Pet Loss and Bereavement Webinar

Monday, November 16, 2020
7 to 9 p.m. (EST) via Zoom

Presenters: Liz Becker, Angelique Gordon and Lindsay Goodrich Komline
MSW Candidates, VCU School of Social Work

This one-hour webinar on pet loss and bereavement intends to raise awareness of the impact of pet loss. The bond between people and their pets is unique, and regardless of the circumstance, losing this bond can cause significant grief and distress. This presentation will provide education around the different types of pet loss and discuss the emotional and social considerations around this significant loss. This discussion is not a pet loss support group, however, the presenters will discuss available resources that can be of support during the grieving process. This presentation on pet loss and bereavement intends to be an opportunity for helping professionals and pet owners to learn more about this issue with a focus on how to support those grieving the loss of a pet. Topics to be discussed include: types of pet loss (rehoming, runaways, medical and behavioral euthanasia, natural disasters); the disenfranchised grief that can accompany pet loss; how to identify the impact of bereavement; ambiguous loss; COVID-19 and pet loss; family adaptation strategies and more.

This presentation will include opportunities for group discussions throughout, a Q&A, and an opportunity to share strategies and resources as a group at the end.