29 Jun 2018
California pet loss therapists, support groups, and grief hotlines

California pet loss therapists, support groups, and grief hotlines

There’s nothing better than walking a dog along the beach, curling up with a good book and a cat, chatting with your parrot, or riding a horse across the plain. When you lose a pet, you lose a close friend and partner. To help you manage your grief, we’ve developed this resource of pet loss support groups and specialized therapists in California who want to help.

 

If you need support right away, take a look at the phone numbers listed on our toll-free pet grief hotline resource page instead.

 

California Pet Grief Therapists 

Audrey Spector MA, LMFT

1398 Solano Avenue

Albany California 

Phone: 510-704-5502

 

Dr. Jeffrey Crousman Ph.D.

250 North Robertson Boulevard, Ste 407

Beverly Hills California 90211 

Phone: 310-285-6650

 

Judy Garvey, M.S., MFTI

1818 Gilbreth Road, Suite 218

Burlingame California 94010 

Phone: 650-580-7423

 

Lorri Green, Ph.D

2058 Oxford Avenue

Cardiff California 92007 

Phone: 760-436-6798

 

Teresa Wagner

1 Palo Colorado Road

Carmel California 93923 

Phone: 831-236-4080

 

Rev. Nancy Schluntz

Castro Valley / Hayward Area California 

Phone: 510-969-6122 

Email: Nancy@Schluntz.com 

Website: http://nancyschluntz.com/

 

Stuart A. Kaplowitz, MFT

12540 10th Street

Chino  California 91710 

Phone: 909-576-3889

 

Elizabeth Bloom, DHM

65 Golden Hind Passage

Corte Madera California 94925 

Phone: 415-924-3004

 

Sydney Barbara Metick, MA, Ph.D.

4449 Wesley Way

El Sobrante California 94803-3031  

Phone: 510-223-3882

 

Sandra R. Grossman, Ph.D.

Hermosa Beach / South Bay / Los Angeles / San Gabriel Area California 

Phone: 818-421-1516 

 

Andrea Keith, MA, MFTI, CEAP

CGI Counseling Center, University Tower

4199 Campus Drive, Suite #E

Irvine California 92612 

Phone: 949-650-2442

 

Anne Ross

18023 Sky Park Circle, Suite G 

Irvine California 

Phone: 949-939-4255

Email: anneross@journeyccs.com 

 

Murray S. Kaufman, MA LMFT, NBCCH

University Park

Irvine California 92612 

Phone: 714-418-7454

 

Theresa Crawford, Licensed Clinical Psychologist

1030 Pearl Street #5

La Jolla California 92037 

Phone: 858-459-0345

 

Lisa Frankel, Ph.D

11850 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 201 

Los Angeles California 90025 

Phone: 310-398-9385 

Email: DrFrankel@yahoo.com

 

Debra Brause, Psy.D.

1314 Westwood Boulevard Suite 201

Los Angeles California 90024 

Phone: 310-470-4156

 

Dr. Diane Kelley

1494 S. Robertson, Ste. 202

Los Angeles California 90035 

Phone: 310-559-3164

 

Donna S. Melinkoff, MA, MFCC

Los Angeles California 90029 

Phone: 213-694-0321 (area code may be 310)

 

Lani Chin, Psy.D.

11704 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 255

Los Angeles California 90025 

Phone: 310-344-5550

 

Marian Silverman

Los Angeles California 

Phone: 310-205-2546 

 

Julie Austin, Psy.D.

45 Camino Alto, #200

Mill Valley California 94941 

Phone: 415-721-4310

 

Terri Austin, Ph.D.

Monterey California 93942 

Phone: 408-649-6283 

408-625-5573

 

Sharon Callahan

Mt. Shasta California 96067 

Phone: 530-926-6424

 

Ellie Freedman

1151 Dove Street, Suite 201

Newport Beach California 

Phone: 949-315-5616 

Email: Ellie-OC@PetLossPartners.com 

Website: http://www.petlosspartners.com/

 

Rebecca Lewis, Ph.D.

