Losing a beloved pet, especially to cancer, can be devastating. Our relationships with our pets are some of the strongest and most significant in our lives. Many people consider and treat their pets as cherished family members. Grieving the loss of a pet is no different than that of a beloved friend or human member of the family, the pain of loss we feel is real.

How grief is expressed will vary among individuals. Some feelings and behaviors are typical: numbness, shock, anger, guilt, withdrawal, loss of sleep, hopelessness, and depression. Expressions of grief may vary within the same family. Expressing and sharing grief over a pet is not always easy. But you are not alone. Many support groups exist to help you share your feelings of loss with others, express and acknowledge grief and pain, and begin to heal.

The Companion Animal Association of Arizona offers a local Pet Grief Support Service. This service is made up of a group of volunteers that have suffered the loss of a beloved pet. The Service provides a telephone Helpline, monthly support group meetings, pet grief information, literature and reading lists, and referrals to appropriate services. For more information, please contact
Pet Grief Support Service Helpline at 602-995-5885.