Grief counseling

GRIEF COUNSELING SERVICES

Our animal hospital offers grief counseling services for owners with very sick or terminally ill pets or for owners coping with pet loss. Grief upon the loss of a pet is a normal response and also a very individual one. Grieving is a complex process which includes a number of stages including, denial, bargaining, anger, sadness, and resolution. The stages often appear as a complex series of emotions and feelings. In most instances, the grieving process may continue up to a year. It has been shown that when grief can be expressed, the time needed for healing is often less. We are here to offer support and help you through this time.

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 are 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.