Monthly meetings, Third Thursday, 7:00 p.m. at Ms. Bruemmer's home. Support system by phone is available. Mail or handout pet loss brochures. Lending library available for books and some videos.
Christian Counseling Center's Pet Loss Recovery Services
Christian Counseling Center. Box 210128, Auke Bay, AK 99821.
Besides giving local counseling to children and adults dealing with pet loss we have produced a videotape. Our tape encourages parents to direct their child through a healthy pet loss recovery. There is a spiritual (Christian) portion built into this teaching program. Cost: $24.95 plus $3.99 postage and handling.
Alabama
Pet Loss Counseling
Child and Family Counseling of North Alabama. 8840 Hwy. 20 W., Office Q, Madison, AL 35758.
Phone: (205) 772-2959.
Contact: Jeanne Vinson.
Alabama's only current Pet Loss therapist. Support groups offered weekly to both adults and children. Minimal fee. Individual counseling offered by support group master's level counselor in clinical psychology, Jeanne Vinson. Support group topics include an open group forum for pet owners who have loss their companion animals to abduction, death or impending death.
Sandra Nettles has a Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She provides counseling for a variety of issues including life transitions, depression, and pet loss.
Pet Grief Support Service
Companion Animal Association of Arizona Inc. P.O. Box 5006, Scottsdale, AZ 85261-5006.
Pet Grief Support Helpline Number: (602) 995-5885.
Association Number: (602) 258-3306.
Operated entirely by trained volunteers the service provides understanding, compassion, and support to persons throughout the U.S. and Canada who are anticipating or coping with the loss of a beloved companion animal. The Service offers a 24-hour-a-day telephone helpline, regularly scheduled support group meetings, information, literature, and reading lists on pet loss, and referral to appropriate resources. Although there is no charge for the Service, long-distance calls to the Helpline will be returned collect.
Animal Bereavement Counseling offers a safe arena which to explore the grief of a loved animal companion, which someone has lost, or who is sick. They offer a group setting to explore feelings as well as resolving the hurt and pain of grief. Trained staff is sensitive to people's loss and helps to bring closure and acceptance to a difficult time.
Teresa Wagner has a master's degree in counseling and has facilitated the healing process for individuals grieving the loss of an animal since 1986. She offers private consultations and workshops both for people who have lost their animal companions and shelter workers who are grieving euthanized animals. She is the author of Legacies of Love, A Gentle Guide to Healing from the Loss of Your Animal Loved One.
I have been in clinical practice for 12 years, with extensive training and experience in grief work, working with clients with chronic and terminal illness, and clients dealing with depression. This background, in combination with my love of animals, brought me to the natural blending of my expertise and personal passion. I have been seeing clients for pet bereavement work for 6 years, and approach it as a unique type of grief. While the motional experiences of people grieving for their pet are similar to other types of losses, often the person who lost a pet must defend themselves against insensitivity which doesn't usually occur with human loss. I see clients individually, in families or group, and do couple work.
Bonnie Goodman, M.A., C.T.
220 California Ave. Suite 120 , Palo Alto, CA, 94306
I hold a Masters of Arts degree in Education and Psychology, and completed The Professional Certificate Program in the Study of Grief and Loss at U.C. Berkeley. I am also Nationally Board Certified as a Thanatologist, sponsored by the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC). I am a trained volunteer counselor in the Adult program for KARA, a nonprofit organization in Palo Alto that provides support to those grieving the death of a loved one.
I provide a safe and supportive environment to assist the bereaved pet parent in coming to a place of understanding and reconciliation of the loss, which is a necessary journey towards healing. I use a “Person-Centered counseling” approach, which allows each person or group member to freely and unconditionally express all the feelings and emotions. Each person's grief will be respected as a unique and individual process.
I listen attentively and with nonjudgmental acceptance, by honoring the special relationship and unique bonds between people and their animal companions. I discuss the differences in grief reactions depending on how one’s pet companion died, educate clients on the distinctive issues related to losing a pet, and offer suggestions for healing.
