Companion Animal Grief and Bereavement Support

The loss of a companion animal causes genuine grief that deserves acknowledgment and support, with bereavement resources helping owners and their surviving pets.

Key Facts

The grief experienced following pet loss is clinically recognised and can be as intense as grief following human bereavement
Disenfranchised grief - where the loss is not socially validated - is common for pet bereavement and compounds suffering
Surviving companion animals in multi-pet households may show behavioural changes following the loss of a companion
Pet bereavement helplines, counsellors and support groups provide validated support for grieving owners
Children who lose pets may be experiencing their first significant bereavement and deserve appropriate support

Welfare Considerations

Pet bereavement is a significant welfare issue for both humans and animals. Owners who lack social support or validation for their grief may experience prolonged, complicated bereavement. Surviving pets may show reduced appetite, lethargy and altered social behaviour that reflects their own experience of loss. Appropriate support for both human and animal grief following pet loss is an important component of compassionate companion animal practice.

What You Can Do

Reach out to pet bereavement helplines like the Blue Cross Pet Bereavement Support Service if you are struggling
Allow surviving pets to process loss in their own way - forcing immediate replacement is not recommended
Acknowledge and validate children's grief over pet loss as a real and significant experience
Consider whether your surviving pet might benefit from a new companion after an appropriate mourning period
Support vet practices in providing good-quality bereavement support resources to clients