Coping with Pet Loss

When a loved one dies – a parent, child, spouse, close friend – we understand and expect to grieve in a relative fashion. When a beloved pet dies, grief is still profound and yet those who would encourage and support the grieving process of a human might not feel so inclined with the loss of a pet. In fact, many pet owners find they are surprised at the level and intensity of their grief over a pet.

Grieving a pet can be just as emotional and intense as grieving the loss of a human loved one. Maybe even more so depending on the nature of the relationship. A pet provides unconditional love while also being a primary companion and functions on some levels like one’s own child. So there are many facets to the pet relationship that will be missed when a beloved pet dies.

In addition to the many different rolls a pet plays in a person’s life there might be compounding factors to consider. Did the pet have to be euthanized? If so there may be a great sense of guilt felt by the pet parent for making the difficult decision to end the life of the animal. Even if the pet was suffering, it can be gut wrenching to choose to euthanize a dear pet.

Tips for Coping with Pet Loss

Be Patient

Losing a pet can be just as difficult to deal with as losing a spouse, parent, grandparent or best friend. The pain is real, don’t minimize your loss because you are grieving a pet and not a human. Don’t try to force yourself to just get over it. You may find that you feel fine one day and the next you might feel as if the loss just happened. It’s normal to feel a wide range of emotions during this time. Give yourself some patience and don’t force the process.

Talk to Someone

Talk to a supportive friend or join a pet loss support group to help you as you go through this difficult time. Talking with others who have experienced a similar loss can be profoundly helpful.

Volunteer

You may not be ready to volunteer at the local Humane Society, but getting out and offering help to those in need can do wonders in helping people through difficult time. Focusing on others is rewarding and helps to focus less on the feelings of loss associated with the death of a pet.

Create a Memorial

Many pet owners today proudly display the urns of the ashes of the pet they have lost. You can order beautiful pet urns online or through your veterinarian or pet store. Some stores that sell urns even let you design your own. Planting a tree or shrub in your pet’s honor is also a lovely way to memorialize your pet. Donating to your local pet shelter is another way to memorialize your beloved pet friend.

Fostering or Adoption

Depending on many circumstances there might come a time when you bring another furry best friend into your life. You may feel like that time will never happen and if that is the case don’t force it. At the same time, if you are feeling the desire for another pet don’t feel guilty. If you are ready to welcome another pet into your life consider fostering or adopting an animal in need.