Animals grieve the loss of companions, and companion animal owners can take steps to support their surviving pets through bereavement.
Animal grief is an extension of the capacity for social bonding — species that form attachments are capable of experiencing their loss. Recognizing animal grief as real and significant welfare concern has practical implications for how we manage the deaths of companion and farm animals. Allowing bonded companions to be present at or after death, maintaining routines during bereavement periods, and providing additional social contact all support animals through grief responses.