Children & Family Support

When children, partners, or caregivers need honest language and a shared way to talk about what is happening.

5 places to search now.

Every result below links to its owner and shows when the public source was last checked.

Official nonprofit directory Source checked 2026-07-10

Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement

Pet Loss & Bereavement Service Directory

A searchable directory covering pet-loss counselors, veterinary social workers, doulas, chaplains, support groups, in-home euthanasia, hospitals, and aftercare services.

Use it when

Use this when the type of support is unclear or you need to compare local and online options across emotional, spiritual, and practical care.

Coverage: International and online
Access: Local and virtual search

Open official source

University veterinary program Source checked 2026-07-10

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

Pet Loss Support Hotline and Resource Center

A veterinary-student volunteer hotline trained with professional grief counselors, plus guidance on grief, children, euthanasia, memorials, and additional support groups.

Use it when

Use this when you need a compassionate listener or a credible place to understand what grief can feel like. It is not a mental-health crisis line.

Coverage: United States by phone; resources available online
Access: Phone and online
Phone: 607-218-7457

Open official source

University veterinary support program Source checked 2026-07-10

Colorado State University Argus Wellness and Support

Pet Loss, Decision and Quality-of-Life Support

University-based support for treatment decisions, quality of life, family conversations, euthanasia, and grief, with a public resource page listing groups and counselors.

Use it when

Use this when the medical decision and the emotional weight are tangled together, especially if your dog is a CSU hospital patient or you need Colorado resources.

Coverage: Colorado and selected virtual groups
Access: In person, phone and virtual
Phone: 970-297-1242

Open official source

University veterinary social-work program Source checked 2026-07-10

The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center

Honoring the Bond

Veterinary social-work support for difficult care decisions, quality of life, euthanasia, family conversations, behavioral-care burden, and grief resources.

Use it when

Use this if your dog is treated at Ohio State and the family needs a social worker alongside the medical team, or use its public guides to prepare questions.

Coverage: Ohio State Veterinary Medical Center clients
Access: Hospital-based support
Phone: 614-247-8607

Open official source

University veterinary social-work center Source checked 2026-07-10

University of Tennessee Center for Veterinary Social Work

Veterinary Social Work Support

A university center offering animal-related grief and bereavement support, including information on its pet-loss support group and help finding appropriate resources.

Use it when

Use this when you want support grounded in veterinary social work or need help understanding whether a group, counselor, or community resource fits.

Coverage: Tennessee and virtual programs
Access: Program and group support

Open official source

Questions to ask before choosing support.

Use these to compare options calmly and to spot vague answers before a stressful moment.

What words should we use with children?

Ask for a plain answer, written next steps, cost expectations when relevant, and what would change the plan.

Should children be present?

Ask for a plain answer, written next steps, cost expectations when relevant, and what would change the plan.

How can we prepare them without scaring them?

Ask for a plain answer, written next steps, cost expectations when relevant, and what would change the plan.

Signs this category may be worth exploring.

These are practical reasons to start a conversation or collect provider options.

Children are confused or afraidFamily members disagreeA goodbye may happen soonA child blames themselves

How to evaluate a result.

A directory can help you find options. It cannot replace checking scope, credentials, availability, cost, and fit for your dog.

Confirm current details

Call or open the official source to confirm service area, hours, pricing, credentials, and whether new clients are accepted.

Match scope to need

Medical diagnosis belongs with a licensed veterinarian. Counseling, coaching, social work, spiritual care, and peer support have different scopes.

Make the next step explicit

Ask what happens after first contact, what records are needed, what the service costs, and what should happen if your dog worsens.