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.
Free and confidential by phone, email or webchat. Email replies within 48 hours. Run by trained volunteers since 1994.
Free grief support for cat owners. Volunteer listeners rather than counsellors. Callback available if lines are busy.
Free moderated peer support forums, articles and chat. Set up by a vet after losing his own cat.
General pet health and bereavement advice. Can refer you on to Blue Cross for deeper grief support.
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Found something out of date, or know a service that should be here?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.