All pet owners understand that their pet will die one day, but that doesn’t change the pain and heartbreak you may feel when the day arrives. Many pet owners consider their pets to be family members and share a unique, frequently intense bond with their furry pals. When a pet passes away, the grief can feel overwhelming. Our Oriole Road Animal Hospital team wants to remind you that your sadness, anger, and other feelings are normal. Here are some insights and strategies to help you cope with pet loss.

Understanding why pet loss is difficult

The human-animal bond is deep and unique to each pet owner. Pets provide companionship, emotional support, love, and a sympathetic, nonjudgmental presence. Because of this intense bond, losing a pet can be as painful as losing a human friend or family member. In addition, pet responsibilities shape our daily lives and routines, leaving a large void when the pet is gone. 

Understanding the pet loss grieving process

Pet loss grief can vary widely from person to person. The commonly accepted grief stages include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, but the stages are not linear, and you may experience them in a different order. How you experience a pet’s loss differs from what your friend or co-worker might experience because your bond with your pet is unique and special.

Allowing yourself to grieve your pet

Suppressing your emotions rather than allowing yourself to feel them can prolong the healing process. Permit yourself to feel the pain and sadness associated with your pet’s death, including crying when you need to—which can help you release pent-up feelings. The only way to eventually work through your emotions is to acknowledge them.

Memorializing your pet

Creating a memorial for your pet can help you keep their memory alive so you can one day look back and smile as you remember the best times you had together. Memorializing a pet can be as simple as a framed photo or painting, or you could create a scrapbook, set up a small display, or plant a tree. Memorializing your pet can help bring you closure.

Seeking support for pet loss

Support from others can be invaluable as you grieve your pet, but you must look for it in the right places. Some people who hear of your loss may not understand your grief’s true depth and can make you feel dismissed or wrong for feeling the way you do. Talk to friends or family who understand your bond with your pet and who have had their own pets. Online communities and support groups can also provide a platform to share your feelings and connect.

Finding a pet loss professional to help

If your grief feels unmanageable or interferes with your daily life, consider seeking professional help. Therapists, counselors, or social workers specializing in pet loss can offer strategies to help you move forward and heal. Consider professional guidance if you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed for an extended period, have difficulty concentrating or completing daily tasks, or feel others cannot provide the support you need.

Helping other pets cope with pet loss

Household pets may grieve the loss of their companion, displaying behavior changes that may include a reduced appetite, lethargy, withdrawal, agitation, or increased clinginess. Additionally, pets can sense your moods and may respond accordingly. Maintaining your daily routine, including playtime and exercise, can provide surviving pets structure and help boost everyone’s moods.

Helping children cope with pet loss

Children often form strong bonds with pets and may not realize what it means for a pet to pass away. Being honest with children about a pet’s death, explaining in an age-appropriate manner, and allowing them to express their feelings can help children work through grief. Encourage them to talk about their pet and create their own memorials. You may also consider reading a children’s pet loss book to help them understand.

Moving forward after pet loss

Finding a new purpose and re-establishing a routine can aid in the healing process. Volunteering at a local animal shelter, fostering pets, or participating in pet-related fundraisers can help you make a difference in other pets’ lives, offering fulfillment and connection. When you’re ready to move forward, which is different for everyone, you might also consider providing a homeless pet with a permanent family. 

Losing a pet never gets easier, but your loss doesn’t take away the special times and memories you shared. Our Oriole Road Animal Hospital team provides services to help pets throughout all life stages, guide pet owners through end-of-life decisions, and offer our support and outside resources to cope with loss. Contact us to learn more about navigating pet loss grief or when you’re ready to bring a new pet into your life.