1000 Quail Street #245

Newport Beach California 92660 

Phone: 714-721-5750

 

Julie Tenenberg

4289 Piedmont Avenue, Suite 205 

Oakland California 94611 

Phone: 510-654-7017 

Email: JJuliet@pacbell.net

 

Bonnie Goodman

220 California Avenue, Suite 120

Palo Alto California 94306 

Phone: 650-858-0755 

Email: BonnieMGoodman@aol.com 

Website: http://www.goodmancounseling.com/

 

Cathy Wright, LCSW

595 E. Colorado Boulevard, #423

Pasadena California 91101 

Phone: 626-793-7822

 

Melissa Lopez

107 S. Fair Oaks Avenue, Suite 312

Pasadena California 91105 

Phone: 323-841-9950

Email: MLopezLCSW@gmail.com 

Website: http://www.counseling4allseasons.com/

 

Corina Seashore, LCSW

2701 Cottage Way, Suite 27

Sacramento California 95825 

Phone: 916-764-5778

 

Sue Duroncelet, LCSW

1731 I Street

Sacramento California 95814 

Phone: 916-690-4856

 

Carol Kimbrough, MA, MFT, RVT

17513 Country Park Way

Salinas California 93908 

Phone: 831-455-2650

 

Meg Kaufman, MFCC

9815 Carroll Canyon Road

San Diego California 92131 

Phone: 858-566-3333

 

Melonie Gale MA, LMFT, LMHC, NCC

3636 Fourth Avenue, Suite 210

San Diego California 92103 

Phone: 858-429-8999

 

Dr. Kathleen Ayl

San Fernando Valley California 

Phone: 818-735-0667

 

Ryan Horvath

126 Church Street

San Francisco California 90503 

Phone: 415-663-6286

Email: RyanHorvathMFT@gmail.com 

Website: http://ryanhorvathmft.com/

 

Betty J. Carmack, RN, EdD

449 Melrose Avenue 

San Francisco California 94127-2217 

Phone: 415-334-5036

Website: www.bettyjcarmack.com

 

Beverly Kram, LMFCC

52 Harold Avenue, Ste. K

San Jose California 

Phone: 408-557-8336

 

Gina M. Taffi, Ph.D.

243 North Highway 101, Suite 16

Solana Beach California 92075-1167 

Phone: 858-404-0234

 

Ann L. Palik

3820 Del Amo Boulevard, Suite 208 

Torrance California 90503 

Phone: 310-538-3512

Email: Ann@Therapy-Conscious.com

 

Claire Chew

1129 Marco Place 

Venice California 90291 

Phone: 310-314-9837

Email: Claire@clairechew.com 

Website: http://www.makepeacewithyourgrief.com/

 

Jill Goodfriend RN LCSW

California

Phone: 510-393-1359

 

Robin Sierra

California

Fee(s): $85

Phone: 505-919-9904

Email: Robin@RobinSierra.com

Notes: $150 for home visits in Marin, California

 

Aileen Snodgrass

California

Phone: 650-931-8535 

Email: asnodgrass@sagecenters.com 

 

Jack Bullock

California

Phone: 209-338-3000

Email: jbullock@optimalcares.com

 

Know more pet grief therapists in California we should be listing? Please share the love by letting us know on our Facebook page.

 

California Pet Loss Support Groups 

Peninsula Humane Society Pet Loss Support Group

1450 Rollins Road

Burlingame California 94010 

Meeting day(s): second Thursday of each month

Meeting time(s): 7:00 pm

Contact person: Lisa Van Buskirk

Contact phone: 650-340-7022, extension 344

Contact email: pawmaster@PHS-SPCA.org 

Website: https://peninsulahumanesociety.org/

Notes: Drop-in basis; no need to register.

 

Campbell Pet Loss Support Group

907 Dell Avenue

Campbell California 95008 

Meeting day(s): second Wednesday of the month 

Meeting time(s): 7:00-8:30 pm

Contact person: Aileen Snodgrass

Contact phone: 650-931-8535 

Contact email: asnodgrass@sagecenters.com 

Website: http://www.sagecenters.com/

Notes: There is no charge. We work on a drop-in basis, and there is no need to register.

 

Pet Loss Support Group

Castro Valley / Hayward California 

Fee(s): Free, donations accepted

Meeting day(s): second Wednesday of each month

Meeting time(s): 6:30-7:30 pm

Contact person: Rev. Nancy Schluntz 

Contact phone: 510-969-6122

Contact email: 

Nancy@Schluntz.com

Notes: Call or email for location, and to reserve a space. Sessions are free, but donations are appreciated.