Grief Counseling for Pet Owners
449 Melrose St., San Francisco, CA 94127.
Phone: (415) 334-5036.
Contact: Betty J. Carmack, R.N., Ed.D.
Betty has been in private practice since 1982. She works with individuals, couples, families, and groups. Available for service dog owners. Betty leads a monthly pet loss support group at San Francisco SPCA and also works with staffs of humane shelters, laboratory animal medicine, and veterinary staffs on issues related to pet/animal loss, euthanasia, and other stresses.
When your companion animal dies, it's natural to feel grief and sadness, even depression. Our free support group is designed to offer anyone grieving the death, loss or terminal illness of a beloved companion animal. Led by a professional counselor, our group meets the second Thursday of each month, from 7 - 9:30pm. The group usually ranges in size from 6 to 12 participants. Some people come once or twice, others four or five times. Participants need not be PHS/SPCA adopters and are not required to sign up for the class. For more information, please contact Malu Trehan at 650-340-7022 xt. 344 or mtrehan@peninsulahumanesociety.org.
PET LOSS BEREAVEMENT COUNSELING AND SUPPORT GROUPS OF ORANGE COUNTY
Many of us form intense attachments with our pets. When change disrupts this bond, we can feel emotionally devastated. Sometimes issues from the past can be triggered. Don’t suffer alone. Andrea Keith is a psychotherapist specializing in Pet Loss. Confidential sessions are available for individuals, children, couples, or family. A sliding scale fee is available. Support Groups meet monthly, are limited in size, and designed to assist you with your grief process. Please contact Andrea for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Pet Loss Support/Grief Counseling
Los Angeles, CA 90029.
Phone: (213) 694-0321.
Contact: Donna S. Melinkoff, M.A., MFCC.
Donna Melinkoff is a pet loss grief counselor. She provides individual, family, group counseling and emotional support to help cope with loss. Donna has 20 years experience as a social worker and licensed counselor, specializing in relationships, life changes, transitions and grief/loss. She also provides talks, educational seminars, and consultation to community groups, animal health care providers and schools.
Dr. Soares is a veterinarian as well as a marriage & family therapist. She is facilitator for a support group that meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, 6:30-8:15 p.m. No fee. Call for directions.
Pet Loss Support Group San Diego Humane Society and SPCA
One weekend morning and one weekday evening session per month
The Pet Loss Support Group is open to those ages 12 and up, including pet parents who are considering or preparing for euthanasia. Thanks to support from the San Diego Pet Memorial Park, s essions are free. Donations are appreciated. Please call (619) 299-7012, extension 2311, to make a reservation or for more information.
Pet Loss Support Group
Humane Society of Santa Clara Valley. 2530 Lafayette St., Santa Clara, CA 95050.
Phone: (408) 727-3383, ext. 869.
Fax: (408) 727-7845.
Contact: Helaine Ronen, MSW.
Helaine Ronen possesses a Masters of Social Work. She has practiced in hospitals as a clinical social worker, in medical psychiatry and outpatient rehabilitation. She started this pet loss support group in 1997. This group is for persons who animals have died or for individuals considering euthanasia. The group meets four times a month. Groups are free. Support groups and telephone consultation are currently available.
Santa Barbara Pet Loss Support Group (sponsored by Shiva's Center for the Human-Animal Bond)
Support Groups are located at Hospice of Santa Barbara
2050 Alameda Padre Serra, Suite 100, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Shiva’s Center for the Human-Animal bond sponsors free grief counseling for anyone in the Santa Barbara, CA area who has lost, or anticipates the loss of an animal companion. Trained mental health professionals facilitate the groups. Groups are held at Hospice of Santa Barbara on the first and third Tuesday of each month (excluding major holidays).
