When an animal companion loses a bonded partner — whether another pet or a human — they can experience genuine grief responses that affect their welfare significantly and require thoughtful support from their carers.
The grief responses of companion animals are now well-documented and represent genuine emotional suffering that deserves acknowledgement and support. Dismissing pet grief as anthropomorphism does a disservice to animals whose behavioural and physiological responses to loss are measurable and meaningful. Carers who understand that their pets are genuinely grieving are better placed to provide appropriate support and to avoid interventions — like immediately acquiring a new companion — that may actually increase stress rather than resolve it. Supporting bereaved pets is part of the broader responsibility of animal guardianship.