Illinois Pet Loss Resources

These listings are provided for information only; they are not recommendations or endorsements.

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Please note that during the COVID pandemic, most support groups and many counselors will be offering services only via online platforms such as Zoom or through telephone support. Please contact providers directly for details.

HOTLINES:

(217) 244-2273 - The CARE Pet Loss Helpline is staffed by the Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine's grief counsellor. People who are either grieving the loss of a companion animal or are anticipating a loss are encouraged to call. Calls are actively answered Tuesday/ Thursday from 1-6pm. Messages may be left at any time and your call will be returned as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours. http://vetmed.illinois.edu/animal-care/care-pet-loss-helpline/

SUPPORT GROUPS:

Please note that dates and times of support group meetings often change without notice. Be sure to visit the website and/or contact the organization in advance to confirm meeting times and locations.

Buffalo Grove: Rebecca Murray, CVT, MA, LCPC, Veterinary Specialty Center, 1515 Busch Parkway, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089, 847-499-5700, http://www.vetspecialty.com. Two evening support groups: one meets 2nd & 4th Wednesday and one the 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month. No fee; please call to reserve a space. Adults only.

Burr Ridge: "Wings," Chicago Veterinary Medical Association, 100 Tower Drive, Suite 234, Burr Ridge, IL 60527, 630-325 1231, Helpline 630-325-1600, cvma@chicagovma.org, http://www.chicagovma.org/pet-loss-support/. Meets 7:30-9:00 PM on the first Wednesday of the month. There is no need to call ahead and the meetings are free. Donations made go to the CVMA foundation.

Chicago: The Anti-Cruelty Society hosts the bimonthly Working Through Pet Loss support group in its Education and Training Center (located at 169 W. Grand Ave.). The program is free, but pre-registration is required. To learn more and register, visit http://www.anticruelty.org/events. Other questions can be directed to education@anticruelty.org.

Chicago: Chicago: Pet Grief Group, PAWS Chicago, 1997 N. Clybourn Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614. Meets third Tuesday of each month, 7-8 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.pawschicago.org/events-dog-training/community-events/pet-loss-heal-support-group/ or contact Kristin Buller at kristin.lcsw@kristinbuller.com - 872-216-0255 (see counselor listing below). RSVP to Brian Zeman at 773-687-4724 or email bzeman@pawschicago.org.

Hinsdale: Monthly Pet grief group sponsored by the Hinsdale Animal Cemetery. Meets at 15 Spinning Wheel Rd., Hinsdale, IL 60521 (basement conference room). Meets at 6:30 pm the third Monday of each month; free. Facilitator: Joy Davy, MS, LCPC, NCC. For information call or text Joy Davy at 630-935-7915 or email joydavy723@gmail.com

Libertyville: Meetings held first and third Wednesday evenings each month from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. at Care Animal Hospital. The address is 1214 West Park Ave (at Butterfield Rd) There is no fee for the meetings and no reservations are required. Contact and facilitator is Ed Hazelwood (hazelwoodbewell@yahoo.com), a lifetime dog owner who founded this group after losing the family dog and and writing children's books about his dog Dax. Both Ed and Dax were cancer survivors and Ed has a book published about life's challenges; I Believe, A Journey of Faith and Coping. Bring your stories, adventures and pet photos and share with the group.

Orland Park: Julie Blackburn, LCPC, NCC, ATR, Chartreuse Center. Chartreuse Center offers a monthly Pet Loss Workshop in partnership with Kremer Veterinary Services, Ltd. Shadow box memory activity or/and memory brick activity will be started and possibly completed at the workshop. The workshop meets at Kremer Veterinary Services office at 24020 W. Riverwalk Ct, Plainfield, IL from 6pm-8pm. Contact (815) 436-8387 for dates and to register. Cost is $45/person includes shadow box, $80/2 participants includes a shadow box and a memory brick activity. Please bring your items to include in your shadow box. Other supplies are provided. Chartreuse Center, 11309 Distinctive Drive, Orland Park, IL 60467, 815-556-9471 ChartreuseCenter@gmail.com, http://www.ChartreuseCenter.com

COUNSELORS:

Barrington: Abbey Aslanian, PsyD, 135 Lake Street LL6, Barrington, IL 60010, (872) 307-0071, Northstarcounselingctr@gmail.com, http://www.northstarcounselingcenter.org

