Pet Loss Support Groups
Animal Emergency and Referral Center of Minnesota
Pet Loss Support Group – meets the 4th Tues of every month, 7-8:30pm, free of charge.
Oakdale, MN
Call 651-501-3759, ext 3005 to register or email [email protected]
Companion Animal Love Loss and Memories
(CALLM) pet loss support group – University of Minnesota
2nd and 4th Wed each month, 6:30-8pm, free of charge.
University of MN, Veterinary Medical Center
Call (612) 624-9372 or email [email protected] to register
The Bridge Between – by The Bond Between (formerly Secondhand Hounds)
2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month, 6:30-8pm
5959 Baker Rd, Suite 390, Minnetonka, MN 55345
Free of charge, walk-ins welcome, no registration needed
Pet Loss Grief Support Group at The Bardo
Stories, memorialization, art, meditation
Tuesdays at noon, bring your own lunch
6565 Babcock Trail, Inver Grove Heights MN 55077
Register: email Jody Slaughter – [email protected]
Online Pet Loss Support Chat Rooms
Rainbow Bridge Pet Loss Grief Support Chat Room
Association for Pet Loss & Bereavement Chat Rooms
Pet Loss Support Hotlines
Tufts University pet loss hotline
M-F 5pm-8pm & 24-hr voicemail services
(508) 839-7966
Cornell University Pet Loss Support Hotline
M-F 5pm-8pm, Sat-Sun 11am-8pm
(607) 218-7457
The Pet Loss Support Hotline is available via Google Voice to facilitate support Wednesdays 6-8p.m. CST, Saturdays 11am-1pm CST and Sundays 6-8m CST. Google Voice will prompt you to enter your name before connecting, however, to remain anonymous you can say “anonymous” or just enter your first name.
Other Local Resources
Animal Humane Society of MN Pet Helpline
Resource for questions you may have regarding your pet’s behavior.
952-HELP-PET (952-435-7738)
M-F 9am-7pm, Sat 10am-6pm, closed Sunday
You can see a list of resources for mental health, crisis, shelter, and other needs on our Local Resources blog post.
Pet Ministry at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Apple Valley
Offers 1:1 discussion and support from ministry members
*Many local faith-based organizations offer free support for members and non-members. We encourage you to check in with your local group and find the support that matches your needs.
Counselors Specializing in Grief and Loss
FamilyMeans (formerly Center for Grief, Loss, and Transition)
The Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to offering hope and healing for people during the difficult times in their lives.
www.griefloss.org or (651) 641-0177
National Resources
Argus Institute at Colorado State University Grief Resources
The Argus Institute provides free grief counseling relating to pet loss and support to those making end-of-life decisions for their pets.
Veterinary Wisdom for Pet Parents
Caring for people who care for pets.