Preparing for Loss

In the months, weeks, and days leading up to end-of-life, it is normal to have a range of emotions. These can swing from happiness and gratitude one moment to sadness and anticipatory grief the next. Oftentimes, these emotions can be further complicated by lack of sleep and the uncertainty that can frequently surround pet loss.

We hope that some of these materials can help answer some of your questions and provide some reassurance and comfort as you prepare for your pet's passing.

OVC Pet Trust - Prepapring for the Loss of a Pet

To access this booklet digitally, click the cover photo.

Gateway - Preplanning and Pet Aftercare

This booklet can be downloaded by clicking on the PDF image below.

Books to Help Prepare Children for Pet Loss

- Adams, J. (2007). The Dragonfly Door. Feather Rock Books, Inc.
- Grollman, E. A. (2011). Talking about Death: A Dialogue between Parent and Child. Boston: Beacon Press
- Heegaard Eaton, M. (2001) Saying Goodbye to Your Pet: Children Can Learn to Cope with Pet Loss. Fairview Press.
- Krasny Brown, L., & Brown, M (1998). When Dinosaurs Die: A Guide to Understanding Death. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
- Mansfield, M. (2011). When You Have to Say Goodbye, Loving and Letting Go of Your Pet. Beanpole Books.
- Sugar. A. (2016). Our Love Lives on For Miles in Heaven. Pawsitive Resources.
- Sugar, A. (2018). When Friendship Lives Beyond the Stars. Pawsitive Resources.
- Loewen, N. (2011) Good-bye, Jeepers: What to expect when your pet dies. Picture Window Books