Pet Loss Support Line
The Pet Loss Support Line volunteers receive special training in listening and support skills, and work on a rotating schedule to provide this valuable public service every day of the year. The Support Line offers emotional support to anyone who has experienced or is anticipating the loss of a pet, for any reason. The Pet Loss Support Line is supported in part by donations from veterinary clinics in the Greater Victoria area.
Pet Loss Support Line: 1-250-389-8047
The support line is available every day between 8:00 am – 9:00 pm (Pacific Time). Please leave your name and number, and a volunteer will return your call as soon as possible. Please note that long distance calls will be returned collect. Also if you call from outside the Greater Victoria area and do not hear back from us, it is because your exchange will not accept collect calls.
What does the Pet Loss Support line Offer?
The Pet Loss Support Line is staffed by members of the Pacific Animal Therapy Society, who are pet lovers themselves. Support Line volunteers understand the pain associated with the loss of a pet. All Support Line volunteers receive training in support skills, with particular attention to issues surrounding grief.
Support Line volunteers offer caring emotional support. They are there to listen, not to give advice. They respect both you and your ability to make the decisions that are best for you. The Support Line maintains a referral directory and, at your request, volunteers can refer you to other support and information resources.
Why a Pet Loss Support Line?
For many people, the death of a pet is as devastating as the loss of any human family member, and deciding whether to euthanize an ailing or elderly pet can be excruciatingly difficult. Sometimes, met with a lack of understanding from others in their lives, individuals faced with a pet’s illness of death feel very much alone.
Who are the Pet Loss Volunteers?
Volunteers for the Pet Loss Support Line are trained to lend an understanding ear and caring heart to people grieving for their beloved fur-friends. Volunteers receive training that enables them to listen without judgment and support callers to make the right decisions for their situation. Like most PATS volunteers, Support Line members are themselves pet lovers and understand the unique bond between humans and animals and the grief that comes from losing a pet.
What are the Limits of this Service?
Support Line volunteers will not give out medical information. You can ask for a referral to a veterinarian who is qualified to answer your questions.