Home >> Veterinary Wisdom® Resource Center >> Support for Pet Parents >> Kids and Grief

Kids and Grief

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The death of your family pet may also be your childrens' first experience with loss and grief. The articles in our Veterinary Wisdom® Resource Center help you teach your children how to express grief in emotionally healthy ways.

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Articles

• Books about Pet Loss for Kids and Parents

• Ten Ways to Help Children with Pet Loss

• Tough Questions from Kids about Pet Loss

"Ages and Stages" Series:

• Pet Loss: Helping Babies

• Pet Loss: Helping Toddlers and Preschoolers

• Pet Loss: Helping Early School-aged Children

• Pet Loss: Helping Late School-aged Children

• Pet Loss: Helping Teens

• Pet Loss: Helping Young Adults

Free eBooks (Download PDF)

• Helping Children Through a Pet's Euthanasia by Dana Durrance, M.A.

Recommended Books

For Kids

• Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant

• Cat Heaven by Cynthia Rylant

• A Special Place for Charlee by Debby Morehead

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Counselors

Marty Tousley, CNS-BC, FT, DCC  (Distance Credentialed Counselor)
GriefHealing.com
TousleyM@aol.com

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The Argus Institute for Families and Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital
ArgusInstitute.colostate.edu
argus@colostate.edu

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Online Grief Resources

A Hole in My Heart - A Child's Guide to Pet Loss (video)

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Grief Healing: Useful information on caregiving, grief and transition - for anyone coping with loss. Marty Tousley, CNS-BC, FT, DCC, Distance Credentialed Counselor

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Pet Loss Helplines

ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline
877-474-3310
www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/end-life-care

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Chicago Veterinary Medical Association Pet Loss Helpline
630-325-1600
www.chicagovma.org/pet-loss-support/

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Cornell University Pet Loss Support Line
(staffed by Cornell veterinary students)
607-253-3932

www.vet.cornell.edu/about-us/outreach/pet-loss-support-hotline

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University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine C.A.R.E. (Companion Animal Related Emotions) Pet Loss Helpline
(staffed by University of Illinois veterinary students from 1pm-6pm Central Time, Tuesdays and Thursdays. If calling outside these times, leave a message and it will be returned within 24 hours.) 217-244-CARE (2273)

vetmed.illinois.edu/animal-care/care-pet-loss-helpline

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Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine Pet Loss Support Hotline
517-432-2696
cvm.msu.edu/hospital/services/pet-loss-support

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Tufts University Pet Loss Support Hotline
(staffed by trained student volunteers)
508-839-7966

vet.tufts.edu/petloss/

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Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine Pet Loss Support
866-266-8635 or local 509-335-5704
www.vetmed.wsu.edu/PLHl/

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Argus Institute for Families and Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital
970-297-1242
csu-cvmbs.colostate.edu/vth/diagnostic-and-support/argus/Pages/default.aspx

Other Resources

Veterinary Wisdom® Pet Parents Facebook Group
www.facebook.com/groups/petparentswisdom/

Products

• Mementos

• Kids and Grief Educational Enclosure

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While World by the Tail, Inc. does our best to screen and offer counselors and resources of the highest quality and standards, we do not endorse or accept responsibility for the individuals or organizations listed here. The use of internet or telephone pet loss support resources are not intended to replace consults with local physicians, veterinarians, or qualified mental health professionals.

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**These resources are updated frequently. We check to be sure the numbers and links we provide you with are the most current we can. If you find that a link or a number does not work, please let us know so we can correct it! --Last updated 8/5/2019