Redwood Empire Veterinary Medical Association Pet Loss Support Group
Cheri Barton Ross. C/O Montgomery Village Veterinary Clinic, 775 Farmers Ln., Santa Rosa, CA 95405.
Phone: (707) 527-9330.
Fax: (707) 528-2648.
The REVMA Pet Loss Support Group assists pet owners who have experienced a pet loss or who are anticipating one. We have been operating for 10 years. Jane Sorensen, RN, MFCC, licensed marriage, family and child counselor and Roger Lake, CH.T. (certified hypnotherapist) leads the group. The group meets Tuesday night (excluding holidays) from 7:15-8:30 p.m. Cost is $10 per individual, $15 for couples and families.
The San Diego Humane Society's Pet Loss Support Group, facilitated by Louisa Triandis, LCSW, provides an environment where emotions can be shared with those of similar circumstances and feelings of grief are understood and validated. Sessions are offered one Saturday morning and one Tuesday evening each month. Sessions are free, but donations are greatly appreciated.
San Diego County Pet Bereavement Program
2058 Oxford Ave. Cardiff, CA 92007.
Phone: (619) 275-0728.
Fax: (760) 436-6798.
Contact: Lorri Greene, Ph.D.
The San Diego Pet Bereavement Program offers support and counseling for those pet owners who have lost or are anticipating the loss of a pet. Free telephone consultations and low cost counseling is available by a licensed psychologist.
Emissaries of St. Francis Animal Loss Support.
P.O. Box 1056, Mt. Shasta, CA 96067.
Phone: (530) 926-6424.
Fax: (530) 926-1245.
Contact: Sharon Callahan.
Sharon Callahan, internationally recognized animal communication specialist, offers grief counseling and grief counseling referral. Background in animal communication, grief and suicide counseling. 30 years experience. Call or write for a free information packet. Sharon works with all grieving adults, children and animals.
Pet Loss Counseling, Center for Effective Living.
9815 Carroll Canyon Rd., San Diego, CA 92131.
Phone: 858-566-3333.
Contact: Meg Kaufman, MFCC.
Meg Kaufman is a marriage, family, and child counselor in private practice. Her specialties include bereavement counseling, especially for animal loss. She works with children, adolescents and adults and is available to speak to groups concerning the loss of a pet. Her background includes counseling in schools, hospices, outpatient psychiatric facilities and in private practice. She is also a certified animal lover!
Dr. Diane Kelley.
1494 S. Robertson, Ste. 202, Los Angeles, CA 90035.
Phone: (310) 559-3164.
Dr. Diane Kelley is a licensed psychologist with practices in Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach and Costs Mesa. For the past 23 years, Dr. Kelley has successfully treated hundreds of clients in overcoming the grief of an anticipated loss or death of a pet. Dr. Kelley holds a Masters and Doctorate degree from the University of Southern California in Counseling Psychology and has advanced training in pet grief therapy.
Colorado
Changes: Support for People and Pets Program
Colorado State University, Veterinary Teaching Hospital. 300 West Drake Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80523.
The Changes Program provides grief education and support to pet owners across the country. The Changes Program, one of the oldest and comprehensive in the U.S., provides office hours Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Wednesday, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon. The program's directors provide instruction to CSU's veterinary students, and lecture nationally and internationally. A textbook entitled The Human-Animal Bond and Grief was recently published.
"When You Lose a Pet"- Pet Loss Support Group
The Human-Animal Bond Trust (HABT). 1780 S. Bellaire St., #103, Denver, CO 80222-4330 or . 2951 Hanover Ct., Watkins, CO 80137-7114.
Contacts: Peter L. Poses, Ph.D., LMFT, Peggy Dixon.
The Denver Area Pet Loss Support Group is sponsored by the Denver Area Veterinary Medical Society and the Denver Pet Cemetery & Crematory. The "When you Lose a Pet" group is a no-cost drop-in meeting held every Thursday, 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the DAVMS. The group is facilitated by licensed professional psychotherapists. HABT is a non profit 501(c) 3 entity.
