Pet Loss

Pet loss grief is real. It can be minimized which causes further confusion and pain. Hence, the bereaved person may feel guilt, shame, or confusion, in addition to the shock, denial, depression, or anger of the actual loss. Pet death can be felt more intensely when the owner has made a decision to end the pet’s life through euthanasia. However, some pet owners may feel unable to express their loss due to social customs and norms surrounding pet death. When the pet owner internalizes this grief, the suffering increases.

Grief can make us feel very, very alone. Social support is key for all mourner. When it comes to the loss of a pet, a person or family has lost a daily companion. Remember that everyone is unique and there is no right or wrong way to experience grief. A few general suggestions to consider regarding this important family event.

• Grief is not an illness or disease and does not need to be fixed or cured. It is a normal, natural, and necessary part of human life.

• There are no predictable, orderly stages to grief; there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong ‘way to grieve.

• Grief requires safe spaces and safe people to express your stories, thoughts, and feelings about the pet you have lost.

• The goal is to continue the relationship in your heart and memory, not to ‘get over’ this deep loss.