Dogs and cats experience genuine grief when they lose companion animals or humans, and supporting them through bereavement is an important welfare consideration.
Animal grief represents an underappreciated welfare issue that affects many companion animals. When a bonded companion animal dies or is removed from the household, remaining animals often show clear behavioral changes that parallel grief responses: searching for the absent animal, reduced appetite, altered sleep patterns, decreased activity, and increased contact-seeking from humans. These responses are not simply behavioral adjustments to changed social dynamics but reflect genuine emotional responses to loss. Supporting grieving animals includes maintaining routine and stability, providing additional human companionship and gentle interaction, and being patient with behavioral changes. The decision about whether and when to introduce a new companion animal requires consideration of the grieving animal's readiness rather than simply the human's desire for a replacement.