Companion Animals

Companion Animal Bereavement Support

Human grief over companion animal loss is now recognized as genuine bereavement requiring appropriate support resources.

Key Facts

Companion animal bereavement can be as intense as grief for a human family member
Social invalidation of pet grief hinders healthy mourning
Pet loss support lines, counselors, and groups exist in many countries
Memorialization practices help process grief and honor the animals life
Veterinary teams that provide compassionate end-of-life communication improve owner experience

Welfare Considerations

Companion animal bereavement support is both a human welfare and an animal welfare issue. Owners who can process grief healthily make better decisions about future animal care, including end-of-life decisions that prioritize the animal's quality of life. Veterinary practices that support owner grief enable better welfare decisions throughout their clients' animal care relationships.

What You Can Do

Seek bereavement support after companion animal loss without shame
Connect with pet loss support groups and counselors
Share grief support resources with others who have lost companion animals
Advocate for pet bereavement leave in workplace policies
Support veterinary practices that provide compassionate end-of-life care and bereavement follow-up