Pet Loss Support

Grief from the loss of your pet is real

The relationship you shared with your pet is unique. It is normal to mourn the loss of your friend.

From the AVMA: 

Your journey of grief will not take on a prescribed pattern or look like stages. During the period when you are actively mourning your loss, it may help to consider the following:

ACKNOWLEDGE THE REALITY OF THE DEATH Acknowledging the full reality of your loss may take weeks or months but will be done in a time that is right for you. Be kind to yourself as you prepare for the “new normal” of a life without your beloved pet. Just as it took time to build the relationship with your pet, it will take time to get used to them not being there.

MOVE TOWARD THE PAIN OF THE LOSS Experiencing these emotional thoughts and feelings about the death of a pet is a difficult, but important, need. A healthier grief journey may come from taking your time to work through your feelings rather than trying to push them away or ignore them.

CONTINUE YOUR RELATIONSHIP THROUGH MEMORIES Your memories allow your pets to live on in you. Embracing these memories, both happy and sad, can be a very slow and, at times, painful process that occurs in small steps. For example, take some time to look at past photos, write a tribute to your pet, or write your pet a letter recalling your time together.

ADJUST YOUR SELF-IDENTITY Part of your self-identity might come from being a pet owner. Others may also think of you in relation to your pet. You may be “the person who always walked the big black dog around the neighborhood” or “the friend whose cat always jumped on laps.” Adjusting to this change is a central need of mourning.

SEARCH FOR MEANING When a pet dies, it’s natural to question the meaning and purpose of pets in your life. Coming to terms with these questions is another need you must meet during your grief journey. Know that it is the asking, not the finding of concrete answers, that is important.

Ways to celebrate and memorialize your pet:

PLAN A BURIAL You can do this privately or invite those closest to you.

PLANT A TREE

DONATE TIME OR MONEY TO AN ANIMAL CHARITY

 CREATE A JOURNAL WITH MEMORIES OF YOUR PET

CREATE A DRAWING OF YOUR PET

CREATE A MEMORY BOX You can include items that belonged to your pet such as their collar or favorite toy.

Online resources and support after the death of a pet

Letters to Pushkin

Lap of Love

Book or Journal: A Tribute to My Beloved Animal