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Pet Loss Grief Support

To many, a pet is not just a pet. They are family. A best friend. A constant

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: To be announced

    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.

      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.

     

     

    Additional information

    1. 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.
    2.  Please join our 8-week waitlist below. Individuals will be contacted in the order they signed up. 
    3. 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.
    4. Online groups are limited to a maximum of nine participants.
    5. Participants are asked to commit to all eight sessions, as each session builds on the previous one.
    6. 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.
    Register Here

    IMPORTANT NOTES

    • Group dates are announced as they become available. Individuals on the pre-registration list will be notified when registration opens.

    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.

    Pet Loss Resources

    We want to support you in your grief journey after losing your pet. Below are resources such as a learning education session we hosted, counselling supports, books, links and groups that may be helpful for you in your grief journey.

    *Kindly be aware that not all of these resources have undergone vetting, and BCBH does not accept liability for these recommendations.

    Download Slideshow

    Professional Counselling Supports

    • Compassionate Creatures
      Pet loss and caregiver-focused grief support services.

    • Between2Mirrors Counselling & Consulting Services
      Grief counselling and pet loss support.

    • 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

    Books

    Social Media 

    Online Literature/Websites

    Others