The Front Range Pet Loss/Human-Animal Bond Support Network
The Front Range Center for Changing Family Relations. 1006 Robertson St. #202A, Ft. Collins, CO 80524-3925.
Contact: Peter L. Poses, Ph.D., LMFT and Ruth M. Gussman, DVM.
A support network, information and referral and individual/couple/family pet loss grief work. For people wanting to be supported in their sharing of their feeling and thoughts about their grief and mourning about the dying, death and loss of their companion animals.
Linda A. Weitzel, MA, LPC
634 Main St. #7, Grand Junction, CO 81501.
Phone: (970) 242-6954.
Linda received a B.S. in Animal Science from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and an M.A. in Counseling & Guidance from Adams State College, Alamosa, Colorado. She is a licensed professional counselor in private practice. Linda works with people experiencing life transitions, depression, grief and bereavement. She has done individual sessions with those who have lost and animal companion and is willing to do group and support groups.
Karla D. Holt, MA, LPC, NCC, CAC III.
5005 W. 81st Place, Suite 200, Westminster, CO 80031.
Phone: (303) 725-8126.
Fax: (303) 487-9191.
Karla D. Holt is a psychotherapist and life coach in private practice in the Denver, CO area. She offers individual and group services concerning pet loss issues of grief, loss and bereavement.
Connecticut
Source of Support, Support After Pet Loss
20 Allen-O'Neill Dr., Darien, CT 06820.
Phone: (203) 656-2669 voice /TDD.
Contact: M. Patricia Gallagher, M.S.
M. Patricia Gallagher is a Professional Grief Counselor. She has been doing pet loss support for individuals, groups and families since 1985. She also serves as consultant to the staff of animal hospitals and clinics and leads workshops and seminars for veterinary and lay groups. Support group meetings are held the first Tuesday and last Thursday of each month. Call for details.
Maryann Borgon is a high school counselor and pet loss specialist. She offers a monthly support group. Fee: $10, free to clients of participating veterinary clinics. Telephone and individual consultations are available. Services are opened to individuals of all ages coping with the loss or anticipated loss of a companion animal. Training provided to veterinary clinics for a fee.
Pet Loss Support Group, Pinellas Animal Foundation
10825 Seminole Blvd., Bldg. A, Unit 3, Seminole, FL 34648.
Phone: (813) 347-PETS (7387).
Contact: Crystal (Blomgren) Finnis, M.S. & Judith Gammonley, R.N.C., Ed.D.
The monthly meetings of the Pet Loss Support Group are open to the public at no charge. They are held at the Pinnellas Animal Foundation. 10825 Seminole Blvd., Bldg. A, Unit 3, Seminole, FL and Safety Harbor Public Library. Telephone reassurance including counseling/crisis intervention is provided as needed. Crystal Finnis has an M.S. in Counselor Education and specializes in human bereavement. Judith Gammonley is a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner. Both pet loss counselors specialize in grief education and support.
Lynn has a genuine interest in helping people. She also has a deep love and respect for animals and personally understands the pain of losing a beloved pet. She has a Masters Degree as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, is a Certified Addictions Counselor, and is in her own private practice. She offers a warm, safe and supportive environment while counseling people with a variety of mental health issues.
One of her specialties includes providing counseling services to hurting people of all ages who are faced with the deep emotional pain of the loss or anticipated loss of a companion pet due to illness, trauma, separation, euthanasia, or natural death. Her empathy, compassion and understanding help facilitate the mourning process. She also has considerable training in the effects and treatment of depression & anxiety. Lynn offers her clients immediate help, hope for the future, and healing throughout the difficult grief process. Some insurance is accepted
The Chicago Veterinary Medical Association Pet Loss Support Group Wings.
The Wings Support group meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 8:00 p.m. at the CVMA office.
Lincolnshire Animal Hospital Pet Loss Counseling
420 Half Day Rd., Lincolnshire, IL 60069.
Phone: (847) 634-9250.
