Your dog was a special companion that meant a lot to you so losing a beloved dog is incredibly tough. You'll miss the love and joy they brought to your life and are understandably left with an empty feeling inside.
Just like the happiness they bring, grief is a natural part of having a dog. As part of our mission to help prevent and treat canine cancer successfully, the National Canine Cancer Foundation also provides advice and resources to help those of us who have lost their dog to cope with that loss.
Dealing with the Loss of A Dog
Part of loving a dog deeply is grieving their loss. However, no one teaches you what to do when your dog dies. Grieving is not a one size fits all process. We cover five practical things to help you grieve the death of your dog.
Disenfranchised Grief Why Losing a Pet Can Hurt So Deeply and Feel So Lonely
Losing a dog can break your heart, yet many pet parents feel their grief is minimized or misunderstood. This experience is called disenfranchised grief.
If you have ever felt alone after losing a beloved pet, this article explains why that grief runs so deep and why your feelings are valid.
Healing from Dog Loss, Grief, Gratitude and Generosity
Losing a beloved dog to cancer is a heartbreaking experience, one that leaves an empty space in our homes and hearts. The grief can feel overwhelming, but amidst the sorrow, there are ways to find light again.
Grief Groups We Recommend
Paws4Potter
Northern New York Pet Loss Support Group: This group meets via Zoom, so even if you are not living in New York State you can join. For dates and full information email Dr. Kyle.
Tripawd Support Group
www.tripawds.com
Every day, passionate pet parents are devastated by the news of a limb cancer diagnosis or amputation for their fur kid. Desperately seeking advice and support, they find fast answers to pet amputation recovery concerns with help from the Tripawds community.
Heart to Paw
www.thepetcareclubofcentralpa.org
Heart to Paw was created to provide compassionate, non-clinical grief support for pet parents navigating the loss of a beloved companion. The program honors the depth of the human–animal bond and offers a safe, validating space to process grief, honor love, and gently find a path forward.
If you are experiencing the loss of a pet and feel unseen or misunderstood in your grief, Heart to Paw is here to walk beside you with understanding, compassion, and care at your own pace.
University Support
Tufts University: Pet Loss Support Hotline
www.vet.tufts.edu
Tufts veterinary students work alongside trained psychologists to help provide one-on-one counseling with grieving pet pawrents. There is no formula or time limit. Staff members listen, realizing that no two callers or situations are alike.
Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine Pet Loss Support Hotline
(517) 432-2696.
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Eastern time)
Cornell University Pet Loss Support Hotline
www.vet.cornell.edu
(607) 253-3932
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday -Thursday evenings (Eastern time)
University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine “C.A.R.E. Pet Loss Support Hotline”
(877) 394-2273
More Tools
Grief Journal
Rainbow Bridge
