How The Pet Loss Support Group Works
and what to expect on your first meetup
FREE VIRTUAL MEETUPS: join us from anywhere
Our Zoom meetups are available several times throughout the week. They allow you to join wherever you’re most comfortable – whether that’s your bed, your sofa, or your favourite quiet spot at home. We know how hard it can be to leave the house when you’re grieving the loss of your beloved pet, and that’s why we’ve made it really easy to join.
Losing a beloved pet can feel overwhelming, and it’s not something you have to face alone.
Our FREE (donations welcome) online meetups are lovingly created to support you through the heartbreak of losing your best friend. We understand how hard it can be to take that first brave step when you’re grieving the loss of your animal companion. That’s why we want you to know exactly what to expect when you join us.
A WARM WELCOME: you’ve found your community
When you join a meetup, you’ll be greeted with kindness and compassion. You’ll be among fellow pet parents who truly understand what you’re going through. We know how scary it can be to join a new group, especially as you’re feeling so fragile and vulnerable. We’ve all experienced the pain of losing a precious companion, so you’ll never feel alone here.
A SMALL CIRCLE: your story and time matters
To ensure a supportive and intimate environment where everyone has the opportunity to share, should they wish to, each session has a maximum of 8 participants. Meetups usually last around 60 to 90 minutes, and there’s no obligation to stay the entire time. If you need to leave early or join late, we completely understand. Your well-being is what matters most.
A SAFE SPACE: to be seen, heard and heal
The Pet Loss Support group offers a consistent, compassionate, and safe space where you can share, listen, or simply be in the comforting presence of others who truly understand. Each meetup discussion is shaped by the group. Themes naturally evolve based on what participants want to share and include topics such as guilt, loneliness, and sadness.
“I found the Pet Loss Support Group online, and it’s a gem!!! I just love it!! It’s a very comfortable, supportive, and lovely, friendly group. It’s a much-needed group in my healing journey because the people here ‘get it’. Don’t suffer with your grief alone. Join us, it’s your grief, but we can share it with you.””
NO JUDGEMENT: only compassion and understanding
Every person in the group knows what it’s like to lose a cherished pet. They understand the heartbreak, the fragility, and the rollercoaster of emotions that come with grieving. Here, you’ll never be judged for how you feel or what you say. This is your safe space to share, to heal, and to be heard. You’ll never need to apologise for how much you miss your beloved pet.
UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT: in a community that gets it
You’ll connect with like-minded pet parents who, like you, are on this painful journey too. Cry, laugh, share photos, reminisce, or simply sit quietly among others who understand. There’s no right or wrong way to grieve here - only support for whatever you need at the moment.
WRAPPING UP: choosing self-care because you matter
At the end of every session, we take a moment to focus on self-care. You’ll have the opportunity to share one small thing you can do in the coming week that will nurture and support you through your pet loss journey. It might be as simple as walking in nature, journalling, or choosing a special photo of your pet to frame.
RESOURCE LIBRARY: your toolkit for life
After your first meetup, you’ll get lifetime access to our resource library. It’s filled with helpful tools and suggestions to guide you through your pet loss journey. This library grows with input from our members, so you’re welcome to suggest resources that may help others navigate their grief too.
HAVE QUESTIONS? That’s completely understandable.
We want you to feel as comfortable as possible before you join a session. Check out the FAQ page to find out more, or if you’re ready to start your healing journey and join a session, click the button below.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand how incredibly painful losing a pet is. We also know how scary it can feel to join a group and be vulnerable about your feelings.
So, here are answers to some common questions about our support group which we hope will help you to feel more at ease before joining us.
-
Our sessions are safe, non-judgmental spaces where you can share memories, talk about your grief, and connect with other pet parents who understand.
You can speak or just listen, whatever feels right for you at your stage on your pet loss journey.
-
Just click here to book your place and join a session.
-
No, just sign up by clicking here.
-
That’s no problem. We understand that life happens or that you may not feel ready yet to join a session, and that’s totally OK.
If you’re unable to attend, please click the “Change/Cancel Appointment” button in your confirmation email. Spaces are limited to 12 people per session so updating your attendance ensures another grieving pet parent can join.
-
We run sessions several times throughout the week online via Zoom. We hope to add more sessions in the future.
Click here to see the sessions available and join us.
-
People just like you - grieving pet parents who feel lost and alone after losing their best friend and companion.
As the sessions take place online, we have people from different parts of the world join us from all sorts of backgrounds and different ages.
We’ve noticed that most of our participants are single and child-free without a support network around them, but this doesn’t mean you can’t join if you have a partner and/or kids.
The group is open to anyone who is grieving the loss of a cherished family member.
-
No, not at all. You’re more than welcome to join us, no matter what kind of animal you lost.
Love is love and losing a pet hurts regardless of what type of pet it is.
There’s no judgement in the group, only kindness, compassion and understanding.
-
No, this doesn’t matter at all.
There’s no timeline for grief, and we welcome you to the group whether you lost your beloved pet yesterday or 10 years ago.
-
No, not all if you don’t want to. There’s absolutely no pressure to share anything if you don’t feel comfortable and ready to. There’s no rush or timeline with grief.
Many people find comfort just by listening to others. Hearing stories of how other pet parents are feeling also helps participants to feel seen, be validated and often gives them a sense of hope for the future.
-
To allow us to fully support you, we kindly ask that you have your camera on during the session. Being able to see each other helps us connect on a deeper level and provide a more personal, supportive environment.
We understand that joining a group can feel scary at first, and we want to reassure you that you're in a compassionate, non-judgemental, and safe space.
-
This is completely natural and it’s a great start that you’re aware of this feeling. You should be really proud of yourself. Taking steps to support your pet loss journey is a big deal and you’re on the right track.
If you've reviewed the website, including how the group works, explored the testimonials, and gone through all of the FAQs, but still feel nervous about joining, you can schedule a 15-minute call with me to chat through any questions or feelings you'd like to share.
Just fill in the contact form, and I’ll be in touch to arrange a call.
-
Our sessions are FREE to attend.
The Pet Loss Support Group is funded by generous donations. If you feel moved to contribute, please click here.
Every contribution will help us to continue providing a safe space where grieving pet parents can find comfort, understanding, and the strength to heal.