This group is open to any pet guardians and/or pet family members who would like support coping with the loss of a pet(s). Participants must be 18 years or older. Please see details below.
- When: First Tuesday of every month from 7:30–9:00 pm.
No registration is required.
Please arrive between 7:25–7:30pm as late entry will not be possible. - Where: SF SPCA Adoption Center—Geraldi Building
250 Florida St, San Francisco, CA 94103 - Directions: You can enter the Geraldi Building on 16th Street, near the corner of Florida Street. There will be signs directing you to the door and facilitators will be nearby before the group starts to help you navigate.PLEASE NOTE: You will NOT be able to enter the building from the SF SPCA’s Veterinary Hospital on Alabama Street nor through the SF SPCA’s Adoption Center or parking lot.
- Accessibility: Group will be held on the first floor. There is a ramp located in the Adoptions Parking Lot towards Geraldi Building. Masks are recommended but not required.
- Transport: Street parking is free and available in the neighborhood. The closest BART station is 16th St Mission and there are several MUNI stops (Lines 22, 33, 55, 27) nearby.
- Contact: petloss@sfspca.org
For additional information, please visit the resource page here.
About the Pet Loss Support Group
Pet guardians often feel isolated and misunderstood when coping with the death of a cherished animal companion. Recognizing the need to provide bereaved pet owners with critical support, the San Francisco SPCA continues to offer ongoing pet loss support groups.
In 1982, the SF SPCA became the first humane society to offer a regular monthly grief counseling service—led by grief counselor Dr. Betty Carmack. Although Dr. Carmack has since retired, the monthly support group continued under the supervision of Dr. Cori Bussolari, associate professor of counseling psychology at the University of San Francisco.
The support group is currently co-facilitated by Sharleen Phillips, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Shaina Madfes, a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, who both trained under Dr. Bussolari and have been involved with the group since the Fall of 2017.