Caregiver Support

Veterinary Social Work at Angell

We understand that it can be devastating to deal with the loss of a pet. Most of us share an intense love and bond with our animal companions, so it’s natural to feel grief and sadness when a beloved pet passes away. Likewise, we know the pain of loss can be overwhelming, and dealing with such emotions can be extremely difficult. Angell is committed to providing you with the personal attention and empathy needed to ease the sorrowful experience of losing a beloved pet.  In addition to our staff’s diligent response to your needs, we offer our Angell clients complimentary grief support and guidance.

How Can the Veterinary Social Worker Help You?

The mission of the Veterinary Social Work service at Angell is to provide short-term support and community referrals to clients as they navigate the healthcare needs of their beloved pets. Most importantly, the idea is to provide the help you need as a pet owner to make the best choices regarding your pet’s care.

You don’t have to be alone. Our veterinary social worker Michelle Mezansky is available to help when:

• you are struggling with end-of-life and/or difficult treatment choices
• you are grieving the loss of your pet or anticipating the loss of your pet
• stressors in your life impact your ability to care for your pet, such as illness, recent loss, or relationships
• you are having a hard time processing information about your pet’s condition or discussions with your veterinarian
• you feel isolated and overwhelmed by your pet’s care

Services Available

Caregiver and Bereavement Counseling
Pet owners can have a difficult time managing disenfranchised and anticipatory grief. While the human-animal bond is an essential part of many people’s lives, it can still be challenging to feel as if loved ones in your life understand what you are going through. Counseling can give you the perspective and support you need to process your pain.

Community Referrals
If you need longer-term support or help beyond the scope of Angell’s services,  Michelle can help assess your needs and guide you to appropriate community resources.

Help with navigating your pet’s care
Sometimes, receiving information about your pet’s care can be difficult and, at times, traumatic. Talking to a social worker can help process goals of care, your pet’s quality of life, decisions on euthanasia, and other important end-of-life stressors.

Request for Services

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Links & Resources

National Support Hotlines

• Tufts Pet Loss Hotline
• Cornell Pet Loss Support Hotline
• C.A.R.E.-Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association-Pet Loss Support Hotline
• Chicago Veterinary Medical Association Hotline 
  

Grief Group Support Groups

• Tufts Support Group
• PetCloud
• Lap of Love 
• University of Tennessee 
• Michigan State University
• Chicago Veterinary Medical Association

Article Links

• You’re Not Crazy, You’re Mourning: Grief from the Loss of Your Dog
• Coping With Pet Loss: How to Grieve a Pet’s Death in a Healthy Way
• How to Help Your Child Cope With the Loss of a Pet
• Dealing With Grief: What Is Normal, and What Is Complicated Grief?
• Unique Ways to Memorialize Your Pet 
• Helping your Pet Cope with the Loss of Another Pet 

Chat Rooms

• Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement
• Day By Day Support Chats by UPENN
• Petloss.com Chat Room

Additional Pet Loss Resources

• Hillside Acre Animal Cemetery – Nevins Farm
• Pet Loss & Children – Angell Animal Medical Center
• Coping With the Loss of a Pet – AVMA
• Preparing for Euthanasia – AVMA