Because pets occupy such special places in our hearts and invariably seem like members of our family, the loss or death of a pet naturally leaves us with deep emotions and feelings of sadness.
Grief is a normal part of the healing process, but sometimes pet owners hide or refuse to recognize their emotions. The grieving process may be complicated by factors such as lack of understanding by relatives and friends, or by guilt associated with euthanasia or the release of an animal to a shelter. Comments such as "at least it was just an animal" or "you can always get another one", even if well-intentioned, tend to complicate the grief process. Although there are signs of change, our culture hasn't always validated the human-animal bond with bereavement rituals and support systems for those who have lost their companion animals.
We believe that trained volunteers can help pet owners adjust to their losses. Time, understanding, support and compassion can help people learn how to cope with their emotions. Having someone to turn to, or someone who will listen, may be the first step to healing.
About Our Hotline:
The first Pet Loss Support Hotline was set up in 1989 at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California at Davis. Cornell used their guidelines in construction of our own hotline. The hotline is staffed by volunteer veterinary students who are trained by a professional grief counselor. Volunteers regularly attend discussion meetings with faculty advisors. These meetings assist hotline volunteers in dealing with the personal responses to grief and educate them to better serve the needs of callers.
Literature relating to pet loss and grief is maintained by the hotline and available for mailing to callers who request information. Articles about the human-animal bond and grief are provided for the education of student volunteers and, together with the experience from the hotline, help to prepare the students for the emotional side of veterinary practice.
Many if not all of the veterinary student volunteers have experienced the loss of a beloved companion animal and are aware of the profound sadness and confusing emotions that can result. They understand that every loss is unique and they are trained to acknowledge the normal grieving process that callers are experiencing
Contributions:
The Pet Loss Support Hotline is maintained primarily by private donations. It is through the generosity of individuals, groups, veterinary practices and associations, private foundations, and pet-related industries that the hotline is made possible.
If you would like to make a contribution, which is tax-deductible as provided by law, please send the following information to us:
If you'd like to see your pet added to this site, please send us any information you'd like to see included here. Materials will not be returned unless requested.
Please send your name and address, along with donation. Make checks payable to the Pet Loss Support Hotline. The address is:
Companion Animal Hospital
Box 35
College of Veterinary Medicine
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York, 14853-6401
Thank you for your support.