Batavia: Rob Castillo, Creative Counseling Connections, 143 First Street Suite 207, Batavia, IL 60510, (630) 865-8399, robsocwker@aol.com, http://robscounselingsite.com/

Chicago: Amanda Atkins, 4050 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60618, (312) 401-6574, amanda@amandaatkinschicago.com, http://www.amandaatkinschicago.com

Chicago: Kristin Buller, LCSW, 4256 N Ravenswood, Suite 303, Chicago, IL 60613, (872) 216-0255, kristin.lcsw@kristinbuller.com, http://www.kristinbuller.com

Chicago: Nancy Curotto, Psy.D, Pet Loss Psychotherapy, 655 W Irving Park Rd, Suite 201, Chicago, IL 60613, 312-409-7182, petlosspsych@gmail.com, http://petlosspsychotherapy.com

Chicago: Michelle Downey, Psy.D., Grief Drs. Our animals open our interior window to our emotions. I would be honored to listen to you and provide counsel as you transition with your pet when s/he ages, becomes ill, nears the Rainbow Bridge or has left us. My practice is complimented by multiple years of training and showing dogs and horses. Student, senior, and PAWS referral discounts. SKYPE at michelle.downeydoc, or make an appointment for the Chicago Loop office. Hope to listen to you soon - Michelle. [Offers phone & Skype counseling.] Grief Drs., 180 N Michigan Ave #2404, Chicago IL, 312-513-5086, griefdr@gmail.com

Chicago: Emily Edelman, 2441 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL 60612, (773) 406-9181, edelman.emily@gmail.com

Chicago: Arryn Hawthorne, LCSW, 5756 N Ridge Avenue Ste 15, Chicago, IL 60660, (773) 688-4499, arryn@hawthornetreellc.com, http://www.hawthornetreellc.com

Chicago: Joslyn K. Jelinek, LCSW, 3020 North Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60657, (773) 517-3448, joslyn@chicagohumanpotential.com, http://www.chicagohumanpotential.com

Chicago: Linda S. Levi MA, LCPC, 14611 No Ravenswood, Suite 205, Chicago, IL 60640, 847.207.2595, chicago@lindaslevi.com, http://www.LindaSLevi.com

Chicago: Megan Salisbury, Chicago, IL 60699, (312) 818-5460, megan@spokenbalance.com, http://www.spokenbalance.com

Evanston: Jerry M. Zabin, LCSW, Zabin and Associates, 2550 Crawford, Suite 12, Evanston, IL 60201, (847) 677-3055, info@jerryzabin.com, http://www.jerryzabin.com/

Hinsdale: Joy Davy, M.S., LCPC, NCC, Therapist, 15 Spinning Wheel Road, Suite 417, Hinsdale, IL 60521, 630-935-7915, joydavy723@gmail.com

Naperville: Cora Mills, 1220 Iroquois Avenue Suite 207, Naperville, IL 60563, (815) 416-9458, Briarwoodcounselingllc@gmail.com, http://briarwoodcounselingllc.com

Orland Park: Julie Blackburn, LCPC, NCC, ATR, Chartreuse Center, 11309 Distinctive Drive, Orland Park, IL 60467, 815-556-9471 ChartreuseCenter@gmail.com, http://www.ChartreuseCenter.com

Park Ridge: Linda S. Levi MA, LCPC, 1440 N. Renaissance Drive, Suite 320, Park Ridge, IL 60068, (847) 824 9590, nwsuburbs@lindaslevi.com, http://www.LindaSLevi.com

Schaumburg: Asako Hoichi, NCC, LCPC, Mindful Professional Counseling, 1900 East Golf Road, Suite 950, Schaumburg, IL 60173, (847) 899-3329, asakohoichi@mindfulprofessionalcounseling.com, http://www.mindfulprofessionalcounseling.com/

IN-HOME EUTHANASIA/HOSPICE CARE:

Aurora: Kari Trotsky, D.V.M., Peaceful Endings for Pets, 3900 Gabrielle Ln., P.O. Box 6601, Aurora, IL 60598 630-205-4275, DrKariTrotsky@gmail.com, http://peacefulendings.net/. Serving Chicago and suburbs.

