The death of a companion animal causes genuine grief that is frequently minimised by society, yet the human-animal bond is strong enough that loss can trigger significant psychological distress — with implications for both owner welfare and veterinary practice.
Pet bereavement welfare involves both the dying animal and the bereaved owner. Good end-of-life care that provides a peaceful, pain-free death in a familiar environment with loved ones present has welfare benefits for animals and reduces traumatic grief in owners. Bereavement support from veterinary teams, peer support networks, and counselling services for those experiencing significant grief is an emerging area of human welfare that intersects directly with animal welfare through the bond itself.