Resources

You don’t have to go through this alone.  In addition to Leo’s Lantern, there are other organizations and resources to help you through this difficult time.

Organizations

Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB)
The APLB is a nonprofit organization staffed by volunteers trained in pet bereavement counseling that offers pet loss and grief support by honoring the special animal/human bond.

  • Offers free pet loss grief support chat rooms throughout the week facilitated by an APLB pet loss grief specialist. This is a great way to connect with other bereaved animal owners and to talk about what you’re going through with others who understand. Upon creating a free account with the organization, the chat rooms are free to join and can be used anonymously.

  • Provides helpful information on a variety of animal loss support topics, like preparing for a loss and euthanasia.

  • Offers online group video support sessions hosted by an APLB pet loss grief specialist.

  • Operates a Facebook group to connect with other animal owners and to share your pet loss story.

The Tilly Project
The Tilly Project is a nonprofit organization that aims to connect animal owners with end-of-life photography services and to provide supportive resources for pet loss and bereavement.

  • Offers end-of-life pet photography directory.

  • Provides helpful information on a variety of animal loss topics.

Lap of Love
Lap of Love is an organization that provides veterinary hospice and in-home euthanasia services in addition to pet loss resources for bereaved families.

  • Provides directory to find local in-home veterinary hospice and euthanasia services.

  • Offers online Pet Loss Support Resource Center with information on pet loss support groups, individual sessions, classes, and workshops. The resource center also provides articles on many other pet loss and grief topics.

  • Provides quality-of-life resources to help assess your animal’s mental health, physical health, and other important quality-of-life indicators.


Mental Health Professionals
A licensed counselor or therapist can be helpful when navigating grief, trauma, and loss.

  • Psychology Today - find a mental health professional in your area. You can search by location, insurance, gender, availability, in person vs. online, etc.

  • Betterhelp.com - connect with a mental health professional for virtual care (accepts insurance).

  • Most health insurance companies have a website to search for in-network mental health providers. Oftentimes, this information can be found on the back of your health insurance card or by a quick internet search.

Hotlines
Some hotlines may have specific hours of operation, so it’s best to check their website for operational hours before calling.

  1. Tufts University Pet Loss Support Helpline
    Phone: 508-839-7966
    Website: https://vet.tufts.edu/pet-loss-support-helpline

  2. Michigan State University Pet Loss Support Hotline
    Phone: 517-432-2696
    Website: https://cvm.msu.edu/hospital/services/social-work/pet-loss-support-group

  3. Cornell University Pet Loss Support Hotline
    Phone: 607-253-3932
    Website: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/impact/community-impact/pet-loss-resources-and-support

  4. Self-Harm and Crisis Hotline
    Phone: call or text 988 for immediate mental health support
    Website: https://988lifeline.org/

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“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”

-Anatole France