Online Pet Loss Communities

Grief does not keep office hours. When you need to be understood at any time of day or night, an online community of people who have been there can help.

You can read quietly for as long as you like before ever posting. Sometimes just seeing that others feel exactly what you feel is a comfort all its own.

Trusted places to connect

Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB)

Moderated chat rooms and online support alongside trained pet bereavement counselors. A long-established, caring community.

Rainbows Bridge Grief Support Center

Online memorials, a message community, and the well-known Monday night candle ceremony that brings grievers together each week.

Petloss.com

Home of the Rainbow Bridge story, a message board and chat, tribute listings, and a weekly candle-lighting ceremony.

r/Petloss on Reddit

A large, active, anonymous community where people share losses and support each other at any hour of the day or night.

Facebook pet loss groups

Searching "pet loss" on Facebook finds many groups, some general and some specific to a species or type of loss. Choose a moderated one that feels supportive.

Prefer to speak with someone directly? See our guides to pet loss hotlines and support groups.

If your grief ever feels like a crisis, please call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, any time.

Online Pet Loss Communities: Common Questions

Gentle answers about connecting online after a loss.

How can an online community help with pet grief?

Online pet loss communities connect you with people who understand this specific grief, at any hour. You can share your story, read others, post a tribute, or simply feel less alone at 3 a.m. when the house is quiet. Because they are always open, they fill the gaps between support-group meetings and helpline hours.

Are online pet loss communities free?

Yes, the communities listed here are free to join. Some, like APLB, also offer additional counselor-led support. As with any online space, choose moderated communities, protect your privacy, and step away if a space ever feels unkind rather than supportive.

Is it safe to share my grief online?

Reputable, moderated pet loss communities are generally kind and supportive spaces. To stay safe, share only what you are comfortable with, avoid posting sensitive personal details, and use a username rather than your full name if you prefer to stay private. If a community does not feel supportive, it is fine to leave and find another.

What is the Monday night candle ceremony?

It is a long-running online tradition where people around the world light a candle each Monday evening in memory of pets who have died, holding the flame for about an hour. Communities such as Petloss.com and Rainbows Bridge host it. Many grieving owners find real comfort in remembering together, even from a distance.

Connect whenever you need to

Find a community, a helpline, or a group, and lean on people who understand.

Pet Loss Hotlines

Free Support Resources

All Support & Resources