Pet Loss Hotlines & Online Support Groups (U.S. & Canada) - Phone, Text & Chat Help (Updated 2026)

Last Reviewed for 2026: December 14, 2025. Hours and staffing can change—especially for volunteer-run programs—so confirm details on the organization’s site before you call.

Losing a pet can hit as hard as losing a person. Whether your dog died suddenly, your cat was euthanized, or you’re living with anticipatory grief while your pet declines, you deserve support that understands pet loss.

Quick Start: What To Do If You’re Overwhelmed

  • If you feel unsafe right now, use the crisis options in the next section (U.S. and Canada).
  • If you want pet-specific support, start with a pet loss hotline or a moderated pet grief chat.
  • If you can’t talk out loud, choose an online pet loss support group or chat room.
  • If today is “too much,” save this page and come back when you have a little more bandwidth.

If You Need Urgent Help Right Now (U.S. & Canada)

If you feel unsafe or you’re thinking about harming yourself:

Best Pet Loss Hotlines (Phone Support)

These options are commonly staffed by trained volunteers (often veterinary students) or trained support staff and focus specifically on pet grief support. They aren’t a replacement for licensed mental health care.

Text & Chat-Based Help (When Talking Feels Too Hard)

If you’re searching for a pet grief chat, an online support group, or a place to share your story without speaking on the phone, these are strong starting points.

Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB) — Live Chat Rooms

Free scheduled, moderated online chats with trained Pet Loss Grief Specialists.

APLB Chat Schedule

  • Sunday 2–4 pm (ET)
  • Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri 8–10 pm (ET)
  • 1st Saturday of Each Month 8–10 pm (ET)
  • Thursday 8–10 pm (ET): Anticipatory Grief (All Are Welcome)

PetLoss Partners — Chat Room (Scheduled)

PetLoss Partners Chat Room Details

  • Tuesday 8:00 pm (ET), 90 Minutes
  • Thursday 8:00 pm (ET), 90 Minutes

APLB Video Support Groups (Online)

If you prefer faces and voices (but still want to be at home), APLB also offers online video support groups. Availability can depend on membership level and schedule updates.

APLB Video Support Group Schedule

If Grief Is Escalating: Crisis Text And Chat

  • U.S.: Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741 (Details)
  • Canada (Youth Support): Kids Help Phone text/web messaging (Details)
  • U.S./Canada: 988 / 9-8-8 are the fastest options for immediate support.

Canada-Focused Pet Loss Support (Beyond 9-8-8)

  • Pet Compassion Careline (Canada/U.S.)
    Call: 1-855-245-8214
    Notes: Often offered through participating pet aftercare providers and partner clinics; availability may depend on provider participation
    Source: Careline Info

Online Pet Loss Support Groups (Virtual Community)

If you’re searching for an online pet loss support group—especially for grief after pet euthanasia, sudden loss, or anticipatory grief—these organizations offer structured, moderated support:

What To Expect When You Call Or Join A Chat

Pet loss support is usually gentle, practical, and paced. In most cases, you can share as much or as little as you want.

  • You may be asked your pet’s name, species, and what happened (sudden loss, illness, euthanasia, accident).
  • You might talk about guilt, “what if” thoughts, and how grief is showing up in your body (sleep, appetite, panic, numbness).
  • Many pet loss hotlines and groups can suggest coping tools and help you plan the next 24–72 hours.
  • If you’re in crisis, they may encourage immediate crisis support (988 / 9-8-8) or local care.

What To Say: A Simple Script You Can Copy

  • “Hi. I lost my pet and I’m not doing well. I just need someone to listen.”
  • “My pet was euthanized and I keep replaying it. I feel guilty and I can’t sleep.”
  • “My pet died suddenly and I’m in shock. I feel panicky and I don’t know what to do next.”
  • “I’m dealing with anticipatory grief. I know it’s coming and I’m falling apart.”

If The Hotline Is Closed

  • Leave a voicemail if offered (many programs return calls during the next shift).
  • Use a moderated pet grief chat room (APLB, PetLoss Partners) if you need support tonight.
  • Reach out to your veterinarian’s office—many clinics can share local pet bereavement support resources.
  • If you feel unsafe, use 988 (U.S.) or 9-8-8 (Canada) right away.

Support For Children And Teens After A Pet Dies

For many kids, this is a first experience with death. It helps to use clear, gentle language and invite questions.

How To Choose The Right Kind Of Help

  • You Need Someone Now: 988 (U.S.) or 9-8-8 (Canada), then pet-loss-specific support when you’re steadier.
  • You Want Pet-Specific Support: Cornell, Tufts, Illinois C.A.R.E., Lap of Love support groups, or APLB chat.
  • You Don’t Want To Talk Out Loud: APLB or PetLoss Partners pet grief chat rooms.
  • You Want Ongoing Support: A weekly online pet loss support group (Lap of Love or APLB video groups).

A Gentle Next Step: Memorializing Your Pet (When You’re Ready)

Grief support and memorialization can work together. Sometimes, doing one small “love task” helps your nervous system settle after a hard day.

If you’re not ready to decide today, that’s okay. Many families start with a temporary container and choose a keepsake urn or cremation necklace later—when it feels less overwhelming.

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