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Grief Support & Social Services

Penn Vet, Ryan Hospital, grief servicesThe Veterinary Grief Counseling Program at Penn Vet’s Ryan Veterinary Hospital was created to address the emotional needs of pet parents/owners who have lost a companion animal. This program was one of the first of its kind in a veterinary hospital setting.

The Veterinary Grief Counseling Program recognizes and embraces the significance and difficulties associated with pet loss. By promoting education about the human–animal bond, grief and bereavement, the Veterinary Grief Counseling Program strives to improve coping and adjustment for those who have lost a beloved companion animal.

What We Offer

  • Counseling Services Penn Vet, Ryan Hospital, grief servicesAll are welcome to attend the Pet Loss Support Group or Cleo's Group — a group for pet lovers with chronically ill or aging pets — that meet regularly at the Rosenthal Imaging Treatment Center (RITC). While reservations are not required, you may email Michele to let her know you'll be attending or if you have questions. Each group gathers in the main hospital waiting room, located in Ryan-VHUP. Groups are then held in the conference room of the RITC and it's best to arrive a few minutes early.
     » Read more about our grief services
  •   Penn Vet, Ryan Hospital, grief servicesGrief Support Resources When you have lost a companion, it's helpful to better understand what you are going through. We've assembled some resources that might help you through this difficult time.
     » Read more about grief support resources
  •   Penn Vet, Ryan Hospital, grief servicesCommunity Outreach Penn Vet's Ryan Veterinary Hospital is dedicated to connecting and contributing to the surrounding community. Through animal visitation, humane education and collaboration with other agencies, the program strives to build relationships, support the human–animal bond and further the larger mission of veterinary community outreach. » Read more about our community outreach programs
  •  Penn Vet, Ryan Hospital, grief servicesUseful Links We've compiled some useful links that our clients have found helpful, including information on pet loss, pet insurance, scrapbooks, and our Facebook page. » Visit our 'useful links' page

Support Groups

Michele Pich, Grief Counselor, Penn VetMichele Pich,
Grief counselor
Phone: 215-746-8247
Email: mpich@vet.upenn.edu
Ryan Hospital
3900 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Penn Vet Pet Grief
Support Group:
First Tuesday of most months, 7-9 pm

Cleo's Group (for current caretakers of ill or aging pets):
Third Tuesday of most months 7-9pm

  • The Penn Vet Pet Grief Support Hotline is back up and active. Tonight we have Stephanie answering calls from 6-8p EST at 215-898-4556.




  • http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865583040/Death-of-a-pal-Navigating-the-loss-of-a-beloved-animal.html


    Death of a pal: Navigating the loss of a beloved animal | Deseret News
    www.deseretnews.com
    The death of a pet is an emotionally powerful event in the life of a child. It's also a learning experience that can help frame relationships, beliefs and the power of love, experts say.
  • The Pet Grief Support Hotline remains closed temporarily, will re-open for calls soon. Check back here for updates. Sorry for any inconvenience.

  • Tonight's Pet Grief Loss Support Group dedicated to Amelia. Rest in Peace. You were deeply loved.

  • -The Grief Support Hotline will remain closed this week, and will resume normal hours (Monday and Friday evenings 6p-8p) starting next week (7/8).
    -Reminder: (New Group Schedule) TOMORROW, 7/2 from 7p-9p: Pet Grief Loss Support Group at Penn Vet Ryan
  • Tonight the Penn Vet Pet Grief Support Hotline will not be taking calls, our office is relocating and the phone line is being transferred. The number will remain the same and we should be back up and running by sometime next week, Sorry for the inconvenience. Thanks for your patience! And remember, the Pet Grief Loss Support Groups will be moving to the 1st Tuesday or most months, starting this Tuesday July 2nd from 7p-pm

  • Tonight we have Scott on the Penn Vet Pet Grief Hotline until 8pm EST at (215) 898-4556.
  • RIP Cleopatra (the inspiration for Cleo's Group), 2 years ago today you left this earth. You fought abuse, neglect, Parvo, Lyme Disease, torn ligaments, and Lymphoma. After 13 & 1/2 years of life, and a 2 year cancer battle and chemotherapy at Penn Vet, this sweet girl said good-bye on 6/21/11, but your impact will always be remembered and adored!


    Gone But Not Forgotten...
    Cleopatra (AKA "Cleo) 12/1/97-6/21/11 is the inspiration for Cleo's Group. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. She fought a brave battle with Lymphoma through chemotherapy for almost 2 years through the loving care of the Doctors and Oncology staff of Penn Vet's Oncology Department. Never forgotten, forever loved!
    Cleopatra (AKA "Cleo) 12/1/97-6/21/11 is the inspiration for Cleo's Group. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. She fought a brave battle with Lymphoma through chemotherapy for almost 2 years through the loving care of the Doctors and Oncology staff of Penn Vet's Oncology Department. Never forgotten, forever loved!
  • There will not be a Cleo's Group this week. Groups will resume in July, but will be moving to a new day: TUESDAYS. Schedule will be: 1. (Penn Vet Pet Grief Support Group = 1st Tuesday of most months from 7p-9p EST) & 2. Cleo's Group - for current caregivers of ill or aging pets= 3rd Tuesday of most months from 12-2p EST)
  • Tonight we have Anne on the hotline at 215-898-4556 from 6pm-8pm EST to help lend a compassionate ear if you are dealing with Pet Grief support concerns.
  • Scott is on the Pet Grief Support Hotline tonight until 8pm EST. Call him at 215-898-4556
  • Tonight we have Anne covering the Penn Vet Pet Grief Support Hotline from 6p-8p at 215-898-4556. Call her if you need to talk things through about a pet who is ill or has died.
  • Penn Vet Pet Grief Support Group TONIGHT (7p-9p) at Penn Vet Ryan Hospital (39th & Spruce St., Philadelphia). *****NOTE: Starting next month, all groups move to Tuesdays (Pet Grief Group = 1st Tuesday of most months 7p-9p)


  • Tonight Monica will be taking calls on the hotline from 7pm-8pm EST.
  • We often focuses on the sadness of pet loss, but today, we also have to remember the great joy that our animals can bring to out lives and help us overcome the tough stuff. Purina's National Dog Show Therapy Dog Ambassador, Vivian Peyton visiting her friends, the amazing kids (some are quite sick, others are of great support to their siblings through tough medical battles) at the Ronald McDonald House. If you want to help her raise $ for this fantastic organization and honor therapy dogs everywhere for their work, please share this link and donations of any size are greatly appreciated. http://prmh.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1071256&supId=385107861 — at Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House.

    http://prmh.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1071256&supId=385107861

  • Due to the Memorial Day holiday, the hotline will not be taking calls tonight. Sorry for any inconvenience. Additional grief information is available at www.vet.upenn.edu.
  • Tabitha is on the Penn Vet Pet Grief Support Hotline tonight from 6-8pm EST at 215-898-4556. Call if you're looking for a friendly compassionate person to talk to about pet grief concerns.
  • Page Poll: for those who have had a beloved pet die, how long did you wait to get another pet? (never got another, right away, 1-2 months, 6 months, a year, 2 years, more than 2 years)

  • Tonight we have Tabitha answering calls on the Penn Vet Pet Grief Support Hotline at (215)898-4556 from 6pm-8pm
  • Tomorrow (Sunday, 5/5) watch Michele Pich, Penn Vet's Veterinary Grief Counselor talk about grieving over pet loss on CNN's HLN at 8:54am EST nationwide with Suzanne Roberts of "Seeking Solutions with Suzanne" and then again on her full show that starts at 7:30pm on the Comcast Network