The Support Network for Grieving Pet Owners
Share the loss of your pet with a therapist who will understand and support you...
Our 24 / 7 Pet Loss Support Line
Australia: 1300 431 450 NZ: 0800 114 421
PLEASE NOTE: This is a toll free number, but once connected with professional, the counselling rates will vary according to the service provider.
Loving animals is an important part of being human
Losing an animal friend can feel as devastating as losing a human loved one...
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...
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.
Recommended Pet Loss & Grief articles
Bios-Urn in Australia
Bios-Urn has finally reached Australian shores, landing in Queensland late September 2016 and then introduced to Western Australia early November 2016 by Bryce Roberts called ‘Tree of Memories; Life after Life’. By using Bios-Urn you are now able to grow a tree from your loved ones ashes, creating a living memorial. This allows you […]
A tribute to a beloved dog
Loving You, A Poem From Lucy To Papa June 23, 2020 Staff Report I remember our last moment, right before you said goodbye, I looked at you, and you looked at me while tears filled up in your eyes. I know it’s hard to understand and I would have loved to stay, But at some […]
Pet Loss & Bereavement – Dr Michael O’Donoghue with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)
Pets and People was founded by Dr Michael O’Donoghue and Penny Carroll to provide a supportive process to help people through the grief often experienced through the loss of a companion animal. In a recent interview on the ABC.net.au, Michael describes the profound effects that our animal companions have on our lives, and the intense grief that can […]
Celebrating the life of your pet
Oftentimes, no matter how our pet passed, we forget how he/she lived. The fun times, unconditional love for you, or family, and their way of being that only you, as an owner know. I am the daughter of a vet, and have witnessed this Crossing of the Rainbow Bridge, many times. Heart breaking as it […]
10 Of The Best Ways To To Memorialise Your Pet In 2019
In the course of many years, the role of pets in a household has evolved from being house guards to a more personal level. Pets have become a friend to the friendless and lonely; provide emotional support to the weary. And so it is just but natural that losing a pet equates to losing a […]
New Zealand’s first Pet Loss Support hotline established at 0800 114 421
Pet loss is most often associated with the death of animal, but can also be experienced through other scenarios – such as a relationship breakup, a relocation or a missing pet. People are no longer expected to grieve alone. Support is a phone call away. An New Zealand national hotline has been set up to connect grieving animal lovers with counsellors who can help them cope with their loss.