The loss of a beloved pet can be a deeply painful experience, leaving a void that’s hard to fill. Grief is a natural response, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Guardian Veterinary Specialists understands the unique bond you share with your pet and offers compassionate support through our pet bereavement program.
We provide a free monthly support group, facilitated by June Kaplan, LCSW, held on the second Tuesday of each month, available for Guardian clients and staff. In addition to group sessions, we also offer private, one-on-one counseling, available in-person or virtually, to provide personalized support during this difficult time.
Meet June Kaplan, LCSW
“I have been a licensed clinical social worker for years, having worked in many different settings including corporate employee assistance programs, military bases and as a hospital social worker. During the chaos of 2001 I decided to start a bereavement group at my local veterinary hospital. That group is still running.
Here at Guardian we offer short term solution focused counseling to clients and staff. Because I am a pet owner myself, I know about the pain and suffering that losing a special pet can bring. The loss of a pet is not an isolated issue, and for most people it brings up other losses that have occurred. We hope that by meeting others who are also grieving that clients can help each other normalize reactions and support each other.
Working here at Guardian is both personally and professionally rewarding. “
– June
How does the support group work?
The group is an open forum with a brief introduction of the concepts of grief, pet loss, and how it affects us. We’ll introduce the participants, who will tell us about the pet they’ve recently lost. We’ll ensure that everyone who wants to speak has an opportunity to do so. Participants can join more than one session if they feel the need. To reserve your spot, please call us at (914) 704-3400 or fill out the form below.
