Companion Animal Grief and Bereavement

Companion animals grieve the loss of bonded companions; recognising and supporting bereaved pets prevents prolonged welfare compromise.

Key Facts

Dogs and cats form genuine social bonds with other animals and humans that, when severed, cause grief responses.
Bereaved dogs may show reduced appetite, increased vocalisation, lethargy, and increased clinginess.
Cats may search for a deceased companion, become more or less vocal, and alter food intake.
The ASPCA has documented grief-like responses in a wide range of species including horses, elephants, and corvids.
Human bereavement counselling frameworks adapted for pet owners support family wellbeing during pet loss.

Welfare Considerations

Animal grief is a genuine welfare concern that often goes unrecognised or is dismissed as coincidental behaviour change. Bereaved animals may stop eating, fail to sleep normally, and show sustained behavioural depression that is qualitatively similar to human grief. These are welfare states that benefit from active management. Increasing activity, providing additional human interaction, introducing novel enrichment, and maintaining routine can support recovery. Introducing a new companion animal should be timed appropriately — too soon can increase rather than reduce stress. Allowing bereaved animals to see and smell a deceased companion before burial may reduce prolonged searching behaviour.

What You Can Do

Allow bereaved pets the opportunity to see and smell a deceased companion where practical.
Increase exercise, enrichment, and human interaction for bereaved animals to support recovery.
Maintain routine feeding and sleep schedules during the bereavement period.
Seek veterinary advice if a bereaved animal stops eating for more than 48 hours or shows sustained behaviour change.