Social Work Services
The University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) recognizes the unique and enduring bonds that form between people and their animals – animals who are family members, confidantes, partners, and best friends. When these bonds are tested by illness, behavior problems, injury, or death, it can feel overwhelming.
As an important part of the veterinary team, our social workers are here to care for "the other end of the leash" (or lead rope): You
Are you a social service provider or veterinary professional looking for professional consultation, training, or resources related to human-animal relationships? Please call us. We can help.
Additional Resources
Grief & Loss
Grief & Loss
Free PDF Downloads
- Coping with the Loss of Your Companion Animal
- Coping with the Loss of a Horse
- Helping Kids Cope with the Death of a Horse
External Articles
- About Death: What Teens Can Learn From Their Pets
- The Death of a Pet Can Hurt as Much as the Loss of a Relative
Book Available for Purchase
Saying Goodbye To Your Pet: Children Can Learn To Cope With Pet Loss
Pet Loss Groups
- Companion Animal Love, Loss, and Memories Group, Saint Paul, MN
- Affiliated Emergency Veternary Services, Eden Prairie, MN
- Animal Emergency Clinic, Oakdale, MN
End of Life Planning
End of Life Planning
Hospice and Home Euthanasia
- Blue Skies Pet
- Minnesota Pets
- Private Pet Passing (small animal and equine)
Burial
If you are interested in home burial, please contact your municipality for burial regulations first. It is also critical to check for gas lines prior to digging a grave on your property (Gopher State One Call, 1-800-252-1166).
Animal Inn Pet Cemetery, Lake Elmo, MN 651-777-0255
Cremation
- Midwest Cremation Service (also group, equine, individual)
- Pet Cremation of Minnesota
- Pets Remembered Cremation Service
Animal Abuse & Family Violence
Animal Abuse & Family Violence
If you suspect that an animal is being abused or neglected, please call your local animal control officer. You may also call Animal Humane Society Humane Investigations at 763-489-2236.
If you are in danger, please call the Day One MN Domestic Violence Crisis Hotline at
1-866-223-1111.
Local Resources
- Animal Humane Society Humane Investigations
- Minnesota Day One
- Minnesota Alliance for Family and Animal Safety