The grief experienced by humans after the loss of companion animals is profound and underappreciated, with owner wellbeing and future animal welfare linked through how bereavement is supported and processed.
Human grief after pet loss is a welfare dimension that connects to animal welfare through its effects on future animal ownership. Owners who process bereavement healthily are more likely to provide future animals with good homes. Owners burdened by unresolved guilt about euthanasia decisions may delay necessary end-of-life decisions for future animals out of fear of repeating that pain. Supporting human grief after pet loss is therefore indirectly a welfare intervention for future animals who will benefit from owners who have come to terms with loss.