top of page

PET LOSS & GRIEF

Understand that you are NOT alone in the depth of your grief. You need to grieve in your own way,and your own time. Don't let anyone ever tell you differently! Please know, also,
that your beloved pet is still close by.

The loss of a pet is different and uniquely profound for several emotional, psychological, and societal reasons. Here's what makes it so special—and often more intense than people expect:

The Bond Is Pure, Unconditional, and Constant Pets love without judgment. They're companions who never criticize, betray, or abandon us. That kind of bond—silent, physical, deeply intuitive—is rare even among humans. Losing that presence can feel like losing a part of your emotional foundation.

 

They’re Part of Daily Life and Routine Pets aren't just animals in the home—they are the home. They’re woven into everyday rhythms: waking you up, eating beside you, walking with you, sitting beside you while you rest. Their absence disrupts every part of the day, which intensifies the grief.

 

Society Often Minimizes Pet Loss Grief over pets is still widely dismissed. People might say “it’s just a dog” or “you can get another one,” which invalidates your pain. This lack of societal support can make the grieving process more lonely and complicated.

 

Pets Often Fill Emotional Roles Pets are emotional anchors, especially during difficult times. They may have been your comfort through illness, divorce, depression, or loneliness. Losing them can feel like losing your therapist, your child, your best friend—all at once.

 

You Often Have to Make the Decision to End Their Life Unlike most human deaths, pet loss often involves euthanasia—a painful but compassionate choice. The weight of making that decision, even with love and medical guidance, can lead to guilt, self-doubt, or even trauma.

 

There’s No Formal Ritual or Grieving Space  We have funerals, obituaries, and rituals for human loss—but pet loss often lacks these communal acknowledgments. Without a structured way to grieve, people can feel disoriented and unsupported in their mourning.

 

They Were Always There, Even When People Weren’t  For many, pets are the most reliable and emotionally safe relationships in their lives. They don’t judge your worst moments, and they’re always happy to see you. When they’re gone, it can feel like no one sees you in quite the same way.
 

'Grief is Grief': Why the Death of a Pet Can Feel
Worse than Losing a Human Loved One

If there is a difference between losing a human and losing an animal, it has to do with the depth of the love. Species doesn’t matter at all.

Grief.jpg

Many underestimate the pain that can be felt by

losing our dog friend or our cat or any other

pet we have ever had.

How could the death of a canine possibly hurt as much

as that of a family member?

As the sadness lingers, part of my grieving process

 has been to try to understand the differences.

The Worst Thing About Losing Your Dog is Not Having Someone There to Lick the Tears Away

Losing a beloved pet is often an emotionally devastating experience. Yet as a society, we do not recognize how painful pet loss can be and how much it can impair our

emotional and physical health

The grief of losing your pet is something which only pet owners can understand. For people who have not owned a pet, witnessing the intense emotions which pet owners go

through when their pets pass on is often bewildering

Perhaps one reason our relationships with dogs can be even more

satisfying than our human relationships is that dogs provide us

with such unconditional, uncritical positive feedback

16388402_10210813931520532_6107926670113
i will walk this earth, carrying you in
bigstock-Happy-Family-Walking-With-Dog--

With a loss so massive, it can be extremely difficult to know what to do with your life now and how to even begin grieving such a wonderful animal. Hopefully, this guide will help light the way

through your healing process.

 Pets can help to reduce stress by lowering levels of stress hormones, calming the heart rate, and even elevating feelings of happiness.

Losing a pet is like losing a friend, counselor

and yoga-instructor all in one.

pet-sympathy-heaven-memorial-poem-for-be

Jennifer Allen
(614) 980-2052
Jennifer@PawsitiveGrief.com 

registered-pet-chaplain-logo.png

Get in touch ~ Join Our Furry Family!

Your paragraph text (3)_edited.png
bottom of page