Pet Loss & Grief Support
Grief Counselling
Grieving the loss of a furry friend can be as difficult as grieving the loss of a family member or friend. It is important that you allow yourself to grieve and experience your emotions during this time.
Our compassionate veterinary team will help you after losing a companion animal as best as we can. We can also provide you with the resources to seek out grief counselling to help you heal from your loss.
Organizations like the Ottawa Humane Society have been developed to help community members through difficult times. They offer ongoing grief guidance to the community through Pet Loss Support Groups. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions about available services.
Support When You Are Experiencing Pet Loss
Our veterinary team is here to support you in your grief over the loss of your beloved pet. Our grief counseling services can help you process your loss and provide tools for a healthy mourning process. We offer support and guidance in the following areas:
Self-Care
We can help you take care of yourself during this difficult time.
It may be difficult, but mourning is an important part of grieving. You may feel a strong desire to suppress the grief and carry on with your life, but your to-do list can wait, and your friends and family will understand if you need some time to heal.
Be kind and gentle to yourself, and remember that sadness is not a weakness but a part of life. Suppressing your feelings will only increase stress, anxiety and anger in the long run.
Memorialization
We can help you find a way to honour your lost loved one.
Memorializing a pet who has passed on can be vital to grieving. It can help bring closure and provide a sweet reminder of all the good times.
Did your pet have a beloved toy? A personalized collar or a favourite spot to curl up? Reflect on these details and take the time to create a little memorial just for them.
Communicating with Children
We can help you talk to your kids about grief and loss.
While lying to children about the loss of a pet may seem like a good option, consider this experience an opportunity to teach them a valuable lesson about mortality and the grieving process.
Pet loss can show your children that grief and loss are normal parts of life. They can and should grieve, but it's also okay to eventually move on and feel happy again.
Requesting Support
We can help you talk to friends and family about your loss.
You may encounter people who are insensitive to your loss because they don't understand it. They may unintentionally diminish your emotions and suggest you 'just get a new pet'.
We will help you navigate conversations about your loss with the people in your life and give you tools to politely but firmly insist on your right to process your loss in your way.
New Patients Welcome
Our veterinary team would love to get to know your dog or cat and provide them with high-quality veterinary care. Contact us today to book an appointment for your companion.