List of Books for Adults and Children
Pet Loss Books for Adults:
These books are recommendations and not endorsements. It is advised to read reviews of the book to ensure a proper fit for you and your family.
- A 30-day Guide to Healing from the Loss of Your Pet by Gael J. Ross, LCSW
- A Final Act of Caring: Ending the Life of an Animal Friend by Mary and Herb Montgomery
- A Peaceful Path: A Supportive Guide Through Pet Loss by MJ Tucci and Laurie Califf
- Buried Deep in our Hearts by Tracie Barton-Barrett
- Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates: A Book of Hope for Those Who Have Lost a Pet by Gary Kurz
- Coping with Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet by Moira Anderson
- Forget Me Not Pet Remembrance Grief Journal & Memory Book: Horse Loss Bereavement Diary by Sosha Publishing
- Going Home: Finding Peace When Pets Die by Jon Katz
- Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet by Gary Kowalski
- Grieving the Death of a Pet by Betty Carmack
- Heart Dog: Surviving the Loss of Your Canine Soul Mate by Roxanne Hawn
- Humphrey Was Here: A Dog Owner’s Story of Love, Loss, and Letting Go by Mark Asher
- I Never Wanted to Say Goodbye: A Collection of Poems by Arlene Klein
- It’s Okay to Cry: Warm Compassionate Stories That Help You Find Hope and Healing After the Death of a Beloved Pet by Maria Lutz Quintana, Shari L. Velebra, and Harley King
- Missing Pieces. Broken Heart: A Recovery Guide for the Grief and Sorrow of Pet Loss by B.J. Shonk
- My Pet Remembrance Journal by Enid Traisman MSW
- Pawprints in the Stars: A Farewell and Journal for a Beloved Pet by Warren Hanson
- Pet Loss and Human Bereavement, Editor William Kay et al.
- Pet Parents: A Journey Through Unconditional Love and Grief by Coleen Ellis
- Soul Comfort for Cat Lovers: Coping Wisdom for Heart and Soul After the Loss of a Beloved Feline by Liz Eastwood
- The Grief Recovery Handbook for Pet Loss by Russell Friedman, Cole James, and John W. James
- The Kingdom of Heart: A Pet Loss Journal by Patty L. Luckenbach
- The Loss of a Pet: A Guide to Coping with the Grieving Process When a Pet Dies by Wallace Sife, Ph.D.
- The Pet Loss Companion by Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio and Nancy Saxton-Lopez
- There is Eternal Life for Animals by Niki Behrikis Shanahan
- Three Cats, Two Dogs: One Journey through Multiple Pet Loss by David Congalton
- When Your Pet Dies: A Guide to Mourning, Remembering, and Healing by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.
Pet Loss Books for Children:
These books are recommendations and not endorsements. It is advised for parents to read reviews of the book to ensure a proper fit for you and your family.
- Always Remember by Cece Meng
- A Rainbow Bridge for Gus: A Story About the Loss of a Pet by Barbara Rigabar and Chris Sharp
- Bill at the Rainbow Bridge by Dan Carrison
- Cat Heaven by Cynthia Rylant
- Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant
- Children and Pet Loss: A Guide for Helping by Marty Tousley
- Cry, Heart, but Never Break by Glenn Ringtved
- Death of a Pet by Shirl and JW Potter and George J. Koss
- Don’t Say Goodbye, Just Say See You! by Patricia A. Brill Ph.D.
- Forever Paws by Christine Davis
- For Every Cat, an Angel by Christine Davis
- For Every Dog, an Angel by Christine Davis
- Grief is a Mess by Jackie Schuld
- Healing A Child’s Pet Loss Grief: A Guide for Parents by Wendy Van de Poll
- Humphrey Was Here: A Dog Owner’s Story of Love, Loss and Letting Go by Mark Asher
- I’ll Always Love You by Hans Wilhelm
- l Miss My Pet by Pat Thomas
- Jasper’s Day by Marjorie Blain Parker
- My Forever Friend: A Children’s Guide and Activity Book for Saying Goodbye to a Special Dog by Dr. Mary Gardner and Coleen Ellis
- My Pet Died: A Coloring Book for Grieving Children by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.
- My Pet Memory Book: To Help a Child Through the Loss of Their Pet by S. Wallace
- PawPrints in the Stars: A Farewell and Journal for a Beloved Pet by Warren Hanson
- Remembering Baymore by Peter Gollub, DVM
- Saying Goodbye to a Beloved Pet: A Workbook for Kids and Guidelines for Adult Caregivers by Wendy Young, LMSW, BCD
- Saying Goodbye to Lulu by Corrine Demas and Ard Hoyt
- Simon’s Journey by Matilda Garrido
- Stay: A Girl, A Dog, A Bucket List by Kate Klise
- Tear Soup by Pat Schweibert and Chuck DeKlyen
- The Fall of Freddie the Leaf by Leo Buscaglia
- The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr
- The Heaven of Animals by Nancy Tillman
- The Invisible Leash by Patrice Karst
- The Next Place by Warren Hanson
- The Tenth Good Thing About Barney by Judith Viorst
- When a Pet Dies by Fred Rogers
Other Pet Loss Resources
Center for Loss Bookstore
The Center For Loss bookstore stocks books written by Dr. Alan Wolfelt, a leading grief counselor famous for his gentle, compassionate approach to helping mourning families better understand and accept their loss. Dr. Wolfelt features multiple best-selling books to help children and adults process the passing of a pet. Browse his titles here.
North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine
This website has many grief resources, including stages of grief, children and grief, book suggestions, and links to other resources. The goal of their pet grief support group, HEALL, is to provide people who have lost an animal with a safe environment in which to share their experiences. Being with other animal people who understand the pain of losing an animal can open the door to healing from that loss. The HEALL group is facilitated by trained social workers and meets at NC State’s College of Veterinary Medicine. The HEALL group is open to the public and free of charge. Registration is required for all groups.
NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine Family Community Services: (919) 513-6008