Losing an animal companion can be an isolating experience and one that is not well understood. This program is for anyone grieving the loss of a beloved animal friend.
Join us for support and community.
IN SUPPORT OF THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVING THE LOSS OF THEIR PET, BIRCHBARK OFFERS A FREE COMMUNITY SERVICE
We are currently offering group sessions and one-on-one private sessions via Zoom on Tuesdays from 6:30 - 7:30 pm.
All sessions are facilitated by professionals with expertise in grief counseling. These empathetic and caring professionals are dedicated to building healthier communities by providing compassionate sessions for individuals, families, and children experiencing the loss of a beloved pet. BirchBark’s Pet Loss Grief Support sessions are free.
Please consider making a monthly or one-time donation to help assure BirchBark continues to grow and help all pet families in need. BirchBark is a 501(c)3 non-profit and is dependent on the generosity of our pet loving community to provide financial resources for our services.
Alternative Self-Help Options
Nurturing the Human-Animal Bond through End of Life
As pets get older the human-animal bond gets stronger. All of us at BirchBark Foundation understand the dedication that pet owners have for their animal family members and how much we want to make the best decisions for our pets, especially when it is time to say goodbye. Knowing when to let that special family member go is a difficult and and heart-wrenching decision. In addition to the grief support that we offer, there are a number of other resources that you may find helpful.
Peaceful Paws, a veterinary hospice service in Santa Cruz and surrounding communities, has a wonderful list of grief resources that, in addition to BirchBark's Pet Loss Grief Support, you may find helpful. We repeat Peaceful Paws's list here. You may also find this list of resources on Peaceful Paws's website.
-
Humane Society of Silicon Valley Animal Loss Support Group
SAGE Centers Pet Caregiver Support Group
Live Chat Groups
The Association for Pet Loss and BereavementRainbow Bridge Pet Loss Grief Support Chat Room
Pet Grief Support and Candle Ceremony
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Pet Loss Support Hotline
-
ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline: 877-GRIEF-10 (877-474-3110)
Nikki Hospice Foundation for Pets Help Line: (707) 557-8595
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: (607) 253-3932
Washington State University, School of Veterinary Medicine, Pet LossHotline: (866) 266-8635
Pet Compassion Careline: (855) 245-8214
-
Psychology Today: Support, Nurture & Love: Talking to Children About Pet Loss
The Argus Institute: Helping Children with Pet Loss
UC Davis Veterinary Medicine: Helping Children Understand Pet Loss: Do's and Don'ts
Children's Books
When a Pet Dies, by Fred Rogers
Saying Goodbye to Lulu, by Corinne Demas
The Tenth Good Thing about Barney, by Judith Viorst
Jasper's Day, by Marjorie Blain Parker
Cat Heaven and Dog Heaven, by Cynthia Rylant
-
Psychology Today: 10 Tips for Helping Your Grieving Pet
The Argus Institute: How Animals Grieve
Argus Institute Counseling and Support Services
The Argus Institute provides free grief counseling relating to pet loss and support to those making end-of-life decisions for their pets. Founded in 1984, this unique program is one of the longest standing, most comprehensive programs of its kind. Clinical counselors offer support to people who are facing difficult decisions regarding their pets’ health and help them manage the challenges of caring for a sick animal.
Click here for more information on the Argus Institute.