Chicago: Dr. Jessica Miller, Your Pet's Wellness, 2319 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, (773) 697-8176, drjessica@yourpetswellness.net, http://www.yourpetswellness.net

Chicago: Pet Loss At Home, 8am-8pm, Seven Days A Week, Within 1-3 Hours Notice, One Hour Radius of Greater Chicago Area Including All Suburbs. Multiple Veterinarians, Better Availability. 877-219-4811, http://www.PetLossAtHome.com

Chicago/Gilberts: Jessica Kriner, DVM, Compassionate Heart, Serving Chicago Suburbs & Rockford, Gilberts, IL 60136, (630) 402-6222 DrJessica@MyCompassionateHeart.com, http://www.MyCompassionateHeart.com

Chicago/Orland Park: Dr. Karie Johnson, VIP Vet Visit, (708) 315-7972, support@vipvetvisit.com, https://vipvetvisit.com/chicago-in-home-pet-euthanasia

Chicago/Suburbs: Dr. Juliana Lyles & Associates, A Gentle Goodbye Veterinary Hospice, Chicago, IL, (224) 442-4427, Reception@AGentleGoodbye.com, https://www.AGentleGoodbye.com

Lockport: Sarah Beechler, DVM, Wellness on Wheels, Lockport, IL 60441, (708) 350-9001, drbeechler@gmail.com, http://www.wellnessonwheelsvet.com

Naperville: Lisa McIntyre, DVM, Hearthside Hospice and Euthanasia Services/The Welcome Waggin' Mobile Veterinary Service P.C., 3108 S. Route 59 Suite 124, Naperville, Il 60564, 630-699-3113, service@thewelcomewaggin.com, http://www.thewelcomewaggin.com

Naperville: Melissa Trupia, DVM, CCRP, cVMA, CHPC. Housecall practice offering hospice care and in-home euthanasia to Naperville and surrounding suburbs. (630) 923-7171, dr.melissa@faithfulfriendshomevet.com, https://www.faithfulfriendshomevet.com/

CEMETERIES/CREMATORIES:

Please note that most veterinary clinics and many SPCAs/humane societies also offer cremation services.

Aurora: Pets Are Family, Too - Cremation Service, 4255 Westbrook Drive, Ste. 227, Aurora, IL 60504, 1-800-452-1957, http://www.petsarefamilytoo.net/

Cary: Fawnwoods of Windridge Memorial Park, P.O. Box 450, Cary, IL 60013, (847) 639-3883, http://www.burialplanning.com/cemeteries/windridge-memorial-park/

Chicago: Pets Are Family, Too - Cremation Service, 6471 N. Northwest Hwy., Chicago, IL 60631; 1374 E. 53rd Street, Chicago, IL 60651; 736 W. Addison Street, Chicago, IL 60613; 1-800-452-1957, http://www.petsarefamilytoo.net/

Crystal Lake: Pets Are Family, Too - Cremation Service, 41 N. Virginia, Unit B, Crystal Lake, IL 60014, 1-800-452-1957, http://www.petsarefamilytoo.net/

East Dundee: All Paws Pet Cremation & Remembrance Services, East Dundee, IL 60118, (847) 428-8144, info@allpawspetcremation.com, http://www.allpawspetcremation.com

Elmhurst: Elmlawn Pet Cemetery & Pet Crematorium, 401 E Lake St., Elmhurst, IL 60126-5500, (630) 833-9696, http://www.elmlawnpetcemetery.com/

Geneseo: Vandemore Pet Cremation Services, 580 E Ogden Ave., Geneseo, IL 61254, 309-944-1498, http://www.vandemorepetcremations.com

Glen Ellyn: Pets Are Family, Too - Cremation Service, 1170 Roosevelt Road, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137, 1-800-452-1957, http://www.petsarefamilytoo.net/

Joliet: Kozy Acres Pet Cemetery and Crematorium, 18125 South Farrell Road, Joliet, IL 60432, 815-723-9588, kozyacrespetcemetery@yahoo.com, http://www.kozyacres.net/

Justice: Cherished Pets Remembered Pet Crematory, 7861 S. 88th Ave., Justice, IL 60458, (800) 497-4901, Laura@cherishedpetsremembered.com, http://www.cherishedpetsremembered.com

Lake Villa: The Lakes Pet Crematory, 500 Park Avenue Suite 105, Lake Villa, IL 60046, (847) 265-7210, lakescrematory@comcast.net, http://lakespetcrematory.com