 

Animal Bereavement Support Group 

Agape International Spiritual Center 

5700 Buckingham Pkwy.

Culver City California 90230 

Meeting day(s): every second Sunday of every month 

Meeting time(s): 2:30-4:30 pm

Contact person: One From The Heart Office

Contact phone: 310-348-1260 extension 1281

Website: https://agapelive.com/event/animal-bereavement-support-group-2-2/all/#.WoPj15NubEq

 

Pet Loss Support Group

Hope Hospice, 6377 Clark Avenue

Dublin California 94568 

Meeting day(s): second and fourth Monday of each month

Meeting time(s): 7:00-8:30 pm

Contact person: Michele Shimamura, LMFT, CT

Contact phone: 925-683-8463

Contact email:  micheles@hopehospice.com

Website: www.hopehospice.com/grief-support-center/programs-and-classes/

Notes: The group is run on a drop-in basis. Please call first for short intake interview. There is no fee.

 

Pet Loss Partners - Pet Loss Support Group

Camp Run A Mutt South Bay

945 W. 190th Street

Gardena California 90248 

Fee(s): $20

Meeting day(s): first and third Saturday mornings

Contact person: Sandra Grossman, Ph.D

Contact phone: 818-421-1516

Contact email: SandiLA@PetLossPartners.com 

Website: http://www.petlosspartners.com/

Notes: Sliding scale is available. Please call for times and information.

 

PetLoss Partners – Pet Loss Support Group

222 East Harvard Street

Glendale California 91205 

Fee(s): $20

Meeting day(s): second and fourth Tuesday of each month

Contact person: Sandra Grossman, Ph.D

Contact phone: 818-421-1516

Contact email: SandiLA@PetLossPartners.com 

Website: http://www.petlosspartners.com/

Notes: Sliding scale available. Call for times and information.

 

PetLoss Partners — Pet Loss Support Group

1560 Pacific Coast Highway

Hermosa Beach / South Bay California 90254 

Fee(s): $20

Meeting day(s):  first and third Mondays of each month

Contact person: Sandra Grossman, Ph.D

Contact phone: 818-421-1516

Contact email: SandiLA@PetLossPartners.com 

Website: http://www.petlosspartners.com/

Notes: Sliding scale available. Call for times and information.

 

Orange County Pet Loss Support Group

4199 Campus Drive, Suite 275

Irvine California 92612 

Fee(s): $25

Contact person: Andrea Keith, LMFT, CEAP

Contact phone: 949-650-2442

Website: http://www.pet-loss-therapy.com/

Notes: Meets a couple of times a month for 50 to 60 minutes, in a group setting of about 5 to 8 people. There is a sliding scale for those who need it. No one is turned away due to lack of funds. Call for the month’s schedule or questions.

 

Pet Grief Recovery Group

Loma Linda University Medical Center 

11234 Anderson Street 

Loma Linda California 92354 

Meeting day(s): Tuesday of January, April, July, and October

Meeting time(s): 7:00-8:30 pm

Contact phone: 909-558-7355

Notes: It is a 7- week long class, and we meet once a week for 1 hour and half, and we teach about how pet loss grief affects those suffering, coping skills, and ways of finding closure.  New groups begin the first Tuesday of January, April, July, and October

 

West Los Angeles Pet Loss Support Group

VCA West Los Angeles Specialty Hospital

1900 Sepulveda Boulevard

Los Angeles California 90025 

Fee(s): $20

Meeting day(s):  second and fourth Monday of each month

Contact person: Sandra Grossman, Ph.D

Contact phone: 818-421-1516

Contact email: SandiLA@PetLossPartners.com 

Website: http://www.petlosspartners.com/

Notes: Sliding scale available. Call for times and information.

 

Away From Me Now Pet Loss Support Group

1101 Sylvan Avenue

Modesto California 95350 

Fee(s): Free

Meeting day(s): second Wednesday each month 

Meeting time(s): 7:00 pm

Contact person: Jack Bullock

Contact phone: 209-338-3000

Contact email: jbullock@optimalcares.com

Notes: Dates and times are subject to change; please call before coming.

