By Debbie Spingarn
Contributing Writer
REGION – If you’ve ever been bereaved over a beloved pet with nowhere to turn, you are not alone. For individuals over 50, the feelings of sadness and depression can hit especially hard.
Norwood Senior Center Director Kerri McCarthy sees people at the Prospect Street center suffering from loss of a pet. “We help them find grief groups,” she said, as the center does not have its own group. “We could probably use it,” she added.
A growing need for support
The good news is that society recognizes the immense feelings of grief felt by many when beloved pets die or are diagnosed with serious illness. A Pew Research study shows 97 percent of pet owners believe their pets are part of the family. “Nearly everyone I know has grieved the loss of a pet,” says 77-year-old Susan Clare of Norwood. “But I wasn’t even aware such support groups exist,” she added.
Groups do exist and in growing numbers. A September 2025 story in Psychology Today says the global market for digital pet bereavement apps is projected to grow by up to 12 percent by 2033. The MSPCA in Jamaica Plain offers a free Zoom-only support group with the organization’s licensed clinical social worker. Call 617-522-7282 for information on signing up for the monthly group which includes parents of all types of animals including dogs, cats, birds and other pets.
Another popular group sponsored through Laps of Love, an in-home hospice and euthanasia service, offers free sessions or week-long grief groups featuring curriculum as well as Zoom support from a certified Laps of Love grief counselor.
Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine based out of North Grafton offers a 24-hour hotline, staffed in person by veterinary students between 6 and 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday with 24-hour voicemail available.
Individual therapy
Nikki Vettel of Winthrop is a 73-year-old certified pet bereavement counselor offering support through pet guinea pig therapy. Her therapy pet guinea pig Hermie is often actively involved in her grief groups. Vettel holds a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling.
Vettel suggests that pet owners facing anticipatory grief (faced with a pet’s terminal diagnosis) may benefit from photographs of themselves with their pet either done informally or through a pet portrait photographer. Contact her at [email protected].
“For older people, the loss of a beloved pet can bring many specific dimensions to their grief,” Vettel said. “Memories hold a different space for people who are facing less years ahead for themselves.”
“A pet may have been shared by a child or a spouse who has previously died,” she explained, “so the death of their pet marks the end of a living connection to that important person, now also gone.”
“A dog may have been the reason for its owner to get up in the morning for a walk, and a way to break any bonds of isolation by greeting neighbors or passersby,” Vettel continued. “Without their dog, they may find no reason to leave the house, get exercise and fresh air, but most importantly, continue having relationships (even if very casual) with people on their ‘route.’”
Veterinary social workers
Veterinary social workers have been added to veterinary hospitals to help clients navigate both grief of a deceased pet as well as assessing pet quality of life and decision making for an ill pet.
The Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Hospital located in Woburn is a Level One emergency and critical care facility as well as offering specialty care. The hospital’s special services include a veterinary social worker. The contact number is 781-932-5802.
Etiquette for support groups
Grief groups have etiquette rules, including discussion of sensitive topics like euthanasia, mental health topics and rules around sensitivities of other group members. It can be difficult to find places where individuals can discuss their own emotions and although pet grief support groups offer that, other mental health concerns may need to be addressed by individual therapy.
Digital support options
Online resources like 1-833-PET-1234 offer information and videos for support, anticipatory grief, and online groups.
For people who have difficulty with technology, organizations like Tufts’ “Paws for People,” which is affiliated with the pet therapy organization Pet Partners, brings specially trained therapy animals of all species (dogs, cats, bunnies, miniature horses, and guinea pigs) to visit nursing homes, libraries, and assisted living facilities. Hermie, Vettel’s pet therapy guinea pig, is a registered pet therapy guinea pig. “He has a great number of fans across Massachusetts who have enjoyed cuddling with him and feeding him treats,” she said.
To learn about possible “Paws for People” visits, email [email protected].
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