You Don't Have to Grieve Alone
Losing a beloved companion animal can be deeply painful, and it can also feel incredibly isolating. The people around you may care, but they may not fully understand the depth of your relationship or why the loss has affected you so profoundly.
Pet loss grief is real and significant. You may be grieving not only the loss of your companion, but also the routines you shared, the comfort of their presence, the role you held in caring for them, and the future you expected to have together.
The Virtual Pet Loss Support Group offers a compassionate space to be with others who understand. You are welcome to share your experience, listen, reflect, and simply be present. There is no expectation to grieve in a particular way or on a particular timeline.
What to Expect
This is a small, supportive group facilitated by Nicole Vykoukal, LCSW, a psychotherapist specializing in pet loss and grief.
Each group offers an opportunity to connect with others who have experienced the loss of a companion animal and to receive support in a respectful, nonjudgmental environment.
You are welcome to participate as much or as little as feels comfortable. Some people find comfort in sharing their story, while others benefit from listening and simply being with people who understand.
To help maintain a supportive environment for everyone, the group focuses on grief, connection, remembrance, and coping rather than detailed descriptions of traumatic circumstances surrounding a loss.
This Group May Be a Good Fit If You Are
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Grieving the death of a beloved companion animal
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Feeling alone or misunderstood in your grief
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Struggling with guilt, sadness, anger, or other difficult emotions following a loss
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Adjusting to daily life without your companion
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Looking for connection with others who understand pet loss
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Seeking a compassionate place to remember and honor your companion
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Grief does not have an expiration date. Your loss does not need to be recent to attend.
Group Details
Texas Virtual Pet Loss Support Group
When: Monthly, 6:00–7:00 p.m. CT
Where: Online
Cost: $25 per group session
Who: Adults physically located in Texas at the time of the group
Group Size: Limited to 10 participants
This is a drop-in group, so you do not need to commit to attending every month. Advance registration is required for each session.
Register for the Next Group →
Looking for Individual Support?
Sometimes grief benefits from more individualized attention, particularly when a loss was traumatic or you are struggling with intense guilt, difficult end-of-life decisions, or other concerns you would prefer to explore privately.
I also offer individual pet loss counseling and couples pet loss counseling for adults throughout Texas.
FAQ
Do I have to talk during the group?
No. You are welcome to participate in whatever way feels comfortable. Some people find it helpful to share, while others prefer to listen and simply be present. There is no pressure to speak.
Does my loss need to be recent?
No. You are welcome whether your companion died recently or some time ago.
Can I attend if my pet is still alive?
Yes. You are welcome to attend if you are experiencing anticipatory grief related to your companion animal’s aging, illness, declining quality of life, or approaching end of life. You do not have to wait until after a loss to seek support.
What kinds of companion animal loss are welcome?
All companion animal losses are welcome. Whether you are grieving a dog, cat, horse, bird, small animal, or another beloved companion, what matters is the significance of the relationship and the loss you are experiencing.
What happens during the group?
The group provides a supportive space to talk about grief, remember and honor your companion, explore the emotions that can accompany pet loss, and connect with others who understand. Each group is facilitated with an emphasis on compassion, respect, and emotional safety.
Can I talk about how my pet died?
You are welcome to talk about your loss and the emotions surrounding it. To maintain a supportive environment for everyone, I ask participants not to share graphic or detailed descriptions of traumatic circumstances. Experiences that require more in-depth trauma processing are better explored in individual therapy.
Is the group confidential?
Participants are asked to respect the privacy of everyone in the group and not share what other members discuss outside of the group. Because this is a group setting, however, complete confidentiality by other participants cannot be guaranteed.
Do I have to be in Texas?
You must be physically located in Texas at the time of the group. Because the group is facilitated by a Texas-licensed psychotherapist, I am only able to offer the group to participants located in Texas.
Is this an ongoing group?
The Texas Pet Loss Support Group meets monthly and is offered on a drop-in basis. You are welcome to attend one group or return for additional sessions as you need support. Advance registration is required for each group.
How much does the group cost?
The fee is $25 per group session.
How do I register?
Use the registration button below to email me to sign up for the next group. I will email you back with a link to the registration forms. Space is limited to 10 participants.