Dogs, cats, and other companion animals show behavioural and physiological responses consistent with grief after the loss of a companion. Understanding and supporting grieving pets improves their welfare.
Companion animal grief is increasingly recognised as a genuine welfare issue rather than anthropomorphic projection. The behavioural and physiological evidence indicates that dogs, cats, and some other species experience a period of adjustment — and in some cases, prolonged distress — after losing a companion. This matters for welfare because the grief period involves real suffering: reduced food intake, disrupted sleep, anxiety, and loss of positive engagement with the environment. Supporting grieving pets requires: maintaining a consistent daily routine that provides predictability and security; increasing human companionship and gentle interaction; providing additional mental and physical enrichment to encourage re-engagement with the environment; allowing access to familiar spaces that carry scent of the deceased companion; and monitoring for prolonged anorexia or severe anxiety that may warrant veterinary attention. Decisions about introducing a new companion should be made based on the individual animal's recovery trajectory rather than on a fixed timeline. Some animals do better with a new companion; others are content as solo pets. Owners who have recently experienced companion animal loss may themselves be grieving — integrated support for both owner and surviving pet is often needed.