My name is Caroline and I’m a Psychotherapy Intern here at Growth & Wellness. I’m also the current facilitator of our Pet Loss & Bereavement Support Group (Online). In this article, I’ll address some frequently asked questions about our group and how it’s run.

Although I don’t currently own any pets, I consider myself a huge animal lover (all kinds big and small) and have my own experiences of pet loss. By facilitating this group – I consider it a privilege to support individuals navigating their grief – one that is often minimized and overlooked in society.

Pets play a very important part in the lives of their owners. They become part of the family, provide a social connection and a place of comfort. The consistent presence, non-judgement, and outlet for caregiving that they provide can create a relationship that is among the safest and purest we experience.

As a result, the grief felt after a pet passes away (or in anticipation of them passing away) can cause a person to feel distress, deep sadness, and to have difficulty coping. This can be intensified when others do not understand or minimize the grief.

We want you to know that you’re not alone. In fact, we offer one of the very few support groups in Ontario that support individuals through pet loss, and our group has been around now for five years. Our group creates a safe space for individuals to begin processing their grief with the support of others who recognize the reality of pet bereavement.

How do I know if this group is right for me?

This group is open to individuals experiencing any type of pet loss, grief or bereavement. This includes recent or past experiences of loss. It could also include giving up ownership, or anticipatory grief surrounding a pet with serious health conditions. However, participants must be residents of Ontario and those under 16 should be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

How often should I attend?

The group is currently held the last Tuesday of the month from 6pm to 7pm EST, but may change in the future. Keep an eye on our website for the most accurate dates. Our group is a drop-in group. This means that there is no requirement to attend every meeting and you can choose when to attend at your own convenience. While we do have some regular participants, this can change month to month. We have a maximum limit of 10 participants, however, our group oftentimes has 4-5 participants.

Where does the group run?

Online via our secure office Zoom account. The meeting link is provided the day of the meeting. If you don’t have access to internet and a webcam, phone dial-in options are also available.

What should I expect during the group?

At the beginning of each meeting we spend a few minutes to get settled in. This involves going around the “virtual room” introducing ourselves and discussing some group guidelines on how we can create a safe and inclusive space for all. One fundamental group guideline that we have is: participants aren’t allowed to share anything that is shared during group, to anyone outside of group. This protects participants’ confidentiality and ensures an intimate space to become vulnerable. Having your camera on is optional and is invited at your own comfort level.

Once we’re settled in, I invite each participant to share their experience with pet loss and why they’ve joined the group. Participation can vary depending on your comfort level. Some participants are comfortable sharing their unique experience of pet loss, while others find comfort in observing and reflecting in silence. There are no structured topics for each meeting – we allow each meeting to flow naturally, drawing on common themes and experiences of the participants. Some topics from past meetings have covered: the grief and loss journey, memorialising our pets, moving on from grief, and how to cope.

Group time consists of both learning and processing time with participants at their own pace. As we discuss some heavy and emotionally intense topics, participants are encouraged to express themselves as needed (we share a lot of tears, and this is okay!). There may be times during the meeting that processing focuses on an issue one group member is working through with group members providing reactions and feedback. Other times the group may focus on a topic with all members. Group work allows for a safe space for mutual support, reflection on one’s own beliefs, and understanding how we relate to others through shared experiences.

During the end of each meeting, we spend a few minutes for reflection and closure. There are also a few minutes allocated at the end of each meeting for a participant to check in with the facilitator one-on-one if needed.

How much does the group cost?

There is no cost. There is optionally pay-what-you-can and if a participant would like to contribute, they can e-transfer their preferred amount (recommended amount: $5) to info@growthwellnesstherapy.com after the session.

I’m ready to join, how do I sign up?

If you or someone you know may benefit from attending, you can register by reaching out to the office directly by calling (647) 243-4235 or emailing info@growthwellnesstherapy.com. You can also register via our website. All new participants are required to review and sign an electronic Consent Form before joining.

Additional resources:

Please contact our intake and administration team for assistance in registering for the Pet Loss & Bereavement support group!

Everything You've Wanted to Know About Our Free Pet Loss & Bereavement Support Group