 

Pet Loss Partners - Pet Loss Support Group

1151 Dove Street, Suite 201

Newport Beach California 92660 

Fee(s): $25

Meeting day(s): second and fourth Tuesdays of each month

Meeting time(s): 6:00-7:30 pm

Contact person: Ellie Freedman, MFT

Contact phone: 949-315-5616

Contact email: ellie-oc@petlosspartners.com

Website: http://www.petlosspartners.com/

Notes: Sliding scale available. Call for information and location.

 

Contra Costa Veterinary Medical Association

Pet Loss Support Group

Hillcrest Congregational Church

404 Gregory Lane

Pleasant Hill California 94523 

Fee(s): Free

Meeting day(s): first Tuesday of each month

Meeting time(s):  7:00-8:30 pm

Contact person: Rev. Roy Gesley

Contact phone: 510-752-7757

 

Redwood City Pet Loss Support Group

934 Charter Street

Redwood California 94063 

Fee(s): Free

Meeting day(s): third Wednesday of the month

Meeting time(s):  7:00-8:30 pm

Contact person: Aileen Snodgrass

Contact phone: 650-931-8535 

Contact email: asnodgrass@sagecenters.com 

Website: http://www.sagecenters.com/

Notes: Work on a drop-in basis, and there is no need to register.

 

Redwood Empire Veterinary Medical Association 

Rohnert Park

Redwood California 94927 

Meeting day(s): first and third Tuesday of the month 

Contact person: Tiffany Rovai

Contact phone: 707-544-9193

Contact email: tiffany.rovai@vcahospitals.com

Website: http://www.redwoodempirevma.net/contact.html

Notes: Call for details

 

The SPCA for Monterey County

1002 Monterey-Salinas Highway

Salinas California 93908 

Meeting day(s): every second and fourth Tuesday of every month

Meeting time(s): 12:00-1:00 pm

Website: https://www.spcamc.org/

 

The Hug Club Pet Loss Recovery Group

At San Diego Pet Memorial Park

8995 Crestmar Point

San Diego California 92121 

Fee(s): Free

Meeting day(s): every Saturday

Meeting time(s): 1:30 pm

Contact person: Catherine Behan, MS

Contact phone: 858-909-0009

Contact email: catherine@sdpetpark.com

Website: meetup.com/The-Hug-Club-San-Diego-Grief-Support-Group-for-Pet-Owners

Notes: The group is run on a drop-in basis. 

 

San Diego Humane Society and SPCA

5500 Gaines Street

San Diego California 92110 

Fee(s): Free, donations accepted

Meeting day(s): One weekend morning and one evening session available each month

Contact phone: 619-299-7012 

Website: http://sdhumane.org/site/PageServer?pagename=prg_PetLoss

Notes: Call or check on-line for dates and times.

 

Pet Loss Support Group 

4295 Gesner Street Suite 3B 

San Diego California 92117 

Contact person: Lorri Greene, Ph.D. 

Contact phone: 619-275-0728

Notes: Call for meeting schedule. 

 

Pet Loss Support Group

San Francisco California 

Fee(s): Free

Meeting day(s): first Tuesday of each month

Meeting time(s): 7:30-9:00 pm 

Contact person: Betty Carmack, R.N. Ed.D. 

Contact phone: 415-554-3050

Website: www.bettyjcarmack.com

Notes: Drop in basis - no need to register, no charge. 

For details and location call the San Francisco SPCA.

 

Pet Loss Support Group

1304 Pacific Street

San Luis Obispo California 93401 

Fee(s): Free

Website: http://www.hospiceslo.org/

Notes: The group meets beginning January 27, through March 31, 2014, every Monday for six weeks from 6:00-7:30 pm.  A break will be taken after March 31st and a new group will start. See the website for more details.

 

Hospice of Santa Barbara

2050 Alameda Padre Serra, Suite 100

Santa Barbara California 93101 

Contact person: Virginia Moreno, MFT

Contact phone: 805-563-8820 extension 114

Website: http://santacruzspca.org/petloss.html

Notes: Meetings will be held on 4 Wednesdays, beginning on April 2, 2014 and ending on April 23, 2014. Meetings are free to the public. Call for information. Registration is required.  Bring any photographs or memorabilia that you would like to share such as toy, collar, bandanna, etc.

