Resources

Grief with the loss of a beloved pet can be challenging.

While we don't offer any type of pet grief counseling, we have put together this list of resources. We hope you find the information helpful as you navigate your grief journey.

The views and opinions expressed in these resources do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Everlasting Gratitude, LLC dba furr-ever hug™

pet owner and dog

Coping with Pet Loss

Helplines

  • National Mental Health Hotline: 888-912-7630
  • National Crisis Lifeline: 800-273-8255 (or call/text 988)


Websites


Articles


Books

  • The Loss of a Pet: A Guide to Coping with the Grieving Process When a Pet Dies by Wallace Sife, Ph.D., Howell Book House, 2014
  • Healing from Pet Loss: The Journey from Loving to Losing to Living Again by Tiffany Dickinson, Grumblepug Press, 2023
  • Dog-Gone It Hurts by Hal Kitchings, First Sunrise Press, 2024
  • The Book of Pet Love & Loss, Words of Comfort and Wisdom from Remarkable People, Sara Bader, Simon & Schuster, 2023
  • When Your Pet Dies, A Guide to Mourning, Remembering, and Healing by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D., Companion Press, 2004
  • A Child’s View of Grief: A Guide for Parents, Teachers, and Counselors by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D., Companion Press, 2004
  • Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die by Jon Katz, Random House, 2012
  • Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who has Ever Lost a Pet, by Gary Kowalski, New World Library, 2012


Books for Children:

  • The Heaven of Animals by Nancy Tillman, Feiwel and Friends, 2014
  • When a Pet Dies by Fred Rogers, Puffin Books, 1998 (ages 4-8)
  • A Special Place for Charlee: A Child’s Companion Through Pet Loss by Debby Morehead, Partners in Publishing LLC, 1996 (ages 8-12)
  • Healing Your Grieving Heart For Kids, 100 Practical Ideas by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D., Companion Press, 2001
  • Healing Your Grieving Heart For Teens, 100 Practical Ideas by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D., Companion Press, 2001
  • My Pet Died: A Coloring Book for Grieving Children by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D., Companion Press, 2014

Honoring Your Pet

Websites


Articles



Ideas for Honoring Your Pet

Finding tangible ways to honor your pet may provide some comfort and closure as it acknowledges the significant relationship you shared. 


Here are just a few ideas that may help as you and others seek to offer respectful goodbyes:

  • Hold a memorial or burial ceremony
  • Write a thank you note to your pet
  • Write notes of appreciation to anyone who helped with your pet’s care (veterinarian, pet-sitters, groomers, etc.)
  • Light a special candle when thinking about or missing your pet
  • Frame a favorite photo of your pet, or have a portrait painted, and place it in a meaningful place in your home
  • Make a holiday ornament out of something that belonged to your pet (name tag, feather from a toy, etc.)
  • Create a day in your pet’s honor (maybe their birthday or adoption date) and include watching a sunrise or sunset
  • Donate time, items, or money to a local animal shelter or animal charity in your pet’s name
  • Find a new way to use your pet’s water bowl (use as a small planter or place for keys/coins)
pet owner and dog
leaves on a concrete pad

Home Pet Burial

Articles


Best Practices

Although it’s heartbreaking to take this final step, burying a pet at home may provide closure and comfort in knowing your loyal friend is nearby.


Here are some things to keep in mind regarding the burial of a pet at home:

  • There are no U.S.-wide pet burial laws. You must comply, though, with any laws, regulations, or ordinances specific to your state, city, or county. 
  • It may be helpful to contact your local animal control, health department, or zoning board for additional information regarding local laws. Additionally, if you’re in a Home Owners Association (HOA), check their rules as well.
  • If renting, ensure you have written permission from the landlord to bury a pet in the backyard.
  • Many states require that pet graves be at least four to five feet deep. This is to reduce possible health risks associated with decomposition and to prevent other wildlife from possibly disturbing the site (it may be helpful to include rocks or paving stones on the top fill layer to deter wildlife).
  • Avoid areas that may flood and beware of what may be underground as there could be electrical, water, or cable lines. Ensure the pet’s grave is not near water sources as this can lead to possible contamination.
  • Pick a spot away from gardens or food-growing areas.
  • To prevent health hazards, a pet burial should be within 24 to 48 hours of death.
  • Select a peaceful spot that holds some cherished memory or significance.
  • You may wish to have some type of burial ceremony while the pet’s body is being placed in the ground.
  • Many people mark the grave site with a grave marker or plants/flowers.


Hold a Pet Funeral or Memorial Service

Our pets are family. A respectful and meaningful funeral or memorial service can be personalized based on your beliefs/traditions, be formal or informal, and be customized to your pet’s personality.


Here's a brief outline of a simple memorial service. If you'd like the complete program guide, click the button below. We'll just need your email address.


  • Welcome and Opening Remarks
  • Readings or Poems
  • Sharing Memories
  • Symbolic Act / Ceremonial Goodbye
  • Closing Remarks
  • Post-Service Gathering (optional)


Symbolic Acts or Ceremonial Goodbye Ideas

  • Light a candle in memory of pet
  • Release bubbles or flower petals
  • Burial in yard or pet cemetery
  • Bury or scatter ashes if cremated
  • Plant a tree or flowers
  • Express love, gratitude, and farewell
  • Offer a final moment of reflection or blessing

Spiritual Questions

Website


Articles


Books

  • The Heaven Answer Book by Billy Graham, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., 2012
  • The Heaven of Animals by Nancy Tillman, Feiwel and Friends, 2014
pet owner and dog