Florida is home to over 22 million residents and one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the country. When you lose a beloved pet in the Sunshine State, you deserve compassionate support to help you through your grief. From Miami to Jacksonville, Tampa to Orlando, this guide connects you with pet loss resources throughout Florida.
Need immediate support?
ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline: (877) 474-3310 • University of Florida Veterinary Support: (352) 294-4000
Pet Loss Hotlines & Helplines
Speaking with someone who understands pet loss grief can provide immediate relief. For a complete national directory, visit our free pet loss hotlines guide.
University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine
- Phone: (352) 294-4000
- Details: The UF Small Animal Hospital provides grief support resources for clients through their social work program
- Cost: Free for clients of the veterinary hospital
National Hotlines Available in Florida
- ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline: (877) 474-3310
- Cornell University Pet Loss Support: (607) 218-7457
- UC Davis Pet Loss Hotline: (530) 752-4200
Pet Loss Support Groups in Florida
Connecting with others who share your experience can be profoundly healing. Understanding the stages of pet loss grief is an important part of your journey.
South Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach)
- Humane Society of Greater Miami – Pet loss support resources and counseling referrals
- Broward County Humane Society – Fort Lauderdale. Community grief support
- Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League – West Palm Beach. Grief resources
- South Florida Pet Loss Support Group – Monthly meetings in Dade and Broward counties
Central Florida (Orlando, Tampa, St. Petersburg)
- Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando – Community grief resources and counseling referrals
- SPCA Tampa Bay – Pet loss support groups and resources
- Humane Society of Tampa Bay – Grief counseling referrals
- Central Florida Pet Loss Support – Virtual and in-person meetings
North Florida (Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Gainesville)
- Jacksonville Humane Society – Community grief resources
- University of Florida Veterinary Hospital – Gainesville. Social work program with grief support
- Leon County Humane Society – Tallahassee. Pet loss support resources
- First Coast No More Homeless Pets – Jacksonville. Community support programs
Pet Cremation & Cemetery Services
Choosing aftercare for your pet is a deeply personal decision. Our cremation vs. burial comparison guide can help.
South Florida
- Pet Heaven Memorial Park – Miami. One of South Florida's premier pet cemeteries
- All Pets Crematory – Fort Lauderdale. Private and communal cremation services
- Faithful Friends Pet Cemetery – Boca Raton. Burial and cremation options
Central Florida
- Pet Meadow – Orlando. Pet cemetery with memorial gardens
- Bay Area Pet Crematory – Tampa. Individual and communal cremation
- Loving Rest Pet Cemetery – Clearwater. Full-service pet cemetery
Veterinary Schools with Grief Support
University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine
Located in Gainesville, UF's veterinary program offers grief support through their social work department, serving clients of the Small Animal Hospital with counseling and resource referrals.
Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice
Founded in Florida, Lap of Love provides in-home euthanasia services throughout the state with comprehensive grief support resources and aftercare coordination.
Online Resources
- Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement: Free online chat and resources
- GriefShare: Virtual and in-person groups throughout Florida
- BetterHelp & Talkspace: Online therapy with pet loss experience
- The Ralph Site: Free online pet loss community
Florida Pet Loss Laws
- Home burial: Generally permitted on private property outside city limits. Check local county ordinances
- Cremation: Must be performed by licensed facilities
- Condo/HOA restrictions: Many Florida communities have specific rules about pet burial on shared property
Your grief is valid. Losing a pet is losing a family member, and Florida has a compassionate community ready to support you. Whether you call a hotline, join a group, or create a lasting memorial, every step matters.
Find Pet Loss Support in Florida
Browse our directory of veterinarians, grief counselors, pet cremation services, and other pet care professionals in Florida who understand what you're going through.
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