Discover Always Near Me: Navigating Pet Loss, the first video from a series of pet loss support resources created by OVC Pet Trust.
When Sydney’s dog, Bella, was diagnosed with cancer, her family channeled their grief into creativity, which has helped them heal and keep Bella’s memory alive after experiencing profound loss.
This series is made possible thanks to support from The Banjo Fund. Created in 2024 in memory of Banjo, a beloved Basset Hound, the fund supports OVC Pet Trust’s mission to provide meaningful resources that benefit families navigating pet loss and the veterinary professionals supporting them on this journey.
Stay tuned to learn more about the rest of the series, debuting this fall.
Read OVC Pet Trust's Pet Loss Support Guides
Coping with the Loss of a Pet: A Support Guide for Pet Owners
Download your FREE copy of OVC Pet Trust's Coping with the Loss of a Pet.
Preparing for the Loss of a Pet: A Support Guide for Pet Owners
Download your FREE copy of OVC Pet Trust's Preparing For the Loss of a Pet.
Helping Children with the Loss of a Pet: A Support Guide for Pet Owners
Download your FREE copy of OVC Pet Trust's Helping Children with the Loss of a Pet.
Ask your veterinarian for your FREE print copy or contact the OVC Pet Trust team.
Veterinary Professionals: Hard copies of the Pet Loss Support Guides are available for purchase for $4.95/10 pack through OVC Pet Trust or Veterinary Purchasing.
Get Support from OVC's Veterinary Social Work Service
Recognizing the deep bond we share with our animals, the Ontario Veterinary College’s Veterinary Social Work Service is here to support clients through every stage of their companion-animals care.
Much like social workers in human health care settings, this service offers compassionate assistance with navigating treatment options, facilitating communication between clients and their OVC Health Sciences Cente (HSC) veterinary team, and providing emotional support and guidance for difficult decisions—ensuring both clients and their beloved companions feel understood and supported throughout their journey.
Sarah Bernardi, MSW, RSW
Sarah Bernardi, MSW, RSW, is a registered social worker with a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto. She has extensive experience in veterinary social work—a field that supports the human components of animal welfare and veterinary care. Sarah has worked in veterinary hospitals as a social worker since 2017.
Accessing the Veterinary Social Work Service
The Veterinary Social Work (VSW) program at OVC is an innovative service that integrates social work principles into veterinary medicine to enhance client well-being and further support the human-animal bond. Veterinary Social Work is embedded full-time within OVC Health Sciences Centre’s clinical teams, including the Large Animal Hospital and Companion Animal Hospitals. Services are offered at no cost to clients.
Please note: This is not an emergency mental health service.
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Eligibility: Services are available only to clients whose animals are currently or have previously been seen at the OVC Health Sciences Centre (HSC). Unfortunately, we cannot offer services to clients of the Smith Lane Animal Hospital at this time. If you are looking for other resources, please see the "Additional Pet Loss Resources" section below.
Contact:
Email: vswinfo@uoguelph.ca
Phone: 226-924-5764
Consultation Services
Our Veterinary Social Work Service offers individualized support for OVC HSC clients as they navigate their companion animal’s care. These consultations provide a confidential, supportive space to explore topics such as:
- Quality of Life (QOL) discussions
- Emotional support in decision-making and medical treatment
- End-of-life (EOL) planning and anticipatory grief
- Facilitating communication between clients and veterinary teams
- Safety and risk assessments related to client concerns
- Accessing mental health or community-based support resources
These consultations are distinct from our grief counseling services and are generally provided while a client’s animal is receiving inpatient or outpatient care. Conversations may include the attending veterinarian to help foster effective communication and collaboration during treatment. Medical questions are always directed to the veterinary care team.
Grief Counseling Services
This service offers short-term, confidential grief counseling for clients grieving the loss of a beloved companion animal. Sessions are available in-person, by phone, or virtually.
If you are a client of the OVC HSC, please contact us at vswinfo@uoguelph.ca for more information on appointments.
Additional Pet Loss Resources
Please note: These resources are not affiliated with the Ontario Veterinary College. We encourage you to review and engage with them at your own discretion.
The loss—or anticipated loss—of a cherished companion animal can be an incredibly difficult and emotional experience. Grief in these moments is real and valid, and finding support can be a vital part of healing. Below is a list of resources that may offer comfort, guidance, and support as you navigate this challenging time.
A list of private providers offering grief support for pet loss can be provided by request please reach out to vswinfo@uoguelph.ca.
Support Groups
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
GriefWalk Pet Loss support group
Growth & Wellness Pet Loss & Bereavement Support Group
Losing Lulu: Behavioural Euthanasia Support
Mandy Cunnington Pet Loss Support Group
Ottawa Humane Society Pet Loss Support Groups
The Robbie Dean Counselling Centre Virtual Pet Loss Support Groups
Books
For Children and Families
Healing Your Grieving Heart for Teens: 100 Practical Ideas
Dr. A. Wolfelt
Healing your Grieving Heart Journal for Teens
Dr. A. Wolfelt
Jasper’s Day
Marjorie Blain Parker
Our Love Lives on for Miles in Heaven: A Healing Book for Children and Teens Grieving the Loss of a Pet
Dr. Amy Sugar, Pawsitive Resources
Saying Goodbye to Lulu
Corinne Demas
The Invisible Leash: An Invisible String Story About the Loss of a Pet
Patrice Karst
The Tenth Good Thing About Barney
Judith Viorst
When Friendship Lives Beyond the Stars: A Resource Book to Help Children Cope with the Death of a Pet
Dr. Amy Sugar, Pawsitive Resources
For Parents and Caregivers
Pet Loss and Children: Establishing a Healthy Foundation
Cheri Barton Ross
Remember, It's Ok: Loss of a Pet
Marina L. Reed & Marian Grace Boyd
The Loss of a Pet: A Guide to Coping with the Grieving Process When a Pet Dies, 4th edition
Wallace Sife, PhD.
The Grief Recovery Handbook for Pet Loss
Russell Friedman, Cole James and John W. James
When Children Grieve: For Adults to Help Children Deal with Death, Divorce, Pet Loss, Moving and Other Losses
John W. James and Russell Friedman with Dr. Leslie Landon Matthews
When Your Pet Dies: A Guide to Mourning, Remembering and Healing
Alan D. Wolfelt, PhD.
Workbooks for Children and Families
My Healing and Memorial Activity Book
Dr. Amy Sugar, Pawsitive Resources
My Pet Died : A Coloring Book for Grieving Children
Alan Wolfelt, PhD.
Podcasts and Videos
Good Mourning: Coping with Pet loss with Katie Lawlor
Pet loss grief; the pain explained | Sarah Hoggan DVM | TEDxTemecula
Additional Mental Health Support
If you or someone you know is struggling, the following resources offer free, confidential support:
Emergency and Crisis Support
988 Suicide Crisis Helpline
Call or text 988 for immediate support, available 24/7.
www.988.ca
Community and Mental Health Resources
Distress Centres of Ontario
Find a local distress centre for emotional support and crisis intervention.
https://www.dcontario.org/locations/
211 Ontario
A free, confidential helpline connecting you to community, social, health, and government services.
https://211ontario.ca/
ConnexOntario
Provides 24/7 information and referrals for mental health, addictions, and problem gambling services.
https://connexontario.ca/