Matteson: Pets Are Family, Too - Cremation Service, 4749 Lincoln Mall Drive, Suite 500, Matteson, IL 60443, 1-800-452-1957, http://www.petsarefamilytoo.net/

Mount Prospect: Pets Are Family, Too - Cremation Service, 1030 E. Northwest Hwy., Ste.100-101, Mount Prospect, IL 60056, 1-800-452-1957, http://www.petsarefamilytoo.net/

Mundelein: Family's Pet Cremation, 1290 Townline Road (Route 60), Mundelein, IL 60060, 847-970-9590, justin@familyspetcremation.com, http://www.familyspetcremation.com/

New Berlin: McCullough-Delaney & Butler Funeral Home, 714 E. Gibson St., New Berlin, IL 62670, 1-877-724-6381, 217-488-3535, info@butlerfuneralhomes.com, http://www.butlerfuneralhomes.com/resources/pet-loss-services/

O'Fallon: Devoted Friends Pet Cremation by Schildknecht Funeral Home, 301 S. Lincoln Ave., O'Fallon, IL 62269, (618) 632-3713, info@schildknechtfh.com, http://devotedfriendspetcremation.com/

Park Forest: Loving Memorial Pet Care, P.O. Box 181, Park Forest, IL 60466-0181, 708-278-0008, lovingmemorial@ameritech.net, http://www.lovingmemorialpetcare.com

Pekin: Katy's Pet Burial Supplies/Cemetery & Crematory, 905 S 5th St., Pekin, IL 61554-4521, (309) 346-1065, http://www.katyspet.com/

Peoria: Whispering Woods, Springdale Cemetery, 3014 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL 61603, (309) 681-1400, marilyn@springdalecemetery.com, http://www.springdalecemetery.com/pet-cemetery

Plainfield: Metro Animal Service, PO Box 74, Plainfield, IL 60585, (630) 904-1100, metroanimalsvs@yahoo.com, http://www.metro-animal-service.com

Quincy: Hansen-Spear Funeral Home (cremation), 1535 State Street, Quincy, IL 62301, (217) 222-4907, william@hansenspear.com, http://www.hansenspear.com/make-it-personal/pet-cremation-memorialization/

Rockford: Arlington Pet Cemetery, 6202 Charles St., Rockford, IL 61108-6823, (815) 399-5011, office@arlingtonmemorialcemetery.com, http://www.arlingtonpetcemetery.com/>

Rockford: Pets Are Family, Too - Cremation Service, Perry Chapel, 6825 Weaver Road, Rockford, IL 61114, 815-282-6202, 1-800-452-1957, http://www.petsarefamilytoo.net/

Romeoville: Pets Are Family, Too - Cremation Service, 795 Forestwood Drive, Romeoville, IL 60446, 1-800-452-1957, http://www.petsarefamilytoo.net/

Springfield: Butler Funeral Homes - Pet Services, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL 62703, 217-544-4646, cbutler@butlerfuneralhomes.com, http://www.butlerfuneralhomes.com/

Vernon Hills: Aarrowood Pet Cemetery & Crematory, 24090 N. US Hwy. 45, Vernon Hills, IL 60061-3180, (847) 634-3787, http://peturncatalog.com/catalog/index.php?distributor_id=12234/

Willowbrook: Hinsdale Animal Cemetery, 6400 S. Bentley Avenue, Willowbrook, IL 60527, 630-323-5120, ClientCare@petcemetery.org, http://www.petcemetery.org/

Wood Dale: St Francis Pet Funeral Services and Crematory, 6N441 Catalpa Ave., Wood Dale, IL 60191, (708) 766-3646, francis2b@aol.com, http://www.sfpcweb.com/

When a pet dies, you want help... fast!

You'll find it in Moira Allen's Coping with Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet. In a book filled with comfort, compassion and support, you'll find the tools and tips you need to:

Understand the feelings you're going through -- and find ways to ease the pain

"Say good-bye" with memorials, tributes and other coping strategies

Help your children and other family members deal with their grief

Deal with people who "just don't understand"

Help surviving pets cope with the loss of a missing companion

Come to terms with the guilt we so often feel when a pet dies

Handle the agonizing decision of euthanasia

Choose the best and most comforting "final resting place" for your pet

Determine when and how to bring a new companion into your home (how soon is too soon?)

Improve your chances of recovering a lost or stolen pet

Help a friend cope with loss