Additional Support for Pet Parents in the Seattle–Bellevue Area, Washington, and Nationwide
Download the Pet Loss Grief Support Resources Guide and/or scroll below to find the resources listed.
Introduction
Losing a beloved pet is one of the most personal and profound kinds of grief.
Whether your companion was with you for years or just a short season, the bond you shared was real, deep, and irreplaceable.
If you're navigating this kind of loss, you're not alone—and you don’t have to carry it alone.
This guide offers compassionate support options to help you:
- Honor your pet’s memory
- Connect with others who understand
- Find comfort in your own time, in your own way
Local Support Groups
Seattle–Bellevue Area in Washington State
Seattle Humane – Pet Loss Support Group
Virtual meetings: 1st & 3rd Saturdays, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM PT
Open to anyone grieving a pet (including caregivers & shelter workers)
📧 [email protected]
🌐 https://www.seattlehumane.org/services/end-of-life
Seattle Animal Shelter – Pet Loss Support Group
Weekly virtual meetings: Thursdays, 5:30–7:00 PM PT (phone/Webex)
Peer-led, open to the public
🌐 https://www.seattle.gov/animal-shelter/resources/pet-loss-support-group
Paws to Connect Counseling, LLC
Individual therapy for pet loss & anticipatory grief
Accessible therapy by social worker intern supervised by licensed therapist
🌐 www.pawstoconnect.com
National and Virtual Resources
United States
Lap of Love – Pet Loss Support
Free weekly virtual groups via Zoom
Led by certified grief counselors
🌐 lapoflove.com/community/Pet-Loss-Support
Rainbow Bridge Pet Loss Grief Center
Online forums, memorial pages, grief resources
🌐 rainbowsbridge.com/grief_support_center
Best Friends Animal Society – Grief Resource Hub
Articles, meditations, & links to networks
🌐 bestfriends.org/pet-care-resources/grieving-loss-pet-resources-coping
Tufts University Pet Loss Support and Helpline
Comprehensive website with additional resources
🌐 vet.tufts.edu/pet-loss-support-helpline
Free & confidential phone support
📞 508-839-7966 (Mon–Thurs, 6–9 PM EST)
Professional-Level Support Models
United States
Schwarzman Animal Medical Center – Pet Loss Support Group
Virtual sessions focused on grief education & peer support
Facilitated by Judith Harbour, LCSW
🌐 amcny.org/pet-loss-support-resources
Argus Institute – Colorado State University
Free, short-term grief counseling & emotional support
Focus on end-of-life decision-making & family communication
🌐 vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu/argus
Crisis Support
United States
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Free, 24/7 Support for anyone in emotional distress or crisis.
🆘 --> Dial 988 or visit 988lifeline.org
🌈 A Note from Your AHELP Friends
Grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and healing looks different for everyone. Whether you talk with others, create a memorial, or simply sit with your feelings—every step is valid.
These resources are here to support you gently, without judgment, and with the understanding that your pet mattered.
If you know someone else who’s grieving, please share this guide. Sometimes, the most healing gift is the reminder:
