Many animals show behaviours consistent with grief following the loss of a companion animal, requiring sensitive management from owners during bereavement periods.
Companion animal grief is a real welfare concern that is sometimes dismissed or underestimated by owners. The behavioural changes seen in recently bereaved animals - reduced appetite, searching, increased vocalisation, withdrawal - indicate genuine psychological distress that causes suffering. Different species require different management: rabbits need prompt re-bonding with a compatible companion; dogs may benefit from a grief period before a new dog is introduced; cats may need environmental enrichment to compensate for lost social stimulation. Owner attentiveness to surviving animals' needs during bereavement prevents unnecessary prolonged suffering.