understanding grief following sudden or traumatic events.
Supporting Another Pet
Do companion animals grieve? — Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center
Explains how animals may show changes after a companion’s death.
Pets mourn the loss of other pets too — Pique Magazine
An article exploring how animals respond to loss.
Helping your pet cope with grief — Lap of Love
Practical ways to support surviving pets after a loss.
Radio conversation with Dr. Kate Mornement & Kate Hunt — ABC Melbourne
A discussion on animal behaviour and grief (starts at 26 minutes 35 seconds).
Supporting Kids
Helping children with pet loss (videos) — OVC Pet Trust
Short videos to help adults support grieving children.
Helping children with the loss of a pet (guide) — OVC Pet Trust
A downloadable guide for talking with children about pet death.
Helping kids cope when a pet dies — Kids Health
Age-appropriate grief support advice.
Grief resources for kids experiencing pet loss — Lap of Love
Tools to help children express and process grief.
The Invisible Leash (Children’s Book)
A gentle story that helps children understand continuing bonds and remembrance after a pet dies.
Organizations Supporting Companion Loss
OVC Pet Trust – Pet Loss Support Resource Centre
A comprehensive hub of guides, videos, and educational resources.
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
Offers chat rooms, support groups, and educational materials.
Pet Loss Community
Online support and shared grief spaces for pet guardians.
Love, Baxter
A pet loss support hub focused on remembrance and community.
Social Media & Lived Experiences
Always Near Me: Navigating Pet Loss — OVC Pet Trust
A video series sharing real stories of love and loss.
Blue Cross Pet Loss Support Community (Facebook)
Peer support group for those grieving a pet.
Grief and Support for Loss of a Beloved Pet (Facebook)
A public group offering shared experiences and validation.
Beth Bigler
Pet loss grief counsellor sharing educational and supportive content.
Grant Hazell
Pet loss grief specialist sharing insights and reflections.
EverKin Pet Loss
Creative grief support and remembrance content.
Mourning Paws Project
Art and creativity-based grief expression.
Megan Devine / Refuge in Grief
Grief education and validation from a psychotherapist and author.
More Reading
Toronto Humane Society – Pet loss & bereavement support
Pet loss education and support resources.
Anticipatory Grief: Aging or Ill Companions
What is anticipatory grief? — APLB
Explains grief that begins before a death occurs.
Dealing with anticipatory pet grief — Goodbye Boy
Support for navigating emotions before loss.
Preparing for the loss of a pet (guide) — OVC Pet Trust
Guidance for planning and emotional preparation.
Grief before pet loss (videos) — OVC Pet Trust
Videos addressing anticipatory grief.
When caring for a pet becomes too much — Dawnetta Woodruff
Explores caregiver overwhelm and emotional strain.
Coping while caring for pets with chronic illness — Lap of Love
Support for caregivers managing ongoing illness.
Senior dog care — VCA Animal Hospitals
Medical and lifestyle considerations for aging dogs.
Supporting senior dogs — Elk Lake Veterinary Hospital
Guidance on aging dog care.
Senior cat care — VCA Animal Hospitals
Health considerations for aging cats.
Care for aging cats — Bond Vet
Tips for supporting senior feline companions.
Guidance on making difficult decisions — Ohio State University
Support for quality-of-life decision making.
Quality-of-life survey — Midtown Mobile Vet Hospice
Tool to assess a pet’s comfort and well-being.
Quality-of-life scale — Lap of Love
A structured daily assessment tool.
End-of-Life Considerations (videos) — OVC Pet Trust
Educational videos about end-of-life care.
Memorializing & Honouring Your Pet
Reflecting on aftercare and memorialization — OVC Pet Trust
Guide to making thoughtful aftercare decisions.
Memorialization videos — OVC Pet Trust
Videos exploring ways to honour and remember.
Supporting Animal Care Professionals
CVMA Wellbeing Resources
Mental health resources for veterinary professionals.
Togetherall Peer Support
Anonymous peer support platform.
Vets4Vets — VIN Foundation
Peer-to-peer support for veterinarians.
Not One More Vet
Mental health advocacy and peer support for vet professionals.
Supporting veterinary medicine (videos) — OVC Pet Trust
Educational wellbeing resources.
The Unseen Burden — Denton Hawk
Examines emotional labour in shelter work.
A Gentle Note
Grief looks different for everyone. You may find comfort in education, peer connection, quiet reflection, or professional support — or a combination over time. We encourage you to explore these resources at your own pace and choose what feels most supportive for you right now. BCCPC Pet Loss