Paws In Our Hearts
You are not alone here.
Helplines and groups run by organisations who understand pet loss specifically. Most are free. None of them will tell you it was just a pet.
OVC Pet Trust also has free downloadable grief booklets and a video series.
Free moderated online group, open to all ages. Covers anticipated loss as well.
Free virtual support group with resources in English and French. Also makes anticipatory grief affirmation cards.
Community-run. Phone support, virtual meetings and a Facebook group. Open beyond Ontario.
Offered through partner vet and aftercare clinics — ask your vet whether they participate.
Not a helpline — refers you to vetted grief counsellors in BC.
Signposting service — points you to local counsellors and groups.
Somewhere else in the world? There's no equivalent pet-specific network in much of Europe and elsewhere, but findahelpline.com lists free emotional support lines in over 130 countries, and APLB's online chat rooms are open to anyone. Your own vet is often the best first ask — many keep a list of local grief counsellors.
Hours change, especially at the university lines, which are staffed by students and go quiet over holidays. Every listing above links to its own site so you can check before you call.
Found something out of date, or know a service that should be here? Tell us and we'll update it.