Dogs, cats, and other companion animals show clear behavioural responses to the loss of bonded companions, including other pets and human family members. Understanding and supporting grieving pets improves their welfare during bereavement.
The capacity of companion animals to grieve is increasingly recognised and reflects the depth of their social bonds. Whether grief in animals involves subjective emotional suffering comparable to human bereavement is uncertain, but the behavioural and physiological changes are real and represent genuine welfare compromise. Supporting grieving pets requires recognising the signs of grief, maintaining routine and predictability during the adjustment period, providing additional social contact and gentle attention, and allowing the animal to process the loss at its own pace. Forcing rapid normalcy or introducing new companions too quickly may add stress rather than comfort. For animals showing prolonged or severe grief responses, veterinary support including anxiolytics may be appropriate.