Dogs, cats, and other companion animals experience genuine grief responses to the loss of bonded companions, and recognizing and supporting this emotional state improves animal welfare.
The evidence that companion animals experience something functionally equivalent to grief is now well-established. Behavioral and physiological changes following the loss of a bonded companion indicate genuine emotional distress that warrants owner awareness and response. This is not anthropomorphism but recognition of shared evolutionary neurobiology: the attachment and loss systems in mammals operate similarly across species. Supporting a grieving pet involves providing extra social interaction, maintaining routine, allowing natural expression of searching behavior, and monitoring for prolonged distress that may benefit from veterinary attention. Understanding companion grief helps owners respond appropriately rather than dismissing or misinterpreting behavioral changes.