Fax: (847) 634-9246.
Contact: Marilyn G. Putz, M.A.
Marilyn G. Putz has a Master's degree in Family & Community Counseling and is employed as a Pet Loss Counselor. She sees individuals privately or in a group setting and works with those who are anticipating the loss of a companion animal as well as those who have already experienced such a loss. She also is a dog breeder, trainer & handler and active in rescue work & animal-assisted activities as well as training with handicapped children & adults.
Jerry Zabin, LCSW, in practice since 1976, brings a great deal of practical experience in working with grief and loss. His experience and extensive background in working with individuals, couples and families, as well as with those faced with chronic illness, provides a unique perspective in helping pet owners in grieving a lost companion.
Arryn is a therapist with a specialty in pet loss, for both adults and children. In addition to pet loss, Arryn works with adults and children to address depression, anxiety, and relationship challenges. She accepts some insurance and offers a sliding scale fee.
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, holds Masters degrees in Clinical Psychology and Gerontology, specializing in bereavement/loss. She offers lectures and information sessions and has had extensive experience with pet loss support including developing rituals for closure and memorials.
Kathy Milans understands the depth of emotional feelings that can naturally occur when the special human-animal bond is ended through the death of a cherished pet. With little or no emotional support, the sadness may seem overwhelming. Many people seek help during this difficult time of loss. As a Christian Pastoral Counselor and pet owner, Kathy can with this period of grieving.
Kathy Milans has experience as an elementary educator, teacher trainer, adjunct professor, and has served as Family Resource Director for a major hospital. Along with a B.A. and M.S. in Education, she holds an M.A. in Pastoral Counseling from Asbury Theological Seminary.
Thomas Haffner has a Masters degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and is certified by the state of Kentucky as a Marriage & Family Therapist Associate. In his private practice, he has worked with families and individuals in dealing with the loss of an animal companion. He understands the bond that makes an animal companion a member of one's family, and the grief associated with the loss of a loved one. Thomas offers therapy sessions for individuals or families, and has a sliding fee scale. He also hosts a support group for those experiencing the loss of an animal companion. There is no fee to participate in the support group.
The Best Friend Gone Project is a program of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. Stephanie is a Board Certified social worker trained in issues of grief and loss. The program offers telephone counseling, private counseling, support group meetings, referral reading list and information on pet loss. Office hours are 8 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Referrals and phone consultations are welcome.
Barbara J. Morse, MSW, LICSW is a licensed independent clinical social worker providing supportive counseling services for those experiencing bereavement, grief, or loss of their companion animals – whether from separation, trauma, illness, death, or euthanasia.
Ms. Morse also counsels clients who are struggling with other companion animal issues such as: the cost of on-going treatment, quality of life, and whether/when to euthanize.
Ms. Morse received a B.S. in Animal Sciences from the University of New Hampshire and attended the Equine Program where she received her Instructor Certification. She also worked for a Southern Maine Veterinary Clinic (small and large animals) and an “A” rated pony clubber who was long listed for the Seoul Olympic Three Day Event Team. Ms. Morse received her Master of Social Work degree (MSW) from Boston University.
Ms. Morse is licensed in New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts. Please call for nearest office location (by appointment only).
Maryland
Pedersen, Joan E., ThM, MA, LCSW-C
Center for Renewal
With training in both pastoral counseling and psychotherapy, I offer a specialty in loss/bereavement/life transitions, while providing a spiritually sensitive, holistic approach to my practice.
As the beloved mother of a happy-go-lucky 15 year-old cocker spaniel and a feisty 8 year-old tabby cat, I know how much a part of a family animals can become, and how very difficult their death can prove, not only for humans but for other animals in the household, as well. Indeed for many people, pets are the one constant in their life, often an unconditional loving connection deeper than other relationships. I have had the privilege of working with many individuals, couples and families as they struggle with anticipatory grief over their pets’ illness, as they made tough decisions regarding their care, and later as they process the painful loss. In a very safe, accepting environment, we focus on letting go, saying good-bye, the rituals of remembrance and engaging in life without their beloved animal.
