Dogs and cats show behavioral changes consistent with grief following the loss of a companion animal or human. Understanding and supporting grieving pets improves their welfare during bereavement.
Animal grief is a welfare concern that affects both the grieving pet and the owner simultaneously. A household where both human and animal are bereaved, and where the human's grief may manifest as reduced attention to the surviving pet, creates a compounding welfare problem. Welfare-conscious responses include maintaining the surviving animal's routine and enrichment, providing additional human companionship and play, and considering a new companion only after careful assessment of the individual's needs and readiness. Recognizing that animal grief is real and genuine — not performance — supports appropriate responses.