Pet Bereavement Support: Helping Humans and Animals Grieve

Understanding grief responses in both humans and surviving pets after animal loss, and strategies for supporting healthy bereavement.

Key Facts

Studies show that grief after pet loss can be as intense as grief following human bereavement in many pet owners
Surviving companion animals often show behavioral changes including reduced activity, appetite changes, and vocalization after a companion dies
Dogs and cats have been documented searching for deceased companions, suggesting awareness of absence
Social support, validation of grief, and not rushing the grieving process are key factors in healthy human pet bereavement
Children may grieve pet loss intensely and benefit from honest, age-appropriate explanations rather than euphemisms
Memorial rituals, photographs, and tribute objects can help humans process pet grief in psychologically healthy ways

Welfare Considerations

Pet bereavement has two dimensions: the grief experienced by human companions and the welfare of surviving animals. Both deserve attention. Surviving pets may benefit from maintenance of routine, additional gentle contact, and opportunities for social engagement — either with other animals or more time with human companions. Rushing to acquire a new pet is not recommended as it may not provide the specific companionship that the surviving animal had. For humans, pet grief is real and significant, and communities and workplaces that dismiss it add to suffering. Veterinary practices increasingly offer bereavement resources and referrals, recognizing that supporting grieving owners is part of whole-family animal care.

What You Can Do

Maintain the surviving pet routine as much as possible after a companion animal dies to provide stability
Observe surviving pets closely for signs of depression or health decline and consult a veterinarian if concerned
Seek support from pet bereavement counselors, hotlines, or support groups if you are struggling with grief
Allow yourself to grieve without minimizing the loss; pet grief is a legitimate and often intense emotional experience
Consider giving it several months before acquiring another pet, and when you do, choose based on the surviving pet needs as well as your own