Losing a pet

Coping with the grief of losing your pet

Losing a pet can be a deeply sad and painful moment in life. Many people love their pets profoundly and spend a lot of time with them. Daily care routines – like walks, meal times, and grooming – create strong bonds between people and pets. It’s natural to feel devastated by the absence of your pet.

Be kind to yourself

Losing a pet can be physically, as well as emotionally, taxing. Looking after your physical and emotional needs will help lift your mood and support your recovery. Get plenty of sleep, keep moving, eat well, and spend time with people who care about you.

Why does it hurt so much?

Grief brings with it lots of different emotions and hurdles. You may find the sadness hits you at unexpected times or comes and goes on a schedule you don’t understand. Although we know pets rarely live as long as humans, it can still be a shock when they die.

When you lose a pet, you also lose a source of unconditional love and a day-to-day companion who provides routine and security. Like any other loss, grief from losing a pet can manifest both physically and emotionally. Feelings of sadness, disbelief, or loneliness are all normal responses to loss.

Connect with those who understand

Talking or being with others who have also experienced the loss of a pet can be comforting, and provides a safe space for you to express your feelings without fear of judgement.

Honour your pet

Hold a ceremony to celebrate the role your pet played in your life. Plant a tree in their memory, write a story, or create a piece of art to remember your pet after they’re gone.