Pet Loss Support (PDF)

Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center Oncology Services Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital vetmed.iastate.edu/vmc 515-294-4900 | 515-294-7520 (Fax) | [email protected] The pets in our lives are considered to be friends, family members, sources of support, and providers of uncon- ditional love. Their loss leads to grieving similar to any other significant loss of life. Grief is a normal, natural process following the loss of a loved one, whether it be human or animal. However, it can be difficult to navigate the emotions associated with grief including the physical effects (like headache, loss of appetite, tremors, exhaustion), emotional effects (anger, guilt, sadness, anxiety), psychological effects (confusion, lack of concentration), and the behavioral effects (crying, withdrawal, change of relationships). It is important that following the loss of a beloved pet, you allow yourself to grieve. Surround yourself with others who understand the bond you had with your companion and with whom you can openly discuss your grief. Be patient with yourself and know that backslides in the healing process will occur. This is normal and natural. If you feel you need additional support following the loss of a companion, please use the following infor- mation to obtain supportive, non-judgmental assistance: Local Assistance Hamilton’s Pet Loss Support Group West Des Moines 515-697-3666 [email protected] https://www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com Suicide and Mental Health Crisis Resources Iowa Crisis Chat Call: 1-855-325-4296 https://www.iowacrisischat.org/ Suicide Lifeline Call: 800-273-8255 https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ National Assistance American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Pet Loss Hotline: (877) GRIEF-10 (877-474-3310) Chicago Veterinary Medical Association Pet Loss Helpline and Support Group: 630-325-1600 Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Pet Loss Support Hotline: 607-253-3932 Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-9 pm EST Tufts University College of Veterinary Medicine Pet Loss Support Hotline: 508-839-7966 Monday-Friday during the academic year, 6-9 pm EST (hours vary during the summer) http://vet.tufts.edu/petloss/ Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Loss Support Voicemail Helpline: 540-231-8038 https://blogs.vetmed.vt.edu/veterinary-social-work/ animal-loss-support/nrv-animal-loss-support-group.html Washington State College of Veterinary Medicine 866-266-8635 http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/outreach/pet-loss-hotline Pet Loss Support Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center Oncology Services Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital vetmed.iastate.edu/vmc 515-294-4900 | 515-294-7520 (Fax) | [email protected]