Counseling

COUNSELING DEPARTMENT

A pet's illness or death can cause confusion, anxiety and grief. To care for a sick pet a family must get clear information on treatment, evaluate options, and make difficult decisions. Counselors at our animal hospital are here to help explore your concerns about treatment choices and managing a sick pet at home. We can help you sort out feelings that may arise while you make life and death decisions for someone you love.

As pet lovers, we've all had the unfortunate task of dealing with the loss of a pet. It's an extremely difficult time, and sometimes, the loss is too much to handle. You may need someone to talk to.

VCA All-Care Animal Referral Center has partnered up with Compassionate Hearts Services, Inc. to provide a pet bereavement group. Compassionate Hearts understands that the loss of a beloved pet needs to be handled with sensitivity and compassion. The pet bereavement group uses short lessons, encouragement, and the opportunity to share what you are feeling in a safe environment with licensed counselors. The group includes other pet owners who have lost their pet and who are experiencing similar feelings.

In addition to their meetings at VCA All-Care, Compassionate Hearts offers private sessions on evenings and weekends, spiritual comfort from a board certified chaplain, and memorial services. If you would like to contact them directly, please call 949-616-4445.

The no-charge, group meetings at VCA All-Care Animal Referral Center take place on Monday evenings at 6:30p.m.