The grief experienced by companion animals after the loss of a bonded companion or human is a real welfare concern that requires sensitive management and appropriate support during the bereavement period.
Animal grief is no longer a fringe concept — research across multiple species documents behavioral and physiological responses to loss that parallel human grief in meaningful ways. Surviving companion animals need sensitive management during bereavement: maintaining routine, providing extra social contact, and monitoring for signs of prolonged depression. Owners themselves need support to maintain their own wellbeing so they can provide adequate care. The decision about whether and when to introduce a new companion animal should be made based on the individual animal needs and readiness, not human timelines or convenience.