 

ASPCA Companion Animal Loss Grief Support Group

2685 Chanticleer Avenue

Santa Cruz California 95065 

Fee(s): Free

Contact person: Mary Quillen

Contact phone: 831-465-5000

Notes: Call for more information on dates and times. No need to call in order to attend.

 

REVMA Pet Loss Support Group

2375 Range Ave. Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa California 95403 

Fee(s): Free

Meeting day(s): Tuesday evening, excluding holidays

Meeting time(s): 7:00-8:15 pm

Contact person: Cheri Barton Ross

Contact phone: 707-573-9803

Contact email: cheribross@aol.com

Notes: The group is run on a drop-in basis. 

 

Guardian Animal Aftercare

Healing Touch Veterinary Wellness Center

14474 Dickens Street

Sherman Oaks California 91423 

Fee(s): $25

Meeting day(s): every other Sunday

Contact person: Dr. Kathleen Ayl

Contact phone: 818-458-8102

Website: http://www.griefassociates.com/

Notes: Call to register.

 

SPCA of Solano County Pet Loss Support Group

2200 Peabody Rd

Vacaville California 95687 

Fee(s): Free, donations accepted

Meeting day(s): First Tuesday of every month

Meeting time(s): 7:00-8:30 pm

Website: http://dogdockp.wix.com/sheltermedicine#!pet-loss/ckra

Notes: Bring a photo of your beloved pet to share. The group will be facilitated by a mental health professional, Bonnie Mader, a pioneer in the field of pet loss and human emotion and the co-founder of the Pet Loss Support Hotline.  The first 45 minutes Dr. Kelly Palm, the other co-founder of the Pet Loss Support Hotline will be there to answer medical questions.

 

Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group

2199 Sperry Avenue

Ventura California 93003 

Fee(s): $25

Meeting day(s): every Wednesday

Meeting time(s): 7:00 pm

Contact person: Dr. Kathleen Ayl

Contact phone: 

818-458-8102

Website: http://www.griefassociates.com/

Notes: Call to register.

 

Center for Spiritual Living

Westlake California 91361 

Fee(s): $25

Meeting day(s): every Wednesday

Meeting time(s): 7:00 pm

Contact person: Dr. Kathleen Ayl

Contact phone: 

818-458-8102

Website: http://www.griefassociates.com/

Notes: Call to register.

 

Graceful Departure Pet Center
Pet Loss Support Group
1177 Greenfield Drive, Suite B
El Cajon California 92021 
Meeting day(s): weekly on Thursdays as needed
Contact phone: 619-334-0708
Website: www.gracefuldeparture.com
Notes: For more information, or to register, please call.

 

Are you aware of more pet loss support groups in California that we should add to our list? Help others find them by sending their info through our Facebook page.

 

 

California Pet Loss Support Hotlines

University of California, School of Veterinary Medicine

California Davis 

Fee: Free 

Local hotline: 916-752-7418

Toll-free hotline: 800-565-1526

Notes: Monday - Friday, 6:30-9:30 pm.  Callers place calls at their own expense. There are no additional charges.

 

Animal Bereavement Support Group 

California Culver City 

Local hotline: 310-348-1260 extension 426

 

Delta Society 

California Palm Springs 

Local hotline: 619-320-3298

 

Contra Costa Veterinary Medical Association

Pet Loss Support Group

California Pleasant Hill 

Fee: Free 

Local hotline: 925-932-0607

 

San Diego Humane Society and SPCA

California San Diego 

Fee: Free, donations accepted 

Website: http://sdhumane.org/site/PageServer?pagename=prg_PetLoss 

Local hotline: 619-299-7012 extension 2311

 

Nikki Hospice for Pets Foundation

California Vallejo 

Local hotline: 707-557-8595

Notes: Calls will be returned as quickly as possible, usually within 72 hours.

 

If you’re in the know about additional pet loss support hotlines in California, we want to know. Please send the info through our Facebook page so that others can find them too.

 

 

Image: Tyssul Patel

Disclaimer: Support groups, hotlines, and therapists listed on Tiny Pet Memories are independent and not necessarily endorsed by Tiny Pet Memories. Listings are added and deleted at the discretion of Tiny Pet Memories and while we try to list quality resources, we must disclaim any liability from your use of this information.