Companion animals grieve the loss of bonded companions, requiring sensitive management during bereavement to support welfare through the transition.
Companion animal grief is a welfare reality that requires owner recognition and sensitive response. Dogs and cats that have lost bonded companions show measurable behavioural changes consistent with grief that can persist for weeks or months. Owner recognition that these changes reflect genuine distress rather than health problems or behaviour problems reduces inappropriate responses. Supporting a grieving animal includes maintaining routine, providing additional company and attention, and avoiding forcing new social relationships before the animal is ready. Allowing investigation of the deceased companion appears to reduce subsequent searching behaviour in some animals.