Losing a pet can feel like losing a member of the family, and a new free online resource from the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College hopes to make that grief feel less lonely.
The Pet Loss Support Resource Centre was created to help pet owners navigate the emotional toll of saying goodbye, offering articles, videos, downloadable readings, and contact information for professional support.
Sarah Bernardi, a social worker at the Ontario Veterinary College, said she was surprised by the depth of grief she felt after losing her 10 year old cat Lily.
She noted that many people struggle with simple moments after a loss, like putting a pet’s belongings away, and often feel unsure if their grief is valid. The website is designed to reassure people that these feelings are normal and worthy of care.
The resource also includes a documentary series called Always Near Me, featuring families like Emily Mallett and her daughter Sydney, who lost their dog Bella to cancer.
Sydney, who was six at the time, helped the veterinarian during Bella’s final moments, an experience the family says helped them understand loss and healing.
Bernardi says pet loss is often a form of disenfranchised grief, meaning it is not always socially recognized, and hopes the new centre gives people permission to grieve openly and seek support.
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