Pet Loss Resources in Colorado: Support Groups, Hotlines & Services

Losing a pet is one of life's most painful experiences, and finding the right support can make all the difference in your healing journey. Colorado, home to over 5.8 million residents and countless beloved pets, offers a strong network of pet loss resources from the Front Range to the Western Slope. Whether you live in Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, or Boulder, this guide will connect you with the support you need during this difficult time.

Pet Loss Hotlines & Helplines

When you are grieving, sometimes you just need someone to talk to who understands. These hotlines are staffed by trained volunteers and counselors who specialize in pet loss grief. For a deeper understanding of what you are going through, see our pet loss grief guide.

Colorado State University Pet Loss Helpline

• Phone: (970) 297-1242
• Hours: Monday-Friday, check CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital website for current schedule
• Cost: Free
• Details: Operated by trained veterinary students at the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. CSU's Argus Institute is nationally recognized for its compassionate pet loss support programs

National Hotlines Available to Colorado Residents

• ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline: (877) 474-3310
• Cornell University Pet Loss Support: (607) 218-7457
• Tufts Pet Loss Support Hotline: (508) 839-7966
• Michigan State University: (517) 432-2696
• UC Davis Pet Loss Support: (530) 752-4200

Pet Loss Grief Counselors & Therapists

Working with a therapist who understands the bond between people and their pets can be invaluable. Colorado has many licensed professionals experienced in pet loss grief. For more on finding support groups near you, see our dedicated guide.

Denver Metro Area

Colorado Springs Area

Boulder & Northern Colorado

Pet Loss Support Groups in Colorado

Connecting with others who understand your grief can be incredibly healing. Colorado offers in-person and virtual support groups throughout the state.

Denver & Front Range

• Argus Institute Pet Loss Support Group – Fort Collins. Facilitated by trained counselors affiliated with CSU's veterinary school. One of the most respected programs in the state
• Denver Dumb Friends League Pet Loss Support – Denver. One of Colorado's largest animal welfare organizations offering grief resources and support
• Foothills Animal Shelter Pet Loss Support – Golden. Community-based support for grieving pet owners in Jefferson County
• MaxFund Animal Adoption Center – Denver. Community resources and grief support connections

Colorado Springs & Southern Colorado

• Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region Support Group – Colorado Springs. Regular meetings for pet owners coping with loss
• Pueblo Animal Services – Pueblo. Community support resources and referrals
• National Mill Dog Rescue – Colorado Springs. Grief resources for families who have lost rescued pets

Pet Cremation & Cemetery Services

Colorado offers a range of pet cremation and burial options across the state. Understanding the costs and differences between pet cremation options can help you make an informed decision during a difficult time.

Denver Metro & Front Range

• Peaceful Paws Pet Cremation – Denver. Private and communal cremation with compassionate aftercare services
• Gateway Pet Cremation – Denver. Individual cremation with witness options and keepsake urns
• Horan & McConaty Pet Cremation – Multiple Denver metro locations. Full-service pet cremation from a trusted family-owned provider
• Rocky Mountain Pet Cremation – Arvada. Serving the entire Front Range with private and communal cremation options

Colorado Springs & Southern Colorado

• Pikes Peak Pet Cremation – Colorado Springs. Compassionate cremation services with pickup available
• All Pets Cremation & Remembrance – Colorado Springs. Individual and communal cremation, memorial products
• Southern Colorado Pet Cremation – Pueblo. Serving southern Colorado communities with affordable cremation services

Fort Collins & Northern Colorado

• Northern Colorado Pet Cremation – Fort Collins. Locally owned, offering private cremation and memorial services
• Faithful Friends Pet Cremation – Loveland. Serving Larimer and Weld counties with compassionate aftercare

Pet Cemeteries in Colorado

For families who prefer a permanent resting place they can visit, Colorado is home to several pet cemeteries:

• Aspen Park Pet Cemetery – Conifer. Located in the foothills west of Denver, offering burial plots in a peaceful mountain setting
• Denver Pet Cemetery – Denver. Burial services, memorial markers, and a tranquil garden setting
• Colorado Pet Cemetery – Colorado Springs. Full burial services with memorial options and maintained grounds
• Peaceful Valley Pet Cemetery – Broomfield. Serving the northern Denver metro area with burial and memorial services

Colorado State University & the Argus Institute

Colorado is fortunate to be home to one of the nation's leading veterinary programs at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. CSU's Argus Institute is a national model for human-animal bond support:

Online Resources for Colorado Residents

In addition to local services, these online resources can provide support from the comfort of your home:

• Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB): Free online chat support and resource directory
• Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice: In-home euthanasia services available throughout Colorado with grief support resources
• Rainbow Bridge Pet Loss Grief Support: Online community forum for sharing memories and finding comfort
• GriefShare Pet Loss: Virtual support groups available to Colorado residents
• BetterHelp & Talkspace: Online therapy platforms with counselors experienced in pet loss grief
• Tuckerly: Create a free, lasting pet obituary to honor your pet's memory and share it with family and friends

Colorado Pet Loss Laws & Regulations

Understanding Colorado's laws regarding pet remains can help you make informed decisions:

• Home burial: Generally permitted on private property in unincorporated areas. City and county regulations vary, so check with your local municipality before burying a pet at home
• Cremation: Must be performed by a licensed facility. Private (individual) and communal cremation options are widely available across the state
• Pet cemeteries: Regulated at the local level. Colorado does not have a statewide pet cemetery licensing law, but individual counties may have zoning requirements
• Euthanasia: Must be performed by a licensed veterinarian. In-home euthanasia services are available in most Colorado metro areas

How to Find Local Support

If you are looking for pet loss support specific to your area in Colorado, here are some tips:

• Ask your veterinarian for local recommendations – they often know the best grief counselors and support groups in your area
• Contact the Argus Institute at CSU for statewide resources and referrals
• Reach out to your local humane society or animal shelter for community programs
• Search for “pet loss support group near me” plus your city name
• Check with local hospice organizations, as many now include pet loss in their grief services
• Look for therapists who specialize in grief and loss through Psychology Today's therapist directory filtered to Colorado

Looking for resources in another state? Visit our pet loss resources by state directory to find support near you.