Pet loss & grief support
If you've lost a pet — recently, or a long while ago — we're so very sorry. They were family, and grieving them is real grief. There's no right way to do it and no timetable to keep to. However you're feeling, you're not alone, and there's gentle, genuine support here for when you're ready.
Grief after a pet can take you by surprise — both in how deep it runs and in how long it stays. Some days feel manageable; others arrive out of nowhere, months later, over something small. All of that is normal. Please be as kind to yourself as you would be to a friend going through exactly the same thing.
Grief can sometimes become more than any of us can carry alone. If the weight of it feels like too much right now, please reach out to someone straight away — you matter, not just your grief.
Lifeline — 13 11 14, any time, day or night (lifeline.org.au).
In an emergency, call 000.
These are trusted Australian services that understand how much a pet matters. Reaching out to one of them isn't a sign you're not coping — it's one of the kindest things you can do for yourself.
Free · national
Free grief support by phone and online — including the loss of a pet. They also run a pet-loss forum where you can talk with others who truly understand what you're going through.
Support groups · counselling
Runs dedicated companion-animal loss support groups and has a counselling line, backed by decades of grief-and-bereavement experience.
A gentle read
A warm, well-written guide to what pet grief can feel like and how to move through it — including helping children, and the other animals at home who feel the loss too.
Specialist counselling · fees apply
Connects you with counsellors who specialise specifically in pet loss. It's a paid service rather than a free or crisis line — but if you'd like one-to-one professional support, it's a good place to start.
Opening hours and services do change — please check each website for current times before you call.
If we were part of your pet's life and care, please know our door stays open. You're always welcome to reach out — even if it's just to talk. And when you're ready — only then — we'll be here.
With love, from all of us at My Kind of Vet.