Dogs, cats, and other companion animals can experience grief-like responses when a bonded companion dies. Understanding and supporting animals through bereavement is an important welfare consideration.
Companion animal grief is increasingly recognised as a genuine welfare concern rather than a projection of human emotions onto animals. The behavioural changes seen in surviving pets after the death of a bonded companion — reduced food intake, increased vocalisation, altered sleep patterns, searching behaviour, and reduced engagement — are consistent with the stress and disorientation of losing a key social partner. These responses reflect the real welfare impact of social loss in animals whose relationships are meaningful to their wellbeing. Supporting grieving pets involves maintaining routine and predictability during a disorienting time, providing additional human contact and reassurance, and monitoring physical health carefully as grief can suppress appetite and immune function. The timing of introducing a new companion should be guided by the individual animal's recovery rather than human convenience.