Losing a beloved pet is one of the most difficult experiences any animal lover can face. If you are in New Jersey and grieving the loss of your pet, know that you are not alone. The Garden State has a compassionate network of support resources to help you through this painful time. This guide connects you with pet loss hotlines, support groups, cremation services, and other resources throughout New Jersey.
Need immediate support?
ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline: (877) 474-3310 • ASPCA: (877) 474-3310
Pet Loss Hotlines & Helplines
When you are grieving, sometimes you just need someone to listen who understands. These hotlines connect you with trained volunteers and counselors. For a complete national directory, see our free pet loss hotlines guide.
National Hotlines Available in New Jersey
- ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline: (877) 474-3310
- Cornell University Pet Loss Support: (607) 218-7457
- UC Davis Pet Loss Hotline: (530) 752-4200
- Tufts Pet Loss Support: (508) 839-7966
- Michigan State University: (517) 432-2696
Pet Loss Support Groups in New Jersey
Sharing your grief with others who understand can be incredibly healing. Understanding the stages of pet loss grief can also help you feel less alone in your experience.
North Jersey
- St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center – Madison. Pet loss support groups and counseling
- Bergen County Animal Shelter – Teterboro. Community resources
- Liberty Humane Society – Jersey City. Grief support referrals
- Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge – Oakland. Community programs
Central Jersey
- Associated Humane Societies – Newark, Tinton Falls, Forked River. Grief resources
- Monmouth County SPCA – Eatontown. Pet loss support
- EASEL Animal Rescue League – Ewing. Community support
South Jersey
- Animal Welfare Association – Voorhees. Pet loss resources
- Burlington County Animal Shelter – Community grief support
- South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter – Vineland. Support referrals
Pet Cremation & Cemetery Services
Choosing aftercare for your pet is a deeply personal decision. Our cremation vs. burial comparison guide can help you understand your options.
North Jersey
- Abbey Glen Pet Memorial Park – Lafayette. One of the premier pet cemeteries in the Northeast
- Pet Lawn Memorial Park – Hanover. Burial and cremation services
- NJ Pet Cremation – Bergen County. Private cremation
Central & South Jersey
- Pet Memorial Park – Marlboro. Full-service pet cemetery
- South Jersey Pet Cremation – Individual and communal services
- Garden State Pet Cemetery – Monmouth County. Memorial gardens
Veterinary Schools with Grief Support
New Jersey is fortunate to have access to veterinary programs that offer grief support:
Rutgers School of Veterinary Medicine (proposed)
While New Jersey does not currently have a veterinary school, Rutgers University has proposed establishing one. Currently, NJ residents have access to excellent resources at nearby universities including Cornell (NY) and Penn Vet (PA).
St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center
Based in Madison, St. Hubert's offers one of New Jersey's most comprehensive pet loss support programs, including regular support groups facilitated by licensed professionals.
Online Resources for New Jersey Residents
- Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement: Free online chat support and resource directory
- GriefShare: Virtual and in-person support groups throughout New Jersey
- BetterHelp & Talkspace: Online therapy with counselors experienced in pet loss grief
- The Ralph Site: Free online pet loss support community
- Reddit r/Petloss: Active online community for sharing grief and finding support
New Jersey Pet Loss Laws & Regulations
- Home burial is generally permitted on private property in New Jersey
- Some municipalities have specific ordinances restricting pet burial
- NJ Department of Health regulates pet cremation facilities
- Condo and HOA communities may have additional restrictions
How to Find Local Support
- Ask your veterinarian for local recommendations – they often know the best grief counselors and support groups in your area
- Contact your local humane society or SPCA 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
Remember: Your grief is valid. Losing a pet is losing a family member, and you deserve support during this time. Whether you reach out to a hotline, join a support group, or create a memorial, every step you take toward healing matters.
Find Pet Loss Support in New Jersey
Browse our directory of veterinarians, grief counselors, pet cremation services, and other pet care professionals in New Jersey who understand what you're going through.
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