We are very sorry that your pet has passed away or you are anticipating the loss of your pet. We know how difficult it is to deal with this loss. Some people find it helpful to reach out to the community for support. Often, it is comforting and helpful to grieve the loss of your pet with fellow-grievers who better understand what you are feeling and going through. Below are some insightful articles, as well as a list of Bay Area pet loss support groups and hotlines.

Emotions of Pet Loss
Defining "Quality of Life"
Pre-Loss Bereavement
Surviving Loss
Conquering Guilt
Creating a Memorial
Euthanasia: The Most Painful Decision
The Final Farewell
Getting a New Pet
Some Questions About Pet Loss

Local Pet Loss Support Groups:

San Francisco
Pet Loss Support Group led by Betty Carmack, R.N.
Meets the first Tuesday of every month from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
San Francisco SPCA
243 Alabama St (at 16th St)
San Francisco, CA
(415) 554 - 3050
http://www.sfspca.org/special_programs/petloss.shtml

Albany
Audrey Spector, M.A., M.F.T.
1398 Solano Ave.
Albany , CA 94706
(510) 704-5502
Support groups, individual counseling

San Mateo
Pet Loss Support Group sponsored by Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA
12 Airport Blvd
San Mateo, CA
(650) 340 - 7022 extension 344
http://www.peninsulahumanesociety.org/services/loss.html

Bay Area Pet Loss Support Hotlines:

University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
(800) 565- 1526 calls answered from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Delta Society
(619)320- 3298

Related Books:

"Grieving the Death of a Pet" by Betty Carmack
http://www.bettyjcarmack.com/