WHAT TO EXPECT

How The Support Sessions Work

Losing a beloved pet can feel overwhelming, and it’s not something you have to face alone.
Our free online sessions 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 weathered wooden sign with the word "Welcome" carved into it, attached to a wooden post with four screws, surrounded by green leaves and white flowers, with a small spiderweb on the top left of the sign.

A WARM WELCOME: you’ve found your community

When you join a session, 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 or judged here.

An older woman with glasses, sitting in bed, holding a cup of coffee in one hand and using a laptop with the other. On a tray next to her are a plate with cookies and a small jar, with a side table behind her holding vases and a coffee pot.

FREE VIRTUAL MEETUPS: join us from anywhere

Our sessions 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.

A vintage silver alarm clock showing 9:05 next to a flower pot with artificial flowers on a black grid surface.

A SMALL CIRCLE: your story 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 participants. Sessions last around 90 minutes, and there’s no pressure to stay the entire time. If you need to leave early, we completely understand. Your well-being is what matters most.

“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.”

  • - Jane lost Pippa, her Labradoodle, in July 2022

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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 ‘get it’. Each session discussion is shaped by the group. Themes naturally evolve based on what participants want to share and include topics such as guilt, loneliness, sadness, a new pet, and memorialising.

Two hands holding a dog and a cat's paws, with the dog's paw on the left and the cat's paw on the right.

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.

“For anyone thinking of joining the group, try to be brave. The group really has lovely members and is a safe space.”

  • - Dave lost Prince, his Crossbreed, in November 2021

Group of diverse people placing their hands together in a symbol of unity or teamwork.

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.

Person walking on a wooden trail wearing gray jeans and black and white sneakers, surrounded by trees and tall grass.

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.

An open book with pages folded to form a heart shape in the center.

RESOURCE LIBRARY & COMMUNITY: your toolkit for life

You’ll get access to our private WhatsApp channel and resource library. It’s filled with helpful tools and tips 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.

JOIN A SUPPORT SESSION

Still not sure if joining a session is right for you?

That’s ok. We understand how painful it is to lose a pet. They’re our best friend and our whole world, after all. We also know how scary it can feel to join a new group and be vulnerable about your feelings.

So, grab a hot drink and take some time to read our FAQ section below. Also, take a look at some testimonials from other grieving pet parents. We hope this will help you to feel more at ease before joining us.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 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 cancel the session and rebook another session here.

    Spaces are limited 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.

    The group is open to anyone who is grieving the loss of a beloved pet.

  • No, not at all. You’re more than welcome to join us, no matter what kind of pet you lost. 

    Love is love and losing a pet hurts regardless of what type of animal it is.

    There’s no judgement here, only kindness, compassion and understanding.

  • No, this doesn’t matter at all. 

    There’s no timeline for grief.

    We welcome you to the group, whether you lost your beloved pet yesterday, 10 years ago, or anywhere in between.

  • 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.

    If you’d like to make a donation when you book a session, that option is available.

    Every contribution will help us to continue providing a safe space for grieving pet parents to find comfort, community, hope, and healing on their pet loss journey.

JOIN A SUPPORT SESSION