The Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) in Guelph has introduced a significant new resource for individuals navigating the profound loss of a pet. A dedicated pet grief support centre is now operational, aiming to provide compassionate care and guidance to bereaved pet owners during a challenging emotional period.
A Vital Resource for Bereaved Pet Owners
This initiative, launched in early December 2025, recognizes the deep bond between humans and their animal companions and the significant impact of their passing. The centre is designed to offer a structured and supportive environment where individuals can process their grief. The service is a response to a recognized need for specialized emotional support following the death of a pet, an event that can be as devastating as losing a human family member for many people.
Services and Support Framework
While specific program details are being finalized, the centre is expected to provide a range of services. These will likely include one-on-one counselling sessions, support groups facilitated by professionals trained in grief and bereavement, and educational materials on the grieving process. The OVC, with its deep expertise in animal health and the human-animal bond, is uniquely positioned to offer this sensitive and necessary care. The centre operates under the guidance of experts who understand the complexities of pet loss.
Addressing an Overlooked Need
The establishment of this centre highlights a growing acknowledgment within the veterinary and mental health communities that pet bereavement is a serious issue requiring dedicated resources. For many, pets are integral members of the family, and their absence leaves a substantial void. This new centre in Guelph provides a formal, accessible avenue for support, helping to validate the feelings of those who are grieving and offering them tools to heal. It represents a progressive step in holistic animal care, extending support to the human caregivers long after a veterinary visit.
The launch of the pet grief support centre at the Ontario Veterinary College marks an important development in community health services for Guelph and the surrounding region. It underscores the college's commitment to supporting the entire family unit—both human and animal—through all stages of life and loss.