Carol A. Auletta has two offices. Her Upper Marlboro office is located on her farm which is a truly a healing sanctuary. She works with people both individually and in a group setting helping them through their grieving process. Carol also welcomes phone consultations. She is licensed to take insurance reimbursements.
Nancy Wiswall, DVM, M.Ed.
4720 Edgefield Rd., Bethesda, MD 20814.
Phone: (301) 493-9090.
Fax: (301) 530-4220.
Massachusetts
A.T.R. Counseling Service (*).
399 Neponset St., Canton, MA 02021.
Phone: (781) 828-3717.
Contact: Ann T. Resca, NCC, LMHC.
Ann T. Resca is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a National Certified Counselor with a Masters in Counseling from Northeastern University, Boston, MA. She has over 28 years of experience. Ann has a private practice at A.T.R. Counseling Services specializing in grief, loss and personal counseling. Grief/loss counseling includes pet loss for adults and adolescents, as well as speaking if requested or support groups as needed.
Barbara J. Morse, MSW, LICSW is a licensed independent clinical social worker providing supportive counseling services for those experiencing bereavement, grief, or loss of their companion animals – whether from separation, trauma, illness, death, or euthanasia.
Ms. Morse also counsels clients who are struggling with other companion animal issues such as: the cost of on-going treatment, quality of life, and whether/when to euthanize.
Ms. Morse received a B.S. in Animal Sciences from the University of New Hampshire and attended the Equine Program where she received her Instructor Certification. She also worked for a Southern Maine Veterinary Clinic (small and large animals) and an “A” rated pony clubber who was long listed for the Seoul Olympic Three Day Event Team. Ms. Morse received her Master of Social Work degree (MSW) from Boston University.
Ms. Morse is licensed in New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts. Please call for nearest office location (by appointment only).
MSPCA Pet Loss Support Program; Individual Counseling and Consulting Services.
350 S. Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130.
Phone: (617) 522-7400.
Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, Center for Animals and Public Policy.
Christine McNiff is a licensed mental health counselor (LHMC) and nationally certified counselor (NCC) with over 20 years counseling experience. As part of her services, Christine offers pet loss counseling for adults, adolescents, and children dealing with the loss of a companion or service animal. She also does group work on this subject matter. Christine and her Labrador Retriever are registered animal assisted activities/animal assisted therapy Pet Partners and Christine is a member of The Association for Pet Loss & Bereavement.
Michigan
Pet Loss Support Program
Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine , G-145 Veterinary Medical Center, East Lansing , MI 48824-1314
Pet Loss Support Hotline (517)432-2696
Staffed by volunteer veterinary students who receive training in grief support. The hotline operates Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6:30pm-9:30pm EST.
Pet Loss Support Group
The group meets under the direction of a certified grief counselor. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm in the Veterinary Medical Center in East Lansing, MI.
Minnesota
Pet Loss Support Group.
Animal Humane Society of Hennepin County. 845 Meadow Ln. N., Minneapolis, MN 55422.
The Animal Humane Society of Hennepin County is a full service shelter that offers adoption services, education programs, humane investigation and a computerized lost and found. The Pet Loss Support Group is a free, informal, ongoing program and participants are welcome to come once or as often as they wish. A trained staff member or volunteer facilitates the group.
Disclaimer
The purpose of the Directory of Pet Loss Resources is to inform members and friends of Delta Society about resources available. Delta Society does not endorse or recommend any of the individuals or organizations listed herein. Delta Society has no control over the services provided and has no mechanism for judging or verifying the competence of the individuals or organizations listed herein. Every effort was made to ensure that the information herein was accurate at the time of publication; Delta assumes no responsibility for any changes made by individual businesses.
