Are you grieving the loss of your pet?

Blue Ridge Humane Society knows how difficult losing a loved pet can be.  Pet Loss is the worst part of being a pet owner.  Our pets are family.  Every pet is different and brings a unique light into our lives, and losing that light can be devastating.   

BRHS offers a pet loss support group with a professional licensed clinical mental health counselor to support grieving pet owners. This program will provide a safe and non-judgmental space for community members to come together to support one another through the loss and grief of their beloved pet(s).  While the program is free to attend, we welcome donations.  

Sessions are held every third Wednesday of the month* from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at 802 S. Grove Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

*Note, there will be NO session on November 20th, as the warehouse is currently mobilized for hurricane relief community support services. We hope to resume this program as soon as we are able.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP before the third Monday of the month by emailing pethelpline@blueridgehumane.org or by calling or texting our Pet Helpline (828) 393-5832. To ensure that the meeting is beneficial to those attending, please know we are limiting each session to 12 participants. 

By attending the group, you will agree to the below ground rules: 

  • Confidentiality is critical.  Shared personal information is meant to be heard only within the confines of the group. 
  • Participants are free to share as much or as little as they choose. 
  • No one can tell you how to feel or act. 
  • Be careful not to offer unsolicited advice.  Because everyone grieves differently, avoid telling others how to grieve.   
  • The group will start and end on time.  Please do not arrive late as it could interrupt the flow of the session. 
  • No one will be allowed to manipulate or dominate the group. 
  • Everyone should be permitted enough time to express themselves. 
  • Please do not bring pets with you to the group.  

Pet Loss Resources

Pet loss and grief can trigger intense emotional responses that need to be addressed with professional resources beyond what BRHS can provide through the Peer Support group. This cannot take the place of professional counseling and therapy.

If you feel that you’re in distress or having thoughts about harming yourself, please call:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline https://988lifeline.org/  or call (800) 273-8255.  The Lifeline offers 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress.   
  • 2-1-1 A 24/7 national free and confidential service that helps you find the resources you need, including crisis and emergency. 

Low-Cost Pet Cremation Services
Blue Ridge Humane Society created this program to assist pet owners during a heart-breaking phase that all pet owners inevitably experience. We feel strongly that all pet owners should be given the choice to memorialize their pet and have an opportunity for closure.
Our services are provided through Agape Pet Services in Greenville, SC. There are no criteria that pet owners must meet to utilize this program. The fees are based on the animal’s weight and if you want your pet’s remains returned. Pet Cremains are in a hand-carved Rosewood urn.
When the time comes, please call or text our Pet Helpline at (828) 393-5832 or get started by completing this online form, and a member of the Community Support Services will reach out to discuss the next steps.

Cremation Type/ServicePrice
Individual Cremation Return up to 25 lbs. $105
Individual Cremation Return 25 lbs. – 50 lbs. $120
Individual Cremation Return 50 lbs. – 100 lbs.$150
Individual Cremation Return over 100 lbs.$200
Communal Cremation No Return up to 99 lbs.$40
Communal Cremation No Return over 99 lbs. $75
Rosewood UrnFree
Clay Paw Print In Case – Small $50
Clay Nose Print $50

Thank you to our generous sponsor!

fluffy black cat with green eyes