Animals form strong social bonds and can experience grief after losing a companion. Recognizing and supporting grieving pets is an important but often overlooked welfare consideration.
Animal grief is a genuine welfare concern that is often not recognized or addressed by owners. When a companion animal — or a bonded human — dies, surviving animals may experience prolonged behavioral changes reflecting genuine emotional distress. Dogs may search for a deceased owner or companion, refuse food, and show reduced engagement with previously enjoyed activities. Horses losing a stable companion may show stereotypic behaviors, reduced grazing, and persistent calling. Cats may be subtler but can show reduced grooming, hiding, and appetite changes. Supporting grieving animals involves providing additional human interaction and reassurance, maintaining routine where possible, considering whether a new companion would benefit, and allowing time for adjustment without punishing grief-related behaviors.