Companion Animal Grief: How Pets Mourn the Loss of Bonded Animals

Dogs, cats, horses, and other companion animals show behavioural and physiological responses to the death of bonded companions that suggest genuine grief-like states.

Key Facts

Studies of dogs after the death of a bonded companion show changes including reduced activity, reduced play, increased clinginess, and altered sleep patterns.
A survey of 86 cats showed that 65% sought more attention from owners after a companion cat's death, and 70% vocalized more.
Horses separated from bonded companions show elevated cortisol, weight loss, and increased stereotypic behaviour.
The ASPCA Animal Mourning Project documented grief-like responses in over a dozen species including elephants, dolphins, and geese.
Grief responses in companion animals typically resolve within weeks to months, though some individuals show prolonged changes.
Allowing surviving animals to view or smell the deceased companion has been anecdotally reported to reduce searching behaviour.
Introducing a new companion too quickly after a loss can cause additional stress rather than relieving grief.

Welfare Considerations

The capacity for grief-like states in companion animals reflects the depth of their social bonds. A dog that searches repeatedly for a lost packmate, refuses to eat, or presses against its owner for reassurance is expressing a real emotional state that deserves recognition and appropriate support. Dismissing these responses as mere habit or confusion fails the animal. Welfare-supportive responses include maintaining routine and predictability, providing extra gentle attention, avoiding forced interaction with new animals too soon, and monitoring for prolonged grief that may benefit from veterinary consultation. For some species like horses, allowing brief access to view the deceased has been reported to reduce subsequent searching behaviour, though individual variation is considerable.

What You Can Do

Recognise and validate grief-like responses in surviving companion animals rather than dismissing them.
Maintain predictable routines for surviving animals after the loss of a bonded companion.
Consult your veterinarian if grief responses persist beyond several weeks or if the animal stops eating.
Allow surviving animals time to adjust before introducing new companions.
Consider whether your surviving animal would benefit from increased social interaction with familiar animals or humans.