Share the loss of your pet with someone who will understand and support you…

Our  Pet Loss Support Line

Australia: 1300 431 450  NZ: 0800 114 421 

PLEASE NOTE:

We are not a crisis or free service, counselling rates will apply and vary
according to the service provider. We encourage you to read through our Counsellor profiles
>> Browse all profiles and contact them directly or we can attempt to connect you at the time of
your call. You are welcome to browse our website for information and support in the

meantime.

Meet our Counsellors…

>> Browse all profiles

  • Loving animals is an important part of being human

    Los­ing an ani­mal friend can feel as dev­as­tat­ing as los­ing a human loved one...

  • It's okay to grieve...

    Your rela­tion­ship with your pet was spe­cial

  • Our relationships with our pets bring much love and joy to both the human and the animal

  • If your pet was an important part of your life

    ...then it is normal to grieve when they die

Understanding grief & loss

Reactions to grief can be manifested many different ways – some of which might be…

  • feelings – of anxiety, fear, sadness, anger, guilt
  • thoughts – such as confusion, preoccupation and disbelief
  • physical reactions – like sleep disturbances, empty sensation in stomach, breathlessness or tightness in the chest
  • behaviour – such as crying, sighing, hyperactivity, inability to concentrate, social withdrawal

These are only some of the ways that grief is manifested and everyone’s experience will be unique to them and their loss.

Unfortunately, the grief associated with the loss of a pet is often the most misunderstood. Family and friends often mean well, but can sometimes dis­miss your pain and dis­tress…

Read more about pet loss & grief

You are not alone…

Pets and People was founded by Dr Michael O’Donoghue and Penny Carroll to provide a supportive process to help people through the grief experienced with the loss of a companion animal.

Counselling can help…

Not all counsellors specialise in grief and even less deal with the grief associated with Pet Loss. But help is at hand.

Our aim at Pets and People is to help connect pet owners with qualified and experienced pet loss counsellors who are ready and willing to support people in this difficult time. We have compiled a list of resources, both paid and complimentary, to help you work through your grief.

Find a Counsellor

Recommended Pet Loss & Grief articles

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