Pet Support Services
What we do
Our team of veterinary social workers and interns provides compassionate support to pet caregivers during some of their most challenging moments, while also promoting the well-being of our veterinary professionals and students.
Penn Vet clients who are interested in one of our support groups may ask their attending veterinarian to connect them with a Penn Vet social worker. These groups foster mutual support and shared experiences; however, they do not replace professional therapy. During the academic year, and as capacity allows, our social workers also offer individual and family support to clients.
Our Service
Resources
Remember, you are not alone. If you are facing a challenging time, either because of the loss of an animal you love, or because your animal is facing long-term illness, here are some resources for you.
Our Service
Resources
Remember, you are not alone. If you are facing a challenging time, either because of the loss of an animal you love, or because your animal is facing long-term illness, here are some resources for you.
Grief and Loss
- Coping with the Death of Your Pet (The Humane Society of the United States)
- Coping with Losing a Pet – Help Line
- Penn Vet Pet Memorial Gift Fund
End of Life Care
For Families and Surviving Pets
- An Age by Age Guide to Explaining the Death of a Pet to Children (Family Education)
- Family-Friendly Ways to Help Kids Grieve After Pet Loss (Psychology Today)
- Special Population and Pet Loss (Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement)
- Teens: Grief Patterns and Processing Pet Loss (MNpets)
- Helping Children Cope with the Serious Illness or Death of a Companion Animal (Ohio State University)
Reading Recommendations
Adults
Recommended Reading (Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement)
- It’s OK That You’re Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn’t Understand, by Megan Devine
- Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die, by Jon Katz
- Only Gone From Your Sight, by Kate McGahan
- Griffin’s Heart, by Reagan Pasternak
- The Loss of a Pet, by Wallace Sifee
Children
- Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood (Season 3, Episode 20: “Daniel’s Fish Dies/Daniel’s Strawberry Seeds”)
- Paw Prints in the Stars: A Farewell and Journal for a Beloved Pet, by Warren Hanson
- The Next Place, by Warren Hanson
- The Invisible Leash: A Story Celebrating Love After the Loss of a Pet, by Patrice Karst
- Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates, by Gary Kurz
- Until We Meet Again: From Grief to Hope After Losing a Pet, by Melissa Lyons
- The Rainbow Bridge: A Visit to Pet Paradise, by Adrian Raeside
Surviving Pets
- Do Dogs Mourn? (Pet Place)
- Helping your Grieving Pets
Budgeting Information
- Budgeting for your furry best friend by The Skimm
- Money tips for caring pet owners by AVMA
Support Groups and Hotlines
- Pet Loss Chat Room and Online Video Support (Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement)
- Dial 988 to connect to the National Suicide & Crisis Line for free support 24/7, in English or Spanish.
- “Text “HOME” to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line to receive free support 24/7 with a trained Crisis Counselor in English or Spanish.
- C.A.R.E.-Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association-Pet Loss Support Hotline
- Other universities with Pet Loss hotlines, Cornell University, Tufts University
Animal Cruelty Reporting & Dog Laws
Just like humans, animals cannot always escape abusive situations. If you witness or suspect animal cruelty, these are some of your reporting options. Each state has their own unique animal welfare laws and investigative procedures.
The above resources last updated January 2024.
Meet the Social Work Team
Page Buck, PhD, LSW
Alea Cummings, MSW, LCSW
Ella Chasan, CVT, MSW, Fellow
Vicky Raimundo (Social Work Graduate Intern)
Iliana Strauss(Social Work Graduate Intern)
Ryan Veterinary Hospital
Emergencies:
(215) 746-8911
By Appointment:
(215) 746-8387