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The Role of Pet Grief Support Groups: Finding Strength in Community

Losing a beloved pet is one of the most heart-wrenching experiences a person can face. Pets are more than just animals—they are family members, companions, and confidants. Their absence leaves a void that can feel overwhelming. During this challenging time, finding support is crucial, and pet grief support groups offer a lifeline for those navigating the pain of loss. These groups provide a safe space to grieve, share, and heal alongside others who truly understand.

Why Join a Pet Grief Support Group?

Pet grief support groups are an invaluable resource for anyone struggling with the loss of a pet. Here’s how they can help you on your healing journey:

  • Validation of Grief: Many people underestimate the depth of grief that comes with losing a pet. In these groups, your feelings are acknowledged and validated, reminding you that you’re not alone in your pain.
  • Sharing Stories: Talking about your pet and sharing memories can be profoundly therapeutic. These groups provide a platform to celebrate your pet’s life while processing your emotions.
  • Building Connections: Grieving together fosters meaningful connections with others who have experienced similar losses. These relationships can provide ongoing support and even lead to lasting friendships.
  • Learning Coping Strategies: Facilitators often share practical tools and techniques to help you navigate the complexities of grief, such as mindfulness exercises or journaling prompts.
  • A Safe Space for Healing: Whether in-person or virtual, these groups create an environment where you can express your emotions without fear of judgment.

The Power of Community

Grieving in isolation can intensify feelings of loneliness and despair. Pet grief support groups counteract this by offering a sense of belonging. Engaging with others who understand your pain helps diminish feelings of isolation and provides comfort during this difficult time. Together, members honor their pets’ memories while supporting each other through shared experiences.

How APLB.org Can Help

At the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB), we understand the profound impact of losing a pet. Our mission is to provide compassionate support for grieving pet owners through our community resources:

  • Free Membership Benefits: Gain access to our chat rooms, where you can share your story with others in a safe and supportive environment.
  • Exclusive Paid Membership Perks: Receive tools like the Bucket List Workbook to guide you through your healing process.
  • Memorial Opportunities: Honor your pet by creating a tribute on our Pet Memorial page.

By joining APLB.org, you’ll find not only resources but also a community that truly understands what you’re going through.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

Healing after loss doesn’t mean forgetting—it means finding ways to honor your pet’s memory while moving forward. Joining a pet loss community allows you to grieve openly, connect with others, and find strength in shared experiences.

Don’t face this journey alone. Join the supportive community at APLB.org today. Free members receive a 7-day journal to help process their emotions, while paid members gain access to exclusive resources like the Bucket List Workbook. Together, we can navigate the path to healing and keep the memory of your beloved companion alive.

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Exclusive APLB Webinar:
A conversation on pet loss and children

A conversation with Dr. Lynsey Rinelli, veterinarian and author of a children’s book on pet loss, Goodbye for Now, and Colleen Rolland, President of the APLB

Event Details
Date: Thursday, July 10th
Time: 7:00-8:00 PM, ET
Location: via Zoom (registration required)

Exclusive APLB Webinar: The Benefits of Hospice Veterinary Care

Ensuring Comfort and Dignity for Pets in Their Final Days

Date: Thursday, April 3, 2025
Time: 7:00-8:00 PM, ET
Location: via Zoom (registration required)

We are excited to invite you to an exclusive members-only live webinar exploring the experience and benefits of hospice veterinary care—a compassionate approach to supporting pets and their families through end-of-life care.

APLB Video Support Groups

We are now offering Online Video Support Groups every Saturday from 7 pm - 9 pm EST/USA.

1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays from 1 pm - 3 pm EST/USA and every 2nd and 4th Sunday from 7 pm - 9 pm EST/USA.

Our Video Support Groups are available to all Silver and Platinum members.

If you want to learn more about our Video Support Groups, please click or tap the button below.

Webinar: A Conversation on Pet Loss with Author E.B. Bartels

Join us for this exciting event

Rainbow Bridge
Memorial Celebration

In honor of Rainbow Bridge Memorial Day (August 28), we are offering a 20% discount on Silver and Platinum memberships throughout the entire month of August.

By joining us, you will have the unique opportunity to create a lasting online memorial for your pet, complete with photos and stories you can cherish.

Live Webinar

Navigating Pet Loss & Grief

Thursday, June 6th, 2024
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Eastern

Sponsored by:

Navigating Pet Loss & Grief, hosted by Moose’s
March, this webinar is designed to support pet
owners through the difficult journey and depth of
pet loss, anticipatory grief and understanding
guilt. This webinar will also provide 3 key
takeaways for the management of grief,
Featuring insights from renowned experts
Colleen Rolland, Association of Pet Loss and
Bereavement and Dr. Nancy Curotto, Pet Loss &
Bereavement Specialist. Attendees will have an
opportunity to ask questions of the experts.

Special Holiday Schedule

We understand that the holidays can be a difficult time for pet parents missing their fur babies. APLB will be extending our hours this year to help you – we’ll get through this together.

Chat Room

Sun Dec 24: 2 – 4 pm EST
Sun Dec 24: 8 – 10 pm EST
Mon Dec 25: 8 – 10 pm EST
Tues Dec 26: 8 – 10 pm EST
Wed Dec 27: 8 – 10 pm EST
Fri Dec 29: 8 – 10 pm EST
Sun Dec. 31: 2 – 4 pm EST
Sun. Dec 31: 8 – 10 pm EST
Mon Jan 1: 8 – 10 pm EST

Video Support Group

Sat Dec 9: 7- 9 pm EST
Sun Dec 10: 7- 8:30 EST
Sat Dec. 23: 7 – 9 pm EST

This year the Association of Pet Loss & Bereavement (APLB) is participating in Giving Tuesday, December 3rd. Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. 

Please give generously. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those grieving the loss of their cherished pets.

This year the Association of Pet Loss & Bereavement (APLB) is participating in Giving Tuesday, on December 3rd. Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. 

Please give generously. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those grieving the loss of their cherished pets.