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.
Get Support from OVC's Veterinary Social Work Service
At OVC, we understand the complex feelings of uncertainty and grief that the loss or anticipated loss of a beloved pet can bring.
If you are a client of OVC’s Health Sciences Centre, you can access counselling services to support you during your journey. These services are confidential and free of charge.
Sarah Bernardi is a registered veterinary social worker providing support to clients of OVC’s Companion Animal Hospital, Large Animal Hospital and Animal Cancer Centre. She has a deep understanding of the human-animal bond and can support you by:
- Advocating for you as you navigate difficult decisions regarding your animal’s health
- Providing emotional and decision-making support during emergency medical treatment, quality-of-life conversations and euthanasia
- Offering short-term grief counselling, and
- Connecting with you with additional resources for continued support
Accessing OVC’s Veterinary Social Work Service
To connect with Sarah, email sberna02@uoguelph.ca or call 519-823-8830. Hours of service are Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Additional Pet Loss Resources
Online Communities
Rainbow Bridge - A Pet Loss Grief Support Community
Chance's Spot: Pet Loss and Grief Support
Online Grief / Bereavement Resources
Pacific Animal Therapy Society
The Ohio State University: Honoring the Bond
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
Everlife Memorials: Pet Loss Resources for Grieving Pet Owners
The Power of Pets: Healing Tools
Helen Goldberg - Pet Loss Counselling
Pet Loss Support Groups (Ontario, Canada)
Halton/Peel Pet Loss Support Group
Pet Loss Support Group of Ottawa