Pet Loss Resources in New York: Support Groups, Hotlines & Services

A comprehensive guide to pet loss support services across the Empire State

12 min read

Share This Article

Help other pet parents by sharing this helpful resource

SharePostSharePinEmail

New York is home to nearly 20 million residents and millions of beloved pets. Whether you live in the heart of New York City, the suburbs of Long Island and Westchester, or upstate communities like Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse, the loss of a pet is deeply felt. This guide connects you with pet loss resources throughout the Empire State to help you through this difficult time.

Need immediate support?

ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline: (877) 474-3310 • Cornell Pet Loss Support: (607) 218-7457

Pet Loss Hotlines & Helplines

New York is fortunate to be home to the ASPCA and Cornell University, both of which offer dedicated pet loss support. For additional national resources, see our free pet loss hotlines guide.

Cornell University Pet Loss Support Hotline

  • Phone: (607) 218-7457
  • Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Eastern
  • Cost: Free
  • Details: Staffed by trained veterinary students at Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine. One of the most established pet loss hotlines in the nation

ASPCA Pet Loss Hotline

  • Phone: (877) 474-3310
  • Details: Headquartered in New York City, the ASPCA offers free grief counseling support
  • Cost: Free

Pet Loss Support Groups in New York

Sharing your grief with others who understand can be profoundly healing. Understanding the stages of pet loss grief can also help normalize your experience.

New York City

  • ASPCA Pet Loss Support Group – Manhattan. Regular meetings facilitated by trained counselors
  • Animal Medical Center Grief Support – Upper East Side. Support for clients of AMC
  • NYC Pet Loss Support Group – Community-organized monthly meetings in various boroughs
  • Bideawee Pet Loss Support – Manhattan and Westhampton. Grief resources and counseling referrals

Long Island & Westchester

  • North Shore Animal League – Port Washington. Pet loss resources for the community
  • Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons – East Hampton. Grief support resources
  • SPCA of Westchester – Briarcliff Manor. Community grief support programs
  • Long Island Pet Loss Support Group – Monthly meetings in Nassau and Suffolk counties

Upstate New York

  • Cornell University Companion Animal Hospital – Ithaca. Grief support through the veterinary teaching hospital
  • Mohawk Hudson Humane Society – Menands (Albany area). Community resources
  • Rochester Animal Services – Rochester. Grief support referrals
  • SPCA of Erie County – Buffalo area. Pet loss resources and support

Pet Cremation & Cemetery Services

New York offers many options for pet aftercare. Our cremation vs. burial guide can help you make this decision.

New York City & Metro Area

  • Hartsdale Pet Cemetery – Hartsdale. America's first and most prestigious pet cemetery, established in 1896
  • Bideawee Pet Memorial Parks – Westhampton. Beautiful memorial gardens
  • Abbey Glen Pet Memorial Park – Lafayette, NJ (serving NYC metro). Full-service pet cemetery

Upstate New York

  • Pinelawn Pet Cemetery – Farmingdale. Burial and cremation services
  • Regency Forest Pet Cemetery – Albany area. Memorial gardens and cremation
  • Buffalo Pet Cremation Services – Buffalo. Private and communal cremation

Veterinary Schools with Grief Support

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

Located in Ithaca, Cornell operates one of the nation's most respected pet loss support hotlines at (607) 218-7457, staffed by trained veterinary students. Also offers in-person grief support for clients of the teaching hospital.

Animal Medical Center

Located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, AMC is one of the world's largest veterinary hospitals and offers grief support resources for clients dealing with pet loss.

Online Resources

  • ASPCA Online Grief Resources: Free counseling and educational materials
  • Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement: Free online chat and support
  • GriefShare: Virtual and in-person groups throughout New York
  • BetterHelp & Talkspace: Online therapy with grief specialists

New York Pet Loss Laws

  • NYC: Home burial is generally not permitted within city limits due to health regulations
  • Upstate/Rural: Home burial on private property is typically permitted. Check local town ordinances
  • Apartments: NYC residents should work with veterinary clinics for cremation services
  • Cremation: Must be performed by licensed facilities throughout the state

Your grief matters. New York has a compassionate community of pet lovers who understand the depth of the bond you shared with your pet. From world-class veterinary hospitals to dedicated hotlines, help is available whenever you are ready.

Find Pet Loss Support in New York

Browse our directory of veterinarians, grief counselors, pet cremation services, and other pet care professionals in New York who understand what you're going through.

Find Support in New York

Honor Your Pet's Memory

Create a beautiful, lasting tribute to celebrate your pet's life

Create a Free Pet Obituary

Free forever. Share memories with family and friends.

Related Articles

Understanding Pet Loss Grief

Navigate the stages of grief after losing a beloved pet

Pet Cremation vs. Burial Guide

Compare options and costs for your pet's aftercare

When Grief Feels Overwhelming

Coping strategies when pet loss grief feels too much

Pet Loss Support Groups Near You

Find local and online support groups for grieving pet owners