Grief Support Resources

The bond between human and pet is close and deep. The hurt experienced when a pet passes is profound.

Listed below are a few grief counseling options both local and by phone to help you through the healing process.

Eastern Carolina Veterinary Referral and Animal Emergency & Trauma Hospital will be hosting a grief support group on the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8:00 pm. The sessions are hosted by Jennifer DeLong White and Linda Hart. Jennifer and Linda are animal lovers and social workers. They have worked professionally with children, youth and adults for many years in the Wilmington area, and want to help pet parents through their loss. Contact Caroline, Dawn or Stacie with any specific questions at 910-790-1070. Location: 50 Greenville Ave. Wilmington, NC 28451

The Rainbow Passage– Pet Loss Support and Bereavement Center provides support for people whose animals are chronically or terminally ill, people who have to make a decision regarding euthanasia, and people who’s animal companion has already passed. In addition, The Rainbow Passage provides a Pet Loss Information Packet for people who wish to better understand the grieving/mourning process. Charlene Douglas is the director of The Rainbow Passage and can be reached at 414-376-0340. They request that you leave a message on the voice mail and they will return your call as soon as possible. For more information, visit their website: https://cheyene.tripod.com/rainbow.html.

The Tufts Pet Loss Support Hotline through Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine seeks to serve the community-at-large by providing both a resource for people grieving the loss of a pet, and an opportunity for their veterinary students to acquire the skills needed for pet loss and grief counseling. The number for their hotline is 508-839-7966. For more information, visit their website: https://vet.tufts.edu/pet-loss-support-hotline.

Lap of Love; Grief Resources, Support Groups and Counseling provides counseling through their hotline 855-352-5683, as well as a collection of resources including online support groups, counseling through universities and websites, and valuable books on pet bereavement. To see all of their resources, please visit their website: https://www.lapoflove.com/community/Pet-Loss-Support.

The list of resources above is not inclusive, but rather a small sampling of the support offered in various forms. Our hospital is not affiliated with any of the above services and have no control over the information provided by the staff or volunteers. Our goal is to provide ample support and resources during a